-Yosemite Twin Valleys Waterfall Workshops - Nature Hikes, Photogrpahy Workshops, Birding and Natural History Walks (May 3 - 6, 2013)

-We have a select number of Half Dome permits. Please check our calendar frequently for updates. If you secure Half Dome Permits for 2013 through the lottery, we will be able to obtain a permit to guide your group.

- Half Dome: 2 Day/1 Night Half Dome Backpack Trips: June 18-19, 2013 - 2 spaces available, July 1-2, 2013 - 3 spaces available,August 6-7, 2013 - 4 spaces available, September 8-9, 2013 - 2 spaces available, and September 17-18, 2013 - 4 spaces available

- Half Dome: 4 Day/3 Night Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley Backpack Trips with Half Dome Summit: July 3-6, 2013 - Full and August 12-15 - 4 spaces available.

-4 Day/3 Night Cathedral Lakes Backpack Trip on July 11-14 2013 - 3 spaces available and September 2-5, 2013 - 4 spaces available.

-3 Day/2 Night Young Lakes Photography Backpack Trip on July 17-19 2013 and September 10-12, 2013

-3 Day/2 Night Ten Lakes Backpack Trip on August 1-3, 2013 - 4 spaces available.

Please call 800 886 8009 or email tours at yexplore.com

All Yosemite Photo Sessions and Guided Hikes are open unless they are designated as Private Tours.

We will gladly schedule a tour for you on the date you plan to visit Yosemite if it is not already on the calendar.

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				01 10am» Yosemite Moderate Inspiration Point Hiking Tour 3:30pm» Yosemite Valley Icons Photography Session with Evan Russel	02 2:30pm» Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister	03 6:30am» Yosemite WILD WOMEN'S PHOTO WORKSHOP with Christine White Loberg 8am» Yosemite Waterfall Photography Session with John Senser Session I 3pm» Yosemite Waterfall Photography Session with John Senser Session II
04 (Week 19) 1pm» Yosemite WILD WOMEN'S PHOTO WORKSHOP with Christine White Loberg 3pm» Yosemite Waterfall Photography Session with John Senser Session III	05 7am» Yosemite Moderate Nevada Falls Hiking Tour 3:30pm» Yosemite Valley Icons Photography Session with Evan Russel	06 7am» Yosemite Mirror Lake and Happy Isles in Spring Photo Session with Evan Russel	07	08 7am» Yosemite Strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Tour	09 7am» Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister	10 3:15pm» Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister
11 (Week 20) 8am» Yosemite Moderate Nevada Falls Hiking Tour	12	13 7am» Yosemite Mirror Lake and Happy Isles in Spring Photo Session with Evan Russel	14	15 7am» Yosemite Strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Tour 7am» Yosemite Strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Tour	16 7am» Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister	17 3:15pm» Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister
18 (Week 21) Yosemite Hetch Hetchy Spring Workshops 9am» Hetch Hetch Naturalist Hike w/James McGrew & Christine White Loberg 3:30pm» Hetch Hetchy Evening Light Photography Session 8:30pm» Hetch Hetchy Evening Slide Show Presentation	19 Yosemite Hetch Hetchy Spring Workshops 7am» Hetch Hetchy Wildflower Photo Workshop with John Senser 7am» Hetch Hetchy Introductory Photography Workshop with Evan Russel 7am» Yosemite Water, Flowers, Cliffs, & Domes Hetch Hetchy Photo Workshop w/ Christin 9am» 2 Day Hetch Hetchy Plein Air Workshop with James McGrew 3:30pm» Yosemite Hetch Hetchy Evening Light Photo Workshop with Christine White Loberg 8:30pm» Hetch Hetchy Evening Slide Show Presentation	20 Yosemite Hetch Hetchy Spring Workshops 7am» 2 Day Hetch Hetchy Plein Air Workshop with James McGrew 7am» Yosemite Hetch Hetchy Introductory Photography Workshop with Evan Russel 9am» Hetch Hetchy Waterfall Photo Workshop with John Senser 3:30pm» Yosemite Hetch Hetchy Evening Light Photo Workshop with Christine White Loberg 8:30pm» Hetch Hetchy Evening Slide Show Presentation 10pm» Yosemite Falls Moonbow Photography Session with John Senser	21	22	23 3pm» Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister	24 6:30am» Yosemite Introductory PHOTO WORKSHOP with Christine White Loberg 7am» Yosemite Moderate Nevada Falls Hiking Tour 3:30pm» Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister
25 (Week 22) 3:30pm» Yosemite Valley PHOTO WORKSHOP with Christine White Loberg	26 7am» Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister 3:30pm» Yosemite Valley Floor Photography Hike with Evan Russel	27 7am» Yosemite Mirror Lake and Happy Isles in Spring Photo Session with Evan Russel	28	29 7am» Yosemite Strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Tour	30 7am» Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister 7am» Yosemite Points, Peaks, and Falls Hiking Tours: Nevada Falls 3pm» Yosemite Waterfall Photography Session with John Senser Session IV	31 6:30am» Yosemite Introductory PHOTO WORKSHOP with Christine White Loberg 7am» Yosemite Points, Peaks, and Falls Hiking Tours: Sentinel Dome/Taft Point 3pm» Yosemite Giant Sequoia Photo Session with John Senser 3:15pm» Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Time:

