A couple of weeks ago I made a short trip to Central California to take care of some business matters, and visit with my Mom. With a detailed agenda and tight schedule, I had made the decision to travel light and not to bring along my camera gear which normally comprises of DSLR camera kit, 4x5 film kit, tripod, etc, etc…. Besides, with such a tight schedule I defiantly would not have the time to scout and find a compelling subject to photograph. With car loaded with my carry-on bag and laptop, there I was sitting ready to leave… “STOP”, this little voice in my head exclaimed, “don’t leave your camera behind, or you may be sorry” it continued. With the desire to travel light, I thought that at minimum I could take the DSLR and leave the tripod behind (The only tripod I posses is a very heavy studio tripod and a real pain when traveling). So I ran into the house and grabbed my camera bag not even looking to see if it was complete, threw it into the car, and off I went.
My Mom lives in Central California about an hour and forty-five minutes from Yosemite. As it turned out, the principal business that I needed to take care of was completed much more quickly than expected, and left me with a good part of the day to spend with my Mom. As I looked towards the Sierras I saw heavy clouds over the mountains, as I did not have chains, I hesitated to suggest going up for a visit (which is something that has become tradition when I go to visit with my parents). I turned to my Mom and asked if she would like to go, if it began to snow we would just hightail it back down, she was enthusiastic to take the chance, so back to the house to grab our jackets (and my camera) and off to Yosemite.
Yosemite holds a very special place in my and family’s hearts. While I spent my elementary years in Orange County (a region in Southern California) we would stop nearly every year at Yosemite even if it were only for a day or two while on vacation. On a recent visit, I realized that I have been making this pilgrimage to Yosemite since I was five years old… which is a very long time I mean NOT that long ago! ;)
I remember watching the original Fire Falls from Camp Curry, camping in the campgrounds before they resembled parking lots, and seeing bears in the valley, and hiking the trails without the congestion of people where all common. About twenty-five years ago (okay, maybe longer, but I won’t admit to ‘THAT’), I even turned down an opportunity to work and live in Yosemite! A management position that involved creating photo tours and workshops – I was young and pursuing my carrier path in commercial photography, and I TUNERED IT DOWN! Ifanyone in Yosemite would like to offer that to me now…
As many times that I have visited Yosemite over the years, I am still at awe every time I round the corner from Bridle Veil Falls and see El Capitan. This is truly a magical place for me, and I have many wonderful memories with my parents here over all those years, and now with my children when they were small, I believe that this is where God comes for vacation.
This image of Yosemite Valley was taken from the “Tunnel Entrance” vantage point, and was originally made iconic by Ansel Adams “Thunderstorm” back in 1945, and EVERY photographer since than has taken this picture. In effect, I believe there are three holes on the ground where one should place their tripod and a sign explaining the proper exposure settings.
I never thought I would ever capture the likeness of this spectacular view well enough that would articulate the integrity that this imposing view deserves, simply because I never seem to have, or more accurately have ever taken the proper time to invest in such a shot. Most all serious landscape photographers would spend hours and even days waiting to for the light to be just right …And frankly, I had no interest in taking the same photo that every other photographer has taken!
Well as my luck would have it, on this visit the day was magnificent, heavy clouds (great for adding drama to a landscape photos) light snow flurries, waterfalls running at 100+% and freezing temperature producing a white frosted coating from the waterfall mist as though powder sugar were sprinkled over – gorgeous!!
Normally we enter Yosemite via the ‘Arch Rock’ entrance (Hwy 140), which brings you directly into the valley floor. After our customary drive by Bridle Veil Falls, we desisted as an exception to our routine route, to drive up to The Tunnel Entrance vantage point for an view of the valley. I have never personally witnessed the view of the valley floor so spectacular, and weathered the freezing conditions to spend a little time to capture this portrait of the Yosemite landscape.
Alright, so I now have the same image every landscape photographer has taken in their 101 landscape photo course …BUT, This version is mine!
And to think that I actually thought of leaving my camera behind - I now just wish that I had brought my 4x5 inch film camera. Lesson learned, don’t even think of leaving the camera behind …and acquire a lighter tripod!
Now with my father no longer with us, and my children living abroad, I reflect on the memories of the wonderful times this beautiful and majestic place has offered my lifetime, Yosemite will always have a special place in my heart.
