Photographing the Eastern Sierra and Yosemite National Park

Last week I had the opportunity to take a quick two day trip down to the Eastern Sierra and then up and over Tioga Pass to Yosemite National Park. The fall colors in the Eastern Sierra were unbelievable. I spent most of my afternoon shooting around the June Lake Loop area.

"June Lake Loop"

"Silver Lake"

For the late afternoon and sunset I made my way over to Mono Lake to photograph the amazing tufa formations that grace the area.

"Mono Lake Tufas"

After camping that evening at the base of Tioga Pass, I woke up early (4:00am) and drove into Yosemite National Park to photograph the sunrise over El Capitan and the Merced River. As much as Yosemite has been photographed over the years, it's easy to see why. Everywhere you look in the valley is one amazing shot after another. As the sun made it's way higher in the sky, I took a break and grabbed some breakfast.

"Reflections of El Cap"

"Cathedral Spires"

"El Cap" "Yosemite Falls"

I spent the rest of the day hiking on the Mist Trail. The waterfalls (Vernal and Nevada Falls) were really cranking from all the recent rain and snow. As I reached the top of the Mist Trail I realized that it was only noon. "Why not continue up to the top of Half Dome?," I thought. So I did. I still had a lot of hiking to do, so I put my camera away and headed for the top. The view did not disappoint. I must say it was probably one of the best hikes I've ever been on.

"Vernal Falls"

First Winter Storm in Lake Tahoe

Just like clockwork the weather at my home in Lake Tahoe is changing. It is just early October and we have already had our first snowfall. The aspens haven't even really begun to turn yet. The sudden change in weather and new snow made for some amazing photographic opportunities. I headed out to Bonsai Rock on Lake Tahoe's east shore to photograph the storm coming in. It was an unbelievable display of color and light. I shot at Bonsai Rock until the storm was right over my head. For the rest of the afternoon, I headed back to the south shore of the lake to photograph Mt. Tallac. The light snow coverage really brings out the grandeur of the mountain, revealing all the subtle details of the terrain. I went home that night knowing I had captured something great. What a good feeling!

"Storm"

"Kiva Meadow"

"First Snow on Mt. Tallac"