Santa Rosa is certainly closer to Tahoe than Yosemite, if that's a concern for you. That said, Yosemite is gorgeous any time of year, but The Valley is wonderful in the winter. There will be people there, but not the usual hoards, and there are mnay places to find excellent compositions while enjoying the quietude of winter.
It will likey get busier the weekend before Christmas, so if you can get there this coming week, you would see fewer people.
As an aside. There is construction going on on highway 140 (that comes up from Merced): Delays are inevitable. Your best bet wouod be to take highway 120, if you decide to go to Yosemite.
Have fun and be safe wherever you decide to go!
-PB
Posted by Harley Goldman on December 14, 2007 at 11:47 AM
As far as photo opps, kind of depends what you like to shoot. For my tastes, Yosemite is really tough to beat. The opportunities vary from the grand landscape to intimate close-ups. I also like just being in Yosemite. It has some kind of karma and charm that I really savor.
Tahoe is beautiful, but it does not get me going the same way Yosemite does. As Preston mentioned, in terms of crowds, winter is a great time to be in Yosemite. There are not many people and it has a very slow, relaxing pace to life there. Take a walk even slightly off the beaten path and odds are you won't see a soul.
Posted by Edward Nunez on December 14, 2007 at 1:22 PM
My vote for Yosemite too... and I've spent more time in Lake Tahoe than Yosemite. But, as already been said, Yosemite is hard to beat... Beautiful place anytime of year!
With the low sun angle during the winter, the light in The Valley is quite soft, yet luminous. Also, early in the mornings, frost and mist along the Merced River can provide some outstanding opportunities.
Posted by Benjamin Glatt on December 14, 2007 at 5:49 PM
Thanks everyone for the input, much appreciated! So, Yosemite it is...any more tips on photography in snow conditions/ must see locales? I want to stay away from the cliche YNP pictures, so does anyone know of any other areas that are really neat places to photograph? (I know that it may be a difficult task, seeing as how the entire park is ridiculously gorgeous)
Posted by Harley Goldman on December 14, 2007 at 6:15 PM
Take a walk on the road to Mirror Lake, stroll on the path behind the church or the path on the other side of the valley, across from the Yosemite Lodge, wander into the various picnic areas along the road and the river, wander around the Happy Isles area, wander through any of the meadows. It is hard to pick a bad spot. There are so many cool trees, the river, streams, meadows rocks that just wandering around anywhere should give you ideas.
Posted by Greg Cope on December 14, 2007 at 7:06 PM
I'd probably go for Yosemite as well, unless its snowing and the skiing in Tahoe is good ;) Yosemite seems to be a completely different place in winter: interesting light, no crowds, and possibly snow.
If your into a good and relatively hard hike, go up to Mirror Lake then hang a left up the Snow Creek Trail. This will give you some very unique views of Half Dome, as you ascend the wall of the valley directly across from it. A great place to have lunch is at the top of the switchbacks and the trail levels off turn right x-country out to the rim (its also an incredible place to camp and watch the alpenglow off the Dome).
You will find many intimate landscapes along the Merced as you hike from Happy Isles toward Vernal Falls. With the low water and many exposed boulders, and the trees on the opposite bank, you should be richly rewarded.
Lon has done some very nice work in the Merced Canyon between El Portal and the Valley floor. The water in the pools will have a nice glow from the sky and from light reflected off the canyon walls.
If the light and conditions are right, there is nuthin' wrong with shooting the icons!
You didn't mention when you are planning to go, but there are several cold fronts that will be coming into NorCal through Thursday of the coming week. Snow levels are progged to be in the 3,500 to 4,500 foot range which may give some real fine conditions in The Valley. Bring your tire chains: they could be required on park roads at any time.
-PB
Posted by Lon Overacker on December 15, 2007 at 3:09 AM
Benjamin,
Yosemite. I've only seriously photographed around Tahoe once. It was the obligatory Emerald Bay and Eagle falls. The problem around the lake is all the development. I know there are plenty of public access sites, but I really think it requires some local knowledge to get some quality shots.
