Yosemite National Park Photography

After Mammoth Mountain extended their spring ski season, I decided to take advantage. My plan was to run up there for a couple days of easy riding. I needed to get out of LA and reconnect with nature. As always, I would mix some photography into my trip. Tatihana at Mammoth Mountain Inn informed me that snow quality was best between 8:30 and 11:30. That meant I would have lots of time for photography. Tioga pass was open, and the waterfalls were at peak flow. Suddenly, my quick snowboard trip turned into a Mammoth “shoot and shred” adventure and Yosemite National Park Photography Trip.

Yosemite National Park Photography

*A favorite view from the top of Mammoth Mountain; Photo by Richard Bilow*

As much as I love chasing freshies in winter, I have always enjoyed spring conditions. Mammoth Mountain usually closes long after other resorts, and their spring snow quality can be really fun. The weather outlook for the days I was able to go seemed too warm to create excellent conditions. So, I would only ride for a couple of hours each day. This allowed me to shift my focus more onto photography. After Tatihana mentioned that Vernal Fall in Yosemite was particularly stunning, I made it my mission to go there. All the waterfalls would be great, but the rainbows at Vernal Fall are special.

Vernal Fall

Deciding where to go in Yosemite can be a challenge. There are simply too many amazing options. I needed a goal to motivate and guide me. I often select specific destinations I like and then visualize images I might create there. Since being at any of the classic photo locations during the best lighting conditions was logistically unrealistic, I decided that hiking to Vernal Fall would be my primary goal. I could snowboard in the morning at Mammoth and easily reach the falls when the sun was illuminating the spray. That meant I could witness, enjoy and photograph the gorgeous rainbows on the mist trail.

I got a late start leaving Mammoth, because the snow was more fun than expected. I also enjoy soaking up the views from the top of the mountain. So, I allocated time for that. I was in no particular rush. My wife was reviewing Mammoth Mountain Inn and their restaurants, while I was doing my own thing. She would get to experience Yosemite the following days. We decided together, that I should go at my own pace the first day, all day and into the night.

CA-120 Tioga Road

Yosemite National Park Photography — *View from CA-120 Tioga Rd north of Tioga Pass; Photo by Richard Bilow*

The drive into Yosemite from Mammoth Mountain is extremely beautiful. Being late spring, the road was lined with wildflowers. The scenery was dramatic. There were lots of photo ops with towering cliffs, lakes, rivers, meadows, forests and wildlife. While many people believe photography is only good in the morning and evening, I never let that perspective determine when I shoot. Every time you take a photograph you get a bit better. You become more familiar with your equipment. You discover a little more about your style. This prepares you for those magical moments when you find yourself in the perfect place at the perfect time. With that in mind, I pulled over a lot and photographed even under the harsh midday light.

Best Yosemite Photo Locations

Those of you who are passionate about photography probably know how some of your favorite images were created. You understand the photographers you follow plan their photo shoots carefully. Some return year after year to the same locations to catch very specific conditions. They shoot thousands of images, experiment with various equipment and get really good at post processing. Their “best” images are usually created under optimal lighting conditions. However, interesting photos can be created at any time. Yosemite is one of those destinations you can visit again and again to challenge yourself. You will always return with at least a few special images and lots of great memories.

*An Inquisitive Deer near Tioga Pass; Photo by Richard Bilow*

With my wife waiting for me at the Mammoth Mountain Inn, I started feeling anxious about my drive back. While it is not particularly far, it is important to drive slowly for safety. Having stopped so many times along the way, I put myself in a difficult situation. I returned to my car from Vernal Falls much later than planned. It was about 7:30pm, so I knew I would get back to Mammoth quite late. Knowing there was very limited cell signal along the way, I pulled over when I saw a couple bars and sent Kathy a text. Then I just kept rolling. I stopped for a couple shots during sunset but only briefly. When I finally reached the 395, I was able to relax. I would get back to the Mammoth Mountain Inn about 10:30pm.

Planning ahead for your Yosemite Trip

I’m glad I visited Yosemite on my own the first day. This way I knew exactly where to take Kathy. I knew we would both enjoy stopping at places I drove right by the day before. Yosemite is huge, but the main features all surround Yosemite Valley. The valley is a pretty small area.

You can actually get a very good look at the most famous features without even leaving your car. Of course, the more you walk or hike, the better your experience will be. You can park your car in one of several lots and take a shuttle from there to numerous trailheads. Since Kathy does not like long hikes, we took advantage of the more accessible options. We did a few short hikes, pulled over many times and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. That said, we visited just before the largest crowds arrived. So, we were able to pull over and park relatively easily. If you visit during the main summer tourist season, expect lots of traffic, huge crowds and difficulty parking. If at all possible, avoid the busiest times.

*Valley View at Sunset; Photo by Richard Bilow*

For me, this trip was exploratory. I had not been to the area for many years. I primarily wanted to familiarize myself with some of the photo ops for future trips. From that perspective, I could not be more thrilled with the results. I got inspired, and I have a much better idea of what my future photographic goals might be. Kathy wants to return in fall, and I am all for it. Read the ETG article – Yosemite National Park, Know Before You Go. Or read Kathy’s Yosemite National Park Experience.

If you are interested in stopping by the Mammoth Mountain area on your way to Yosemite National Park, read the ETG Review of Mammoth Mountain Inn. Kathy also wrote Review of the Restaurants at the base of Mammoth Mountain.