Join us for the unique opportunity to explore, compare, and contrast the magnificence of two Yosemite Valleys including Hetch Hetchy, the hidden treasure of Yosemite National Park. Over time, the Yosemite Valley has developed into a Mecca for painters and landscape photographers worldwide. However, it is the lesser known and least visited Hetch Hetchy Valley, dammed in 1923, that also awards its visitors with fresh artistic opportunities. Roaring waterfalls, granite cliffs, lupine, wildlife and beautiful California Black Oaks are all present above the waterline, and along the valley’s still unspoiled edges, and provide ample opportunities for interpretive expression.
NATURE, PAINTING, and PHOTOGRAPHY, WORKSHOPS (May 2-5, 2014)
The week’s events will commence with an introductory hike in Yosemite Valley led by two renowned naturalists, David Lukas and the group’s leader, James McGrew. A week of discovery will follow with instructional photography tours guided by acclaimed photographers Walter Flint, Phil Schermeister, Robb Hirsch, and Joshua Cripps. James and David will guide naturalist excursions including birding tours that transect both regions.
Free Evening Program by James McGrew 7 pm May 2 in Yosemite Valley: “The Influence of Art in the Shaping of America’s National Parks”
In honor of the 150 year anniversary of the Yosemite Land Grant, we are offering free tuition for three participants at this event. Here are 3 simple instructions: 1. Like our Facebook Page, 2. Submit a nature photo, and 3. Submit a brief paragraph why you would like to be considered. Scholarship winners will be announced April 2, 2014.
NATURALIST HIKES
Discover scenic beauty while receiving a natural history education from expert guides with a wealth of knowledge of Yosemite National Park. James McGrew and David Lukas will each lead groups on tours that reveal the Natural History of Yosemite including its geology, flora, fauna, and the original inhabitants of the park. Specialty Birding Tours led by David Lukas will also highlight the week’s events.
YOSEMITE VALLEY NATURE HIKE with James McGrew
Date: May 2, 2013 (10:00 am)
This 5 hour introductory walk through Yosemite Valley will be our first event and will be led by both James McGrew. He will expertly guide you through the valley to discover its vast beauty while discussing the natural history of this remarkable place. Participants will have ample opportunities to absorb the area’s budding spring wildflowers while uncovering the incredible vistas that have inspired visitors since 1855. We will stroll along trails that will explore the booming waterfalls and iconic peaks of the Valley of Ahwahnee. Tour will last five hours and will provide you with ample opportunities for spectacular photographs.
Price: $50 per person
YOSEMITE VALLEY HALF DAY BIRDING TOUR with David Lukas
Date: May 3, 2013
Time: 9:00 am
Price: $100 per person
Find some of Yosemite ‘s many birds with a naturalist on this tour throughout the productive areas surrounding Yosemite Valley. We will travel in our own cars and make stops that focus on target birds or habitats with long stops at each site. (Note: This tour may be modified to search for certain target species or to take advantage of shifting bird populations.) Tours will last approximately five hours.
Tour subject to a 2 person minimum.
HETCH HETCHY VALLEY NATURAL HISTORY and BIRDING TOUR with David Lukas
Date: May 4, 2013
Time: 9:00 am
Price: $100 per person
Explore the natural features of Yosemite’s twin Valley where you will discover many species of plants, wildflowers, birds, and other living creatures with a naturalist on this tour through the Hetch Hetchy Valley. We will travel on foot in search of target birds and habitats while learning the natural history of the “Tuolumne Yosemite”. Tours will last approximately six hours.
Tour subject to a 2 person minimum.
PAINTING WORKSHOP
Discover relationships of plein air techniques/materials, composition, color, value, brushwork, aesthetics, and reference photography with implications for studio work. From beginner to professional, you’ll view these famous painting subjects with a fresh perspective and deeper understanding as you learn about geology, flora, fauna, atmosphere and light relating to painting. Translate these elements through your brush and create more life-like and interpretive works of art.
You’ll need your own materials including: Pochade/easel or sketch box, paints, medium, brushes, paper towels, camera etc. Detailed materials list and info provided to registrants.
YOSEMITE TWIN VALLEYS PAINTING WORKSHOP “EN PLEIN AIR” with James McGrew
Dates Available: May 3-4, 2013
Price: $300 for 2-day session
Compare and contrast these sister valleys’ majestic views, thundering waterfalls, granitic features, 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. From beginner to professional, you’ll view these famous painting subjects with a fresh perspective and deeper understanding as you learn about geology, flora, fauna, atmosphere and light relating to painting. Translate these elements through your brush and create more life-like and interpretive works of art. This 16 hour workshop led by James McGrew will be offered as a 2-day session that will range from 9am-5pm on May 16 and 9am-5pm on May 17. Includes demonstrations in oils, instruction and critique. James will accommodate other painting mediums. Includes evening programs/meeting, full day nature walk to Inspiration Point on May 15, and two full days of painting workshop in the field.
You will need your own materials including: Pochade/easel or sketch box, paints, medium, brushes, paper towels, camera etc. Detailed materials list and info provided to registrants.
PHOTO WORKSHOPS
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. All the best landscape and nature photographers produce consistently great images because they not only know the technical and aesthetic aspects of their medium, but they also know their subject. Likewise, participants will discover the elements of both Hetch Hetchy and Yosemite Valleys that make them special from their geology, to the flora and fauna, and history. You’ll apply your newfound technical knowledge coupled with your personal emotion/vision to create meaningful interpretations of both valleys. Tours last approximately 4 hours and may require up to 5 miles easy walking.