10:00am - 3:00pm

Description:

Moderate Inspiration Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 7 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 1000'
Difficulty: Moderate
Kids: over 10 years old OK if they are good hikers

Find your inspiration on a breathtaking hike up the south rim of Yosemite Valley. The trail leads to a vista uncovering the same views witnessed by the first western visitors of Yosemite.

Time:

3:30pm - 8:00pm

Description:

People have been photographing Yosemite since 1859, when Charles Weed took the first salt print photo of Yosemite Fall. Since then, artists like Carlton Watkins, Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, to name a few, have been photographing the Yosemite Valley and High Sierra, all the while traveling to many meadows, peaks, river banks and vistas. On this tour, we will visit some of those vistas that established these artists as the great landscape photographers of their time, and which helped transform the American environmental movement.

This tour is appropriate for those shooting either black and white, or color photography, and will focus on a select number of locations from which these icons photographed Yosemite Valley. The tour will begin in the afternoon at the Church Bowl parking lot and picnic area -- where Adams shot two famous images-- and will conclude at Inspiration Point on the Wawona Road which can offer epic sunset opportunities. This tour will consist of discussions concerning depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance, and composition. A generous portion of the discussion -- in conjunction with the aforementioned topics -- will be devoted to talking about the artists, their philosophies, histories and their eye for photography.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

2:30pm - 7:30pm

Description:

Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore and discover the many diverse waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Learn basic and advanced techniques of shooting waterfalls in this most spectacular setting during peak waterfall season. We will photograph the thundering falls that make Yosemite famous this time of year. Yosemite Falls at 2425' is the Valley's most recognizable. We will also visit others such as Bridalveil, Cascade, and other waterfalls that make Yosemite Valley unique.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

6:30am - 11:00am

Description:

Yosemite WILD WOMEN'S PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Women's-Only Photo Field Sessions

Join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer who understands the special needs of women who wish to explore the world of photographic art. Women of all ages and experience levels are welcome.


Learn how to compose a nature photograph, and join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

1. Learn the functions of the camera and how the work together (Aperture, shutter, film speed/ISO)

2. How to control light for the effect YOU want (Landscapes & mysterious moods, wildlife, abstracts, macro)

3. How to read a histogram (What is it? What to look for, how to use it, how to apply it)

4. The zone system and it relates to digital photography (10 zones, latitude of light, 18% gray, Kelvin light)

5. Composition (choose a subject, placement of subjects, rule of thirds, latitude of light & how it works, emotional impact)

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price $250 per person

You can sign up for one or two day sessions.

Time:

8:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite boasts some of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. These tours are designed to photograph almost every large waterfall in Yosemite Valley over a period of days. Photographer John Senser (a veteran of over 30 years of Yosemite waterfall photography) has scheduled each of them during the period of maximum runoff and the time of day for the best lighting on each. You can sign up for one or all sessions.

These tours will emphasize different techniques for working with moving water, how to achieve the highest quality images and create the strongest, most interesting compositions. All camera formats and levels of experience are welcome and issues will be discussed as they apply to both film and digital cameras.

Session I: Photographing Yosemite Falls

Selected sites will provide both up close and overview perspectives of different sections of this monumental 2425 foot tall fall. Easy hiking 1-2 miles.

Time:

3:00pm - 7:00pm

Description:

Yosemite boasts some of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. These tours are designed to photograph almost every large waterfall in Yosemite Valley over a period of days. Photographer John Senser (a veteran of over 30 years of Yosemite waterfall photography) has scheduled each of them during the period of maximum runoff and the time of day for the best lighting on each. You can sign up for one or all sessions.

These tours will emphasize different techniques for working with moving water, how to achieve the highest quality images and create the strongest, most interesting compositions. All camera formats and levels of experience are welcome and issues will be discussed as they apply to both film and digital cameras.

