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.
Mist Opportunities: Guide to Seeing a Yosemite Moonbow
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
Hiking the Mist Trail isn`t just cooly refreshing as its namesake suggests -- the views are too. If you take it past Vernal Fall, you`ll find the raging Nevada Fall as well!
Reel by: @karmarkar_sagar
Please note: 2024 Temporary Vehicle Reservations will be required to enter Yosemite this year on Saturdays and Sundays until June 30th, then 7 days per week from July 1 to Aug. 16, finally weekends and monday holidays until Oct. 27th. Half-day reservations are also available this year and are easier to obtain.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Your next getaway could look like this. A few days unplugged in Yosemite is the best reset! For recommendations on where to stay and what to do, visit our website Yosemite.com while planning your stay!
Reel by: @benedikt_richter
Please note: 2024 Temporary Vehicle Reservations will be required to enter Yosemite this year on Saturdays and Sundays until June 30th, then 7 days per week from July 1 to Aug. 16, finally weekends and monday holidays until Oct. 27th. Half-day reservations are also available this year and are easier to obtain.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Paddling with a perfect view? It won`t be long until the foliage in the valley looks like this! Whether you`re after high country day hikes or relaxing floats down the Merced, Yosemite has something amazing waiting for everyone.
Photo by: @mblockk
Please note: 2024 Temporary Vehicle Reservations will be required to enter Yosemite this year on Saturdays and Sundays until June 30th, then 7 days per week from July 1 to Aug. 16, finally weekends and monday holidays until Oct. 27th. Half-day reservations are also available this year and are easier to obtain.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Tunnel View is looking greener by the day. With temperatures warming in the valley and snowmelt fueling the falls, it`s shaping up to be another beautiful spring in Yosemite!
Photo by: @cliftonwanders
Please note: 2024 Temporary Vehicle Reservations will be required to enter Yosemite this year on Saturdays and Sundays from April 13 to June 30th,, then 7 days per week from July 1 to August 16. Half-day reservations are also available this year and are easier to obtain.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Hike the Falls Trail to the top and you`ll be rewarded with an epic view of (and from) Upper Yosemite Falls. Afterward, you might want to rest your legs at any one of the region`s awesome lodging options! Unwind under the stars, relax in a hotel, or kick back in a local B&B. Head to our website for recommendations!
Reel by: @joe_silchuk
Please note: 2024 Temporary Vehicle Reservations will be required to enter Yosemite this year on Saturdays and Sundays from April 13 to June 30th,, then 7 days per week from July 1 to August 16. Half-day reservations are also available this year and are easier to obtain.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