Minimum Requirements: Any camera which offers manual control over the shutter speed and aperture. Digital cameras preferred because they offer instant feedback. An SLR with a pair of lenses (i.e. wide angle zoom and a long telephoto) would be ideal. We frequently encounter wildlife in these areas so a long lens is handy to have on hand. A tripod is strongly recommended. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen, rain gear, and sturdy walking shoes. Feel free to ask any questions about the content or requirements.
LANDSCAPE CLASSES
Each photography workshop we offer is a unique interpretive educational experience. Our Photo Guides have lived and worked in Yosemite for many years and will help you discover some of the park’s lesser known shooting locations. Participants may choose their subjects and specific topics, and our professional photographer will plan a tour especially for each student. Further, their main focus will be on improving your photography (not their own) throughout the entire session to ensure that you leave Yosemite with a new found knowledge and some of the best photos in your library. It is that personal attention that separates us from our competitors. Please visit our Testimonials Page.
Price: $150 per person
THE ART OF DIGITAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY IN YOSEMITE VALLEY with Joshua Cripps
Dates: May 3, 2013 2:30-7:00 pm
Price: $150 per person
This program will provide an introduction to the art of digital nature photography and will focus on the photographer’s active role in the creation of beautiful nature images. It will emphasize taking the camera off of ‘Auto’ mode and using the more controllable manual modes. Topics covered will include aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure, white balance, composition, and the artist’s role in photography.
RAINBOWS AND REFLECTIONS YOSEMITE VALLEY WATERFALLS PHOTOGRAHY SESSION with Walter Flint
Dates:
May 4, 2013
Time: 3:30-8:00 pm
Price: $150 per person
May is the perfect month to explore the waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Copious amount of water, combined with the usually fantastic weather, create a stunning visual palette to photograph upon. We will concentrate of creating beautiful and lasting images of The Valleys iconic waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, Ribbon Fall and Bridalveil Fall. You will be taken to prime and unusual locations to photograph these subjects. We will look to photograph our subjects as stand alone entities and also endeavor to combine other interesting visual elements in the scene to create photographs that are both interesting and artistic. Learn about what combinations of shutter speed and aperture work best for the subject at any given time. Also learn about filtration and other unusual creative decisions that you can make to help make your images be more unique and creative.
HETCH HETCHY FALLS AND FLOWERS with Robb Hirsch
Dates: May 5, 2013
Time: 7:25 am – 12:25 pm
Price: $150 per person
With several striking waterfalls and colorful wildflower displays, Hetch Hetchy offers a multitude of potential subjects to photograph in a far less crowded setting than Yosemite Valley. Emphasis for this workshop will be placed on creating strong compositions, teaching techniques for shooting waterfalls and wildflowers, the art of pre-visualizing images to be more productive, and reading light to best utilize the current conditions. Learn how to become more creative with photography by manually choosing apertures and shutter speeds and shooting a scene in a variety of ways to isolate the subject or put it in the context of the surrounding environment. Come away with fine images of this intriguing landscape and more importantly the knowledge to better capture quality images of the natural world wherever you may be.
MASTERS PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
Price: $250 per person
YOSEMITE EXPLORER MASTERS ABSTRACTS & COLOR IN NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP with Phil Schermeister
Date: May 4, 2013
Time: 7am-12pm
Price: $250 per person
Working with Yosemite’s spectacular geography and distinctive setting, we will explore a variety of photographic techniques as we work with light, color, form, and motion to create our own works of photographic art. National Geographic photographer Phil Schermeister will help you create visually unique images of many of Yosemite’s outstanding features and teach you how to work with water, wildflowers, and other natural features of the park. Artificial light sources will also be discussed and utilized. Seminars will take place in Yosemite Valley and other areas of the park. Participants should bring basic camera equipment, a photographic flash, tripod, and your imagination.
Classes are subject to a 2 person minimum.
YOSEMITE VALLEY WATERFALLS MASTERS PHOTO WORKSHOP with Phil Schermeister
Date: May 5, 2013
Time: 7am-12pm
Price: $250 per person
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.
Classes are subject to a 2 person minimum.
The Hetch Hetchy Valley by John Muir (Sierra Club Bulletin, Vol. VI, No. 4, January, 1908)
After my first visit, in the autumn of 1871, I have always called it the Tuolumne Yosemite, for it is a wonderfully exact counterpart of the great Yosemite, not only in its crystal river and sublime rocks and waterfalls, but in the gardens, groves, and meadows of its flower park-like floor. The floor of Yosemite is about 4,000 feet above the sea, the Hetch -Hetchy floor about 3,700; the walls of both are of gray granite, rise abruptly out of the flowery grass and groves are sculptured in the same style, and in both every rock is a glacial monument. Standing boldly out from the south wall is a strikingly picturesque rock called “Kolana” by the Indians, the outermost of a group 2300 feet high, corresponding with the Cathedral Rocks of Yosemite both in relative position and form. On the opposite side of the Valley, facing Kolana, there is a counterpart of the El Capitan of Yosemite rising sheer and plain to a height of 1800 feet, and over its massive brow flows a stream which makes the most graceful fall I have ever seen.