Session II: Photographing Ribbon, Horsetail and Bridalveil Falls

Spectacular perspectives from El Capitan Meadows and a little known stagecoach road provide unique angles and rainbow possibilities. Moderate hiking 2-3 miles.

Time:

1:00pm - 5:30pm

Description:

Yosemite WILD WOMEN'S PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Women's-Only Photo Field Sessions

Join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer who understands the special needs of women who wish to explore the world of photographic art. Women of all ages and experience levels are welcome.


Learn how to compose a nature photograph, and join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

1. Learn the functions of the camera and how the work together (Aperture, shutter, film speed/ISO)

2. How to control light for the effect YOU want (Landscapes & mysterious moods, wildlife, abstracts, macro)

3. How to read a histogram (What is it? What to look for, how to use it, how to apply it)

4. The zone system and it relates to digital photography (10 zones, latitude of light, 18% gray, Kelvin light)

5. Composition (choose a subject, placement of subjects, rule of thirds, latitude of light & how it works, emotional impact)

Type of tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

You can sign up for one or two day sessions.

Time:

3:00pm - 7:00pm

Description:

Yosemite boasts some of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. These tours are designed to photograph almost every large waterfall in Yosemite Valley over a period of days. Photographer John Senser (a veteran of over 30 years of Yosemite waterfall photography) has scheduled each of them during the period of maximum runoff and the time of day for the best lighting on each. You can sign up for one or all sessions.

These tours will emphasize different techniques for working with moving water, how to achieve the highest quality images and create the strongest, most interesting compositions. All camera formats and levels of experience are welcome and issues will be discussed as they apply to both film and digital cameras.

Session III: Photographing Illilouette, Vernal and Nevada Falls

The Mist Trail creates a misty scene and refreshing cooling as you climb the trail and photograph these Yosemite classics.

Moderate hiking 4 miles.

Time:

7:00am - 1:00pm

Description:

Moderate Nevada Falls Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 5.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Kids: over 10 years old OK if they are good hikers

This trail is steep but very rewarding. At .9 miles we will uncover our first gem, Vernal Falls. From the bridge we will ascend the giant granite steps to the top of the falls and then proceed to Yosemite's other year round falls, Nevada. The breathtaking views are just rewards for the steep climb out of the Valley.

Time:

3:30pm - 8:00pm

Description:

People have been photographing Yosemite since 1859, when Charles Weed took the first salt print photo of Yosemite Fall. Since then, artists like Carlton Watkins, Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, to name a few, have been photographing the Yosemite Valley and High Sierra, all the while traveling to many meadows, peaks, river banks and vistas. On this tour, we will visit some of those vistas that established these artists as the great landscape photographers of their time, and which helped transform the American environmental movement.

This tour is appropriate for those shooting either black and white, or color photography, and will focus on a select number of locations from which these icons photographed Yosemite Valley. The tour will begin in the afternoon at the Church Bowl parking lot and picnic area -- where Adams shot two famous images-- and will conclude at Inspiration Point on the Wawona Road which can offer epic sunset opportunities. This tour will consist of discussions concerning depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance, and composition. A generous portion of the discussion -- in conjunction with the aforementioned topics -- will be devoted to talking about the artists, their philosophies, histories and their eye for photography.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Mirror Lake and Happy Isles in Spring
Specialty Photography Session

Join the photographer on a walk up Tenaya Canyon, around Mirror Lake and over to Happy Isles where elegant compositions abound. The early morning, and afternoon light in the Tenaya and Merced Canyons is luminous and tranquil, especially in Spring. During the season, melting winter snows turn Tenaya Creek and the Merced River into a cascading torrents, the Mountain Dogwood blooms in abundance, the marshy meadows attract diverse wildlife, and the granite cliffs of the canyons are luminous -- even at the extremes of the day. These low light situations are advantageous for the slower shutter speeds on the camera -- so bring a tripod -- and results can be stunning.

