Photography and Yosemite National Park’s beautiful landscapes have gone hand in hand since the mid-1800s when photographers like Charles Weed and Carleton Watkins packed large-format cameras with glass plates into Yosemite Valley on mules. Their images were pivotal in sharing and ultimately protecting this landscape for future generations.
Today, modern photographers continue to flock to Yosemite to share its beauty with the world, to preserve memories of friends and families, and to make inspiring art. Amazing photographs lurk around every corner and turn in the trail. There is beauty underfoot in the form of delicate wildflowers and overhead in tall forests and white granite cliffs. Here are some tips on where to get the best photos in Yosemite.
Iconic Yosemite Photography Locations
Surrounded by all of these possibilities, it can be hard to know where to begin looking for a place to shoot. To get started, check out our list of Top 10 Places to Get the Shot. These are famous locations, with iconic views that have mesmerized people for decades. If you’re looking for pictures that are unmistakably Yosemite, this is your list. Remember to keep your camera handy on your way to Yosemite too. For example, if you travel up the Merced River along Highway 140, keep your eyes open for some of the beautiful scenes along the river and near El Portal.
Photographing Yosemite Across the Seasons
Many Yosemite snapshots show the landscape’s beauty under a cloudless blue sky. This is the scene that will greet most summer-time visitors. It makes for beautiful hiking weather and bright, sparkling images. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a truly unique Yosemite shot be sure to plan a trip for late fall, winter, or early spring. Serious photographers delight in the cloudy forecasts that accompany these seasons. They are looking for those ephemeral bursts of light, wisps of fog swirling through the trees in the valley, and the moody images that come with orange and pink clouds at sunset or sunrise.
Unique Yosemite Photography Events
During particular moments in Nature’s regular rhythm of changing light and flowing water, everything comes together to create the most mystical and unique opportunities for photographers. And when they happen regularly, photographers from around the world travel to Yosemite for the chance to capture these unique moments.
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Guide to the Natural Yosemite Firefall 2023– Horsetail Fall Firefall
Discover the Best Spots With A Guide
Yosemite is a big place, and with so many beautiful locations and the ever-changing nature of the light, it can be helpful to have someone show you around. While there are many photographers from far away eager to lead trips to Yosemite, consider the advantage of spending that time with a truly local photographer – one that has been exploring this landscape during every spare moment for years, watching the light change with the seasons and developing an intimate knowledge of the park.
Share Your Favorite Photos & Photography Tips
No matter what time of year it is, Half Dome sunsets are an absolute delight to witness. Glacier Point Road is currently closed for the season, but for those up for a trek, Glacier Point itself can be accessed via Yosemite`s Four Mile Trail.
Reel by: @erinemalone and @lightspeed_films
#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
This time of year in Yosemite, rain and high country snowmelt are a waterfall`s best friends. Pictured here: Bridalveil Fall seen from Tunnel View, captured by: @vandusenvisuals.
#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Every season here brings its own magic, but there`s nothing quite like exploring Yosemite Valley when the snow starts to arrive!
Photos by: @_mcastaneda_
#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Today is the #1 in our top 5 countdown of the most popular Instagram posts of 2025! The competition is always fierce, so congratulations to @from2worlds for creating a video that resonated so strongly with our viewers!
This was posted on March 17th.
"Hikers up before the sun, taking the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Late spring is a great time to visit Yosemite if you`re hoping to catch peak waterfall season!"
Be sure to follow us to see what amazing videos and images will bring!
#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Today is #2 in our top 10 countdown of the most popular Instagram posts of 2025. Be sure to follow us to see tomorrow`s #1 post winner!
This image is by Instagram user @karajaxx and was posted on March 5th:
"Yosemite saw a little bit of snow last week and there`s more coming up in the forecast! For your best chance at seeing snow in the valley when you visit, keep an eye on the local weather."
#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
