SeaCay
Registered: May 22, 2005
Total Posts: 598
Country: United States
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gdanmitchell wrote:
You know, if this is your first time in the park you really don't need the book. (With apologies to Michael Frye, whose book really does have an outstanding reputation and who is an acknowledged expert on shooting in the Valley and in the Park. I hope the book is soon back in print at more reasonable prices - and new, so that he can benefit from the sales!)
Go ahead and shoot icons. There are plenty of them, and before you start to discover some of the more subtle aspects of the Valley it is a fine thing to become familiar with those astonishing icons that draw people there from around the world.
A few quick hints: It is harder to find dawn shots in the Valley than it is to find late afternoon and evening shots - to the east the Valley is blocked by high mountains while to the west it more or less opens to the Central Valley. Meadows are good places to shoot in the mornings. Sometimes you can follow the progress of light through the valley and away from the cliffs as the day goes on - it may be intensely sunny in the open areas out in the Valley, but there can still be beautiful diffused and shadow light along the edges of the Valley below some of the steeper cliffs. A visit to the higher country is worthwhile - again, for a first timer, I'd certainly put Glacier Point at sunset or sunrise (less crowded) on the icon list. If you have more time, spend some of it along Tioga Pass Road. Also, the sequoias are worth visiting - again, earlier in the day means fewer people.
Dan
Good info here, however, I did use the book on my first trip in order to know exactly where to shoot the icons. If you're time constrained, it helps there tremendously.
Otherwise, I agree with you gdan. The place is overwhelming with opportunities, and the broad scope just doesn't lend itself to digging into the really good stuff in only a day or so for a valley noob (like me).
Besides, the icons are so spectacular!
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