This tour is appropriate for those practicing both black and white, and color photography. To take advantage of the crisp morning light, this tour will start at seven in the morning at the Mirror Lake shuttle bus stop (#17), and will end at the Happy Isles bus stop (#16). We will proceed up the Mirror Lake road to a historic shore vista of the lake and towering Mount Watkins -- made famous by generations of photographers including Ansel Adams. From there, the tour will continue along the Northwest side of Tenaya Creek towards little known Hidden Falls, near the base of Cloud’s Rest, and will return to Mirror Lake along the Southeast side of the creek. The tour will make many stops along the way to photograph the elegant Mountain Dogwood tree, resplendent granite boulders, Half Dome and the resplendent Tenaya Creek. The tour will then proceed down the trail towards they Happy Isles interpretive center where a loop trail will take us around picturesque islands in the middle of the Merced River. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance and composition.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

7:00am - 1:30pm

Description:

Strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 7 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 3000'
Difficulty: Strenuous

This strenuous hike leads from the valley floor to the top of Yosemite Falls, the highest and perhaps most spectacular waterfall in North America. Experience incomparable views of Half Dome as you ascend the challenging switchbacks.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Explorer Masters Spring Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore Spring in Yosemite Valley in the meadows and forests along the Merced River through the unique perspective of a macro lens. We will photograph emerging plants and flowers, insects, water in the Merced River, late spring frost and many other subjects that Yosemite Valley offers. Learn beginning and advanced uses of a macro lens as well as macro flash photography.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

3:15pm - 8:15pm

Description:

Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore and discover the many diverse waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Learn basic and advanced techniques of shooting waterfalls in this most spectacular setting during peak waterfall season. We will photograph the thundering falls that make Yosemite famous this time of year. Yosemite Falls at 2425' is the Valley's most recognizable. We will also visit others such as Bridalveil, Cascade, and other waterfalls that make Yosemite Valley unique.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

8:00am - 2:00pm

Description:

Moderate Nevada Falls Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 5.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate


This trail is steep but very rewarding. At .9 miles we will uncover our first gem, Vernal Falls. From the bridge we will ascend the giant granite steps to the top of the falls and then proceed to Yosemite's other year round falls, Nevada. The breathtaking views are just rewards for the steep climb out of the Valley.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Mirror Lake and Happy Isles in Spring
Specialty Photography Session

Join the photographer on a walk up Tenaya Canyon, around Mirror Lake and over to Happy Isles where elegant compositions abound. The early morning, and afternoon light in the Tenaya and Merced Canyons is luminous and tranquil, especially in Spring. During the season, melting winter snows turn Tenaya Creek and the Merced River into a cascading torrents, the Mountain Dogwood blooms in abundance, the marshy meadows attract diverse wildlife, and the granite cliffs of the canyons are luminous -- even at the extremes of the day. These low light situations are advantageous for the slower shutter speeds on the camera -- so bring a tripod -- and results can be stunning.

This tour is appropriate for those practicing both black and white, and color photography. To take advantage of the crisp morning light, this tour will start at seven in the morning at the Mirror Lake shuttle bus stop (#17), and will end at the Happy Isles bus stop (#16). We will proceed up the Mirror Lake road to a historic shore vista of the lake and towering Mount Watkins -- made famous by generations of photographers including Ansel Adams. From there, the tour will continue along the Northwest side of Tenaya Creek towards little known Hidden Falls, near the base of Cloud’s Rest, and will return to Mirror Lake along the Southeast side of the creek. The tour will make many stops along the way to photograph the elegant Mountain Dogwood tree, resplendent granite boulders, Half Dome and the resplendent Tenaya Creek. The tour will then proceed down the trail towards they Happy Isles interpretive center where a loop trail will take us around picturesque islands in the middle of the Merced River. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance and composition.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

7:00am - 1:00pm

Description:

Strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 7 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 3000'
Difficulty: Strenuous
Kids: over 10 years old OK if they are good hikers

This strenuous hike from the valley floor leads to the top of the tallest recorder waterfall in North America, Yosemite Falls. Uncover great views with each switchback. Views of Half Dome are incomparable.

Time:

7:00am - 1:00pm

Description:

Strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 7 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 3000'
Difficulty: Strenuous

This strenuous hike leads from the valley floor to the top of Yosemite Falls, the highest and perhaps most spectacular waterfall in North America. Experience incomparable views of Half Dome as you ascend the challenging switchbacks.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore Spring in Yosemite Valley in the meadows and forests along the Merced River through the unique perspective of a macro lens. We will photograph emerging plants and flowers, insects, water in the Merced River, late spring frost and many other subjects that Yosemite Valley offers. Learn beginning and advanced uses of a macro lens as well as macro flash photography.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

3:15pm - 8:15pm

Description:

Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore and discover the many diverse waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Learn basic and advanced techniques of shooting waterfalls in this most spectacular setting during peak waterfall season. We will photograph the thundering falls that make Yosemite famous this time of year. Yosemite Falls at 2425' is the Valley's most recognizable. We will also visit others such as Bridalveil, Cascade, and other waterfalls that make Yosemite Valley unique.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Description:

Discover Hetch Hetchy's majestic views, thundering waterfalls and fields of wildflowers with Y Explore's unique photography sessions, plein air painting workshop, and interpretive naturalist hikes. From beginner to professional, you'll view Hetch Hetchy with a fresh perspective and deeper understanding as you explore the natural history of Yosemite's hidden treasure. Also learn about its geology, flora, fauna, atmosphere and light relating to painting and photography.

