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
Working theory: coffee tastes better in the Yosemite high country. Tioga Pass typically closes sometime in late fall--be sure to visit the area the next time you`re in Yosemite!
Reel by: @joannexplores
Please note: 2024 Temporary Vehicle Reservations to enter Yosemite are are only required from 5 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday holidays until Oct. 27th. Find out more at the link in our profile.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Breathtaking sunset spots abound in Yosemite, but Taft Point might just be one of the best!
Reel by: @cv__prod
Please note: 2024 Temporary Vehicle Reservations to enter Yosemite are are only required from 5 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday holidays until Oct. 27th. Find out more at the link in our profile.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Giants are real--and they live in Yosemite. Mariposa Grove is home to some of the largest giant sequoias in the world. Next time you`re in the area, stop in for an awe-inspiring afternoon!
Reel by: @shmeegins_adventures
Please note: 2024 Temporary Vehicle Reservations to enter Yosemite are are only required from 5 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday holidays until Oct. 27th. Find out more at the link in our profile.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
As announced today by Yosemite National Park, Temporary Vehicle Reservations will no longer be required to enter Yosemite after this Sunday, October 13, at 3 p.m.
Simply plan your trip, pay the entrance fee and enjoy your stay.
And just like that, it`s fall in Yosemite! As colors shift from greens to reds and golds and the weather cools, it`s time to enjoy a new beautiful season here in the park.
Reel by: @the.solofoto
Please note: 2024 Temporary Vehicle Reservations to enter Yosemite are are only required from 5 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and Monday holidays until Oct. 27th. Find out more at the link in our profile.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
