Falling Into the Beauty of the Valley: Yosemite Photo Update 10.23.13

Yosemite_BlackOaks_DeGrazio — Black Oaks of Yosemite Valley by John P. DeGrazio

By John P. DeGrazio

Yosemite National Park is open, and now is the time to explore the beautiful Valley in full fall color. Dogwoods line the Merced River, and the meadows are aglow with golden leaves from black oaks and big leaf maples. I spent the day yesterday leading two acrobatic sister German jumpshot specialists on a familiar trail high above the Yosemite Valley. As we gazed from the vistas, we noticed the golden colored trees that lined the Merced River. Once our hike ended, I ventured down to the river for some exceptional photographic opportunities from some of our secret spots we share on our Yosemite Photography Workshops.

BlackOak_Cathedral_Yosemite_DeGrazio — Black Oak and Middle Cathedral Rock by John P. DeGrazio

Photographing in nature can be very therapeutic for the mind as it regenerates creative juices. I found myself giddy with excitement wandering along the banks of the Merced. This was an opportunity I was not going to let pass.

Dogwoods_Yosemite_DeGrazio — Dogwoods on the Merced RIver by John P. DeGrazio

The morning began with a quick stop at the Pohono Bridge. The colorful dogwoods were tempting me from the moment I arrived in the Valley. I knew I would return for a late afternoon excursion that allowed me to photograph El Capitan, Half Dome, and the beautiful black oaks. Anticipation grew with each stop along my self-led photo tour, and the rewards were continuous. I ended the day with a walk through a meadow to photograph the side and backlit golden leaves of the black oaks. It was another perfect day in my favorite playground.