Portions of the proceeds for these events will be donated to the Central Sierra Arts Council.

Time:

9:00am - 2:00pm

Description:

Discover scenic beauty while receiving a natural history education from an expert naturalist with a wealth of knowledge of Yosemite National Park and Hetch Hetchy Valley in particular. James McGrew and Christine White Loberg will each lead groups through Hetch Hetch on a tour that reveals the Natural History of Yosemite including its geology, flora, fauna, and the original inhabitors of the park.

Time:

3:30pm - 7:30pm

Description:

Spectacular views unfold as we walk through wildflowers to dramatic waterfalls while exploring aspects of composition, perspective, depth of field, motion, color, lighting, and natural history of your subject. We will discuss the techniques of wide angle photography, macro, and telephoto to isolate and simplify a subject.

Time:

8:30pm - 9:15pm

Description:

Join us for a free evening Hetch Hetchy slide show presentation at the Evergreen Lodge. Ron Good will be presenting a discussion of the natural history of Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley. A brief orientation for James McGrew's Plein Air Art Workshop will follow.

Description:

Discover Hetch Hetchy's majestic views, thundering waterfalls and fields of wildflowers with Y Explore's unique photography sessions, plein air painting workshop, and interpretive naturalist hikes. From beginner to professional, you'll view Hetch Hetchy with a fresh perspective and deeper understanding as you explore the natural history of Yosemite's hidden treasure. Also learn about its geology, flora, fauna, atmosphere and light relating to painting and photography.

Portions of the proceeds for these events will be donated to the Central Sierra Arts Council.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

John Senser's Specialty Landscape Photography Session with an emphasis on wildflowers will last approximately five hours and explore Hetch Hetchy Valley. A naturalist led hiking tour is also included in the price.

Time:

7:00am - 11:30am

Description:

HETCH HETCHY INTRODUCTORY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
with Evan Russel

The Hetch Hetchy beginning photography workshop with Evan Russel will focus on basic composition and will stress the importance of taking our cameras off of automatic to get the most out of our photographs. Photographic techniques such as shutter speed, aperture, metering and depth of field will also be discussed. The workshop will begin at the O’Shaughnessy dam parking lot and will continue along the valley rim trail passing by varied flora and waterfalls, and will provide stunning views of this great valley. We will return via the same route. While this workshop is designed for those looking to outwit their camera, and take the first step towards making refined photographs, it is also intended to encourage the simple thrill of artistic interpretation of the world around us.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

YOSEMITE WATER, FLOWERS, CLIFFS, and
DOMES of HETCH HETCHY MORNING LIGHT
PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Hetch Hetchy Morning Light
Photo Field Sessions

Dates: May 19 & 20, 2008

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $150 per person

Join us for a photography field session that explores the diverse landscape of Hetch Hetchy Valley. Photograph Hetch Hetchy's waterfalls, wildflowers, cliffs, and domes with a naturalist whose passion is equaled by her artistic expression.

1. Learn how to photograph waterfalls

2. Learn basics of macro photography

3. Learn how to use back lights, side lights, direct lights, and indirect lights.

Time:

9:00am - 5:00pm

Description:

Explore Hetch Hetchy's majestic views, thundering waterfalls and fields of wildflowers in this unique plein air painting workshop by an accomplished artist and expert naturalist. Working on location, you'll discover relationships of plein air techniques/materials, composition, color, value, brushwork, aesthetics, and reference photography with implications for studio work. Workshop directed by James McGrew.

Time:

3:30pm - 8:00pm

Description:

YOSEMITE HETCH HETCHY
EVENING LIGHT PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Hetch Hetchy Photo Field Sessions

Dates: May 19 & 20, 2008

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $150 per person

Join us for a photography seminar in the historic Hetch Hetchy Valley that will focus on catching the mood of the historic valley in a low light environment.

1. Learn how to photograph waterfalls in low lights.

2. Learn how to capture mood with low lights.

3. Learn how to use back lights, side lights, direct lights, and indirect lights.

4. Have more fun.

Time:

8:30pm - 9:15pm

Description:

Join us for a free evening Hetch Hetchy slide show presentation at the Evergreen Lodge. James McGrew will be presenting a discussion of the history of art in Yosemite National Park.

