Yosemite National Park continued to sparkle in May. The waterfalls kept booming and vernal reflection pools were everywhere. In our May 2016 Yosemite Instagram photos I was able to represent the lush green Valley and sprinkled in some black and white images. I also shot a couple of videos which became instantly popular, including my first black (blonde) bear sighting of the year. We noticed the bear on the opposite bank of the Tenaya Creek. It was on the other side of the trail so you can imagine our surprise to see it pop out right in front of a gathering crowd of hikers. The bear seemed nonplussed by the onlookers as it grubbed on a few different logs and attacked a beehive full of honey.

Here are some of the most popular photos from our May 2016 Yosemite Instagram with 175 likes or more. There are many more on our feed where we are quickly approaching 2000 followers. Please follow and share with other instagrammers to help us build our Instagram audience @yexplore.

May 2016 Yosemite Instagram

All photos taken on an iPhone 6s

Calm before the storm. Merced River, Yosemite National Park

A photo posted by YExplore Yosemite Adventures (@yexplore) on May 26, 2016 at 1:54pm PDT

There are so many photographic opportunities in Yosemite Valley in spring. This is one of my favorite spots that I got to share with a family from Michigan via Tennessee.

A photo posted by YExplore Yosemite Adventures (@yexplore) on May 22, 2016 at 9:04am PDT

Never let a little weather spoil a great adventure.

A photo posted by YExplore Yosemite Adventures (@yexplore) on May 21, 2016 at 7:53am PDT

As you continue up the Giant Granite Staircase, the sun kisses your check while you reach Nevada Fall. #yosemite #waterfall #misttrail #adventures #nevadafall #neverstopexploring #yexplore

A photo posted by YExplore Yosemite Adventures (@yexplore) on May 19, 2016 at 5:31pm PDT

A hungry Yosemite black (blonde) bear goes grubbing on the Mirror Lake Trail. 1st bear of the season #yosemite #bear #blackbear #blondie #wildlife #wildencounters #yosemitebears

A video posted by YExplore Yosemite Adventures (@yexplore) on May 16, 2016 at 2:44pm PDT

With sounds of the Mariposa Symphony Orchestra still dancing in my head, this scene from the John Muir Trail will always remind me of the elegant music performed last night by passionate musicians to commemorate the Yosemite anniversaries & the #nps100. Thank you fellow #yosemiteambassador Les Marsden for your wonderful gift to #yosemite #sonora & all the gateway communities. You have captured the essence of this crown jewel of our national park system with your musical compositions. We are eternally grateful for your creative contribution which will endure for future generations to appreciate & enjoy. You are a true #Maestro. #soundsofyosemite #johnmuirtrail #findyourpark

A photo posted by YExplore Yosemite Adventures (@yexplore) on May 15, 2016 at 4:33pm PDT

Sensational sounds of spring in Yosemite Valley #yosemitefalls #springintoyosemite #yosemiteliveview #yexplore

A video posted by YExplore Yosemite Adventures (@yexplore) on May 11, 2016 at 10:23am PDT

Mist Trail, Vernal Fall, Yosemite National Park this morning. #moodytuesday #mistymorning #exploreyosemite #waterfallchaser #waterfallphotography #bw #beautiful #natureshots #yexplore

A photo posted by YExplore Yosemite Adventures (@yexplore) on May 3, 2016 at 4:43pm PDT

Photos & Videos Courtesy of  http://instagram.com/yexplore

Photographing with a camera phone was once frowned upon as a lazy way out of making an image. With advancing technology, these phones are becoming more integral in everyday “outdoor” life. I am currently using the iPhone 6s with an 12 megapixel camera and will share the world of Yosemite through my phone.