Description:

Discover Hetch Hetchy's majestic views, thundering waterfalls and fields of wildflowers with Y Explore's unique photography sessions, plein air painting workshop, and interpretive naturalist hikes. From beginner to professional, you'll view Hetch Hetchy with a fresh perspective and deeper understanding as you explore the natural history of Yosemite's hidden treasure. Also learn about its geology, flora, fauna, atmosphere and light relating to painting and photography.

Portions of the proceeds for these events will be donated to the Central Sierra Arts Council.

Time:

7:00am - 2:00pm

Description:

Explore Hetch Hetchy's majestic views, thundering waterfalls and fields of wildflowers in this unique plein air painting workshop by an accomplished artist and expert naturalist. Working on location, you'll discover relationships of plein air techniques/materials, composition, color, value, brushwork, aesthetics, and reference photography with implications for studio work. Workshop directed by James McGrew

Time:

7:00am - 11:30am

Description:

YOSEMITE HETCH HETCHY INTRODUCTORY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
with Evan Russel

The Hetch Hetchy beginning photography workshop with Evan Russel will focus on basic composition and will stress the importance of taking our cameras off of automatic to get the most out of our photographs. Photographic techniques such as shutter speed, aperture, metering and depth of field will also be discussed. The workshop will begin at the O’Shaughnessy dam parking lot and will continue along the valley rim trail passing by varied flora and waterfalls, and will provide stunning views of this great valley. We will return via the same route. While this workshop is designed for those looking to outwit their camera, and take the first step towards making refined photographs, it is also intended to encourage the simple thrill of artistic interpretation of the world around us.

Time:

9:00am - 3:00pm

Description:

John Senser's Specialty Waterfall Photography Session with an emphasis on wildflowers will last approximately eight hours and explore Hetch Hetchy's Tueeulala and Wapama Falls during periods of both morning and early afternoon light.

Time:

3:30pm - 8:00pm

Description:

YOSEMITE HETCH HETCHY
EVENING LIGHT PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Hetch Hetchy Photo Field Sessions

Dates: May 19 & 20, 2008

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $150 per person

Join us for a photography seminar in the historic Hetch Hetchy Valley that will focus on catching the mood of the historic valley in a low light environment.

1. Learn how to photograph waterfalls in low lights.

2. Learn how to capture mood with low lights.

3. Learn how to use back lights, side lights, direct lights, and indirect lights.

4. Have more fun.

Time:

8:30pm - 9:15pm

Description:

Join us for a free evening Hetch Hetchy slide show presentation at the Evergreen Lodge. Christine White Loberg will be presenting a discussion of photography in Yosemite National Park highlighting Hetch Hetchy art.

Time:

10:00pm - 1:00am

Description:

Yosemite boasts some of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. These tours are designed to photograph almost every large waterfall in Yosemite Valley over a period of days. Photographer John Senser (a veteran of over 30 years of Yosemite waterfall photography) has scheduled each of them during the period of maximum runoff and the time of day for the best lighting on each. You can sign up for one or all sessions.

These tours will emphasize different techniques for working with moving water, how to achieve the highest quality images and create the strongest, most interesting compositions. All camera formats and levels of experience are welcome and issues will be discussed as they apply to both film and digital cameras.

The sessions on photographing the Moonbow at Yosemite Falls are unique events that happen only for a very few days a year. And they are subject to the environmental conditions being just perfect, that is, a clear night and ample waterfall mist. As a result, we have scheduled several sessions over several months. If conditions are poor for any session you will be rescheduled for a later session at no charge.

Photographing the Yosemite Falls Moonbow
If all conditions are right, you will be treated to an unusual scene as the brilliant moonlight creates a moonbow in the fall’s mist.

Easy 1 mile hike.

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore and discover the many diverse waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Learn basic and advanced techniques of shooting waterfalls in this most spectacular setting during peak waterfall season. We will photograph the thundering falls that make Yosemite famous this time of year. Yosemite Falls at 2425' is the Valley's most recognizable. We will also visit others such as Bridalveil, Cascade, and other waterfalls that make Yosemite Valley unique.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

6:30am - 11:00am

Description:

Yosemite Introductory
PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Beginner/Intermediate Photo Classes

Learn how to compose a nature photograph, and join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

1. Learn the functions of the camera and how the work together (Aperture, shutter, film speed/ISO)

2. How to control light for the effect YOU want (Landscapes & mysterious moods, wildlife, abstracts, macro)

3. How to read a histogram (What is it? What to look for, how to use it, how to apply it)

4. The zone system and it relates to digital photography (10 zones, latitude of light, 18% gray, Kelvin light)

5. Composition (choose a subject, placement of subjects, rule of thirds, latitude of light & how it works, emotional impact)

You can sign up for one or two day sessions.


Type of tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

7:00am - 1:00pm

Description:

Moderate Nevada Falls Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 5.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Kids: over 10 years old OK if they are good hikers

This trail is steep but very rewarding. At .9 miles we will uncover our first gem, Vernal Falls. From the bridge we will ascend the giant granite steps to the top of the falls and then proceed to Yosemite's other year round falls, Nevada. The breathtaking views are just rewards for the steep climb out of the Valley.

Time:

3:30pm - 8:30pm

Description:

Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore and discover the many diverse waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Learn basic and advanced techniques of shooting waterfalls in this most spectacular setting during peak waterfall season. We will photograph the thundering falls that make Yosemite famous this time of year. Yosemite Falls at 2425' is the Valley's most recognizable. We will also visit others such as Bridalveil, Cascade, and other waterfalls that make Yosemite Valley unique.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

3:30pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Valley
PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Beginner/Intermediate Photo Class

Learn how to compose a nature photograph, and join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

1. Learn the functions of the camera and how the work together (Aperture, shutter, film speed/ISO)

2. How to control light for the effect YOU want (Landscapes & mysterious moods, wildlife, abstracts, macro)

3. How to read a histogram (What is it? What to look for, how to use it, how to apply it)

4. The zone system and it relates to digital photography (10 zones, latitude of light, 18% gray, Kelvin light)

5. Composition (choose a subject, placement of subjects, rule of thirds, latitude of light & how it works, emotional impact)

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Explorer Masters Spring Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore Spring in Yosemite Valley in the meadows and forests along the Merced River through the unique perspective of a macro lens. We will photograph emerging plants and flowers, insects, water in the Merced River, late spring frost and many other subjects that Yosemite Valley offers. Learn beginning and advanced uses of a macro lens as well as macro flash photography.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

3:30pm - 8:00pm

Description:

People have been photographing Yosemite since 1859, when Charles Weed took the first salt print photo of Yosemite Fall. Since then, artists like Carlton Watkins, Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, to name a few, have been photographing the Yosemite Valley and High Sierra, all the while traveling to many meadows, peaks, river banks and vistas. On this tour, we will visit some of those vistas that established these artists as the great landscape photographers of their time, and which helped transform the American environmental movement.

This tour is appropriate for those shooting either black and white, or color photography, and will focus on a select number of locations from which these icons photographed Yosemite Valley. This tour will consist of discussions concerning depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance, and composition. A generous portion of the discussion -- in conjunction with the aforementioned topics -- will be devoted to talking about the artists, their philosophies, histories and their eye for photography.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Mirror Lake and Happy Isles in Spring
Specialty Photography Session

Join the photographer on a walk up Tenaya Canyon, around Mirror Lake and over to Happy Isles where elegant compositions abound. The early morning, and afternoon light in the Tenaya and Merced Canyons is luminous and tranquil, especially in Spring. During the season, melting winter snows turn Tenaya Creek and the Merced River into a cascading torrents, the Mountain Dogwood blooms in abundance, the marshy meadows attract diverse wildlife, and the granite cliffs of the canyons are luminous -- even at the extremes of the day. These low light situations are advantageous for the slower shutter speeds on the camera -- so bring a tripod -- and results can be stunning.

This tour is appropriate for those practicing both black and white, and color photography. To take advantage of the crisp morning light, this tour will start at seven in the morning at the Mirror Lake shuttle bus stop (#17), and will end at the Happy Isles bus stop (#16). We will proceed up the Mirror Lake road to a historic shore vista of the lake and towering Mount Watkins -- made famous by generations of photographers including Ansel Adams. From there, the tour will continue along the Northwest side of Tenaya Creek towards little known Hidden Falls, near the base of Cloud’s Rest, and will return to Mirror Lake along the Southeast side of the creek. The tour will make many stops along the way to photograph the elegant Mountain Dogwood tree, resplendent granite boulders, Half Dome and the resplendent Tenaya Creek. The tour will then proceed down the trail towards they Happy Isles interpretive center where a loop trail will take us around picturesque islands in the middle of the Merced River. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, depth of field, hyperfocal distance, exposure techniques, metering, the zone system, white balance and composition.

Type of Tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

Time:

7:00am - 1:30pm

Description:

Strenuous Upper Yosemite Falls Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 7 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: about 3000'
Difficulty: Strenuous

This strenuous hike leads from the valley floor to the top of Yosemite Falls, the highest and perhaps most spectacular waterfall in North America. Experience incomparable views of Half Dome as you ascend the challenging switchbacks.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Explorer Masters Macro Photography Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore Spring in Yosemite Valley in the meadows and forests along the Merced River through the unique perspective of a macro lens. We will photograph emerging plants and flowers, insects, water in the Merced River, late spring frost and many other subjects that Yosemite Valley offers. Learn beginning and advanced uses of a macro lens as well as macro flash photography.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Time:

7:00am - 1:00pm

Description:

Moderate Nevada Falls Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 10 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

We will descend to the top of Nevada Falls from Glacier Point and discover 4 of Yosemite's most prominent waterfalls along the way. Photographic opportunities will present themselves throughout the day.

*Each tour may be attended for one day or as a combination package.

Time:

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Description:

Yosemite boasts some of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. These tours are designed to photograph almost every large waterfall in Yosemite Valley over a period of days. Photographer John Senser (a veteran of over 30 years of Yosemite waterfall photography) has scheduled each of them during the period of maximum runoff and the time of day for the best lighting on each. You can sign up for one or all sessions.

These tours will emphasize different techniques for working with moving water, how to achieve the highest quality images and create the strongest, most interesting compositions. All camera formats and levels of experience are welcome and issues will be discussed as they apply to both film and digital cameras.

Session IV: Photographing Ribbon and Bridalveil Falls

Spectacular perspectives from El Capitan Meadows and a little known stagecoach road provide unique angles and rainbow possibilities. Moderate hiking 2-3 miles.

Time:

6:30am - 11:00am

Description:

Yosemite Introductory
PHOTO WORKSHOP
with Christine White Loberg

Beginner/Intermdiate Photo Classes

Learn how to compose a nature photograph, and join us for an introductory photography course with a professional photographer. Photographers of all ages and experience levels are welcome.

1. Learn the functions of the camera and how the work together (Aperture, shutter, film speed/ISO)

2. How to control light for the effect YOU want (Landscapes & mysterious moods, wildlife, abstracts, macro)

3. How to read a histogram (What is it? What to look for, how to use it, how to apply it)

4. The zone system and it relates to digital photography (10 zones, latitude of light, 18% gray, Kelvin light)

5. Composition (choose a subject, placement of subjects, rule of thirds, latitude of light & how it works, emotional impact)

Type of tour: Specialty Photo Session
Price: $250 per person

You can sign up for one or two day sessions.

Time:

7:00am - 12:00pm

Description:

Moderate Sentinel Dome/Taft Point Hiking Tour
Miles Hiking: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: <1000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Kids: over 10 years old OK

The day begins with an easy ascent of an 8000 foot peak. We will then travel to discover some of Yosemite's geological wonders at Taft Point. We will have spectacular views of Yosemite Valley along the way.

*Each tour may be attended for one day or as a combination package.

Time:

3:00pm - 7:00pm

Description:

Yosemite Giant Sequoia Photo Session with John Senser

The Giant Sequoias and Spring Dogwoods

Miles: 3 miles roundtrip
Elevation: 6200’-5900’
Difficulty: moderately steep trail (old roadbed)

This outing will hike into one of the spectacular groves of huge and ancient giant sequoias, the Tuolumne Grove. It is a mystical land of redwood giants that seem to dwarf the surrounding trees and mankind. The photography emphasis will be on making the strongest possible compositions of these mammoth trees and the challenges of rendering successfully such a grand subject in limited space. Special attention will be given to light balance and contrast control in this densely forested habitat. An added plus often seen only at this time of year is the blossoming of the delicate dogwoods which grow among the giants.

Time:

3:15pm - 8:15pm

Description:

Yosemite Valley Waterfall Masters Photo Workshop with Phil Schermeister

Explore and discover the many diverse waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Learn basic and advanced techniques of shooting waterfalls in this most spectacular setting during peak waterfall season. We will photograph the thundering falls that make Yosemite famous this time of year. Yosemite Falls at 2425' is the Valley's most recognizable. We will also visit others such as Bridalveil, Cascade, and other waterfalls that make Yosemite Valley unique.


Type of tour: Yosemite Explorer Masters Photo Workshop
Price: $350
Difficulty of hiking: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Miles: under 2 miles hiking roundtrip

All levels of experience are welcome.

*Class Sizes will be limited and are subject to a 2 person minimum.

Call us toll free at 800 886-8009 and we will gladly customize a