Of course I'm slightly biased about Yosemite. Starting about now, this is one of the best times to be in Yosemite; from the light as Preston mentioned, to the reduced number of visitors. It's also the best time for photographic crap shoots. What I mean by this is that the best opportunities are when you're watching the weather and can head over to Yosemite on a 1/2 day's notice. I've "scheduled" trips to Yosemite, booking a room at the lodge or in El Portal and invariably, it rains instead of snows, it's gray with dirty snow, etc. But if you can catch the valley during or directly after a fresh winter's snow - then you're in dog heaven.
As far as places within the valley.... first light happens on the east end of the valley. The meadows around Yosemite Village and the Awahnee at sunrise can offer many opportunities during the early morning when there may typically be a fog hovering on the valley floor. The areas past Awahnee and the mist trail are good recommendation.
In general, the light follows the valley from east to west. The further west you are along the merced, the longer you will be in the shadows. And depending what you like to shoot, could be an advantage.
El Capitan Meadow on the Northside drive is good pretty much all day long. The black oaks are on display and you have the option of a short walk to the Merced river for reflections. From the river, turning around, you have the monsterous El Cap as a backdrop against, the previously mentioned oaks. If it's cold enough, anywhere along the Merced you can find intimate images of pebbles and ice or oak leaves in the ice, etc.
Another nice area to wonder around is from the Bridal Veil parking lot. This time of year it's pointless to take the short walk to the bottom of the falls, but I would recommend walking around the entire area where the creek makes it's way down from the cliffs. Just be careful when off the main, paved, trail... moss covered granite disquised beneath snow can be a painful combination if you don't watch your step.
And as the end of the day rolls near, don't be too proud to not stop at either Gateway to the valley (valley view) OR Tunnel View for last light and sunset. Starting now and thru February, and depending on cloud conditions, if you're lucky and you get that orange light on El Cap, you'll wish you were at either of locations. And to hell with the crowd that's photographed these locations a million times - The light is special and unforgettable.
So, in general, start your day on the east end of the valley - mist, oaks, etc. Make your way west after breakfast (I don't stop for breakfast,) spend some time around El Capitan Meadow and take in the sights as you make your way around back to the start of the valley at Pahono bridge. You will likely end up driving around the loop a number of times scoping out locations. Towards the end of the day, well you have unlimited choices. Back at the eastern end, there are always comps to include the setting light on Half Dome to end your day... Back on the western end of the valley you have the option of Valley View (Gateway to the Valley) or Tunnel View as I mentioned earlier. And in the winter, anywhere in between you have the late afternoon light that slithers through the valley during winter.
Bottom line... if you're there for at least a couple days, you'll figure it out quickly. And don't worry about trying to get in all the locations... you can't. Find something you like, and work it.
Enough rambling from me... hope this helps answer your question of going to Yosemite and why... :-)
Lon
Posted by Benjamin Glatt on December 15, 2007 at 3:59 AM
Lon,
You are a God! Your response is invaluable, thank you!
Posted by Dan Truong on December 19, 2007 at 3:19 AM
I think there's more diversity around Tahoe if you go around. However with snow cover it might be hard to access a lot of places. Also hard to find places to visit if you don't know your way around.
Yosemite is easier to find stuff that's grand to take photos of, and will be immediatly rewarding. However now, I believe the waterfalls like Yosemite falls are bone dry. Also 1/2 dome hike is probably closed. If Tuolomne is still open, go to the lakes.
I have a slightly different perspective as I climb so I go to places hikers don't visit and have access to different view points.
Just a quick note regarding Yosemite conditions as of this morning, 12/19...
The park is open.
Northside Drive is closed due a rock slide. No estimate as to when it will reopen.
The Valley received about 4 inches of snow on Tuesday
Hiway 120 is closed at Crane Flat.
Rain expected today. Snow on Thursday and Thursday night
Partly sunny on Friday through Sunday
Chance of rain on Monday (Christmas Eve)
Chance of rain on Christmas Day
If any of you head for the mountains, be prepared for winter-like conditions, and be safe!
-PB
Posted by Cory Freeman on December 20, 2007 at 12:49 AM
FYI: you are required to carry chains with you(in the vehicle) when snow and ice are likely to occur. The CHP can ticket you for not having chains in your vehicle, even if chain control is not in effect, i.e. R1, R2, R3 conditions. I didn't know that until I started working for CT. So buy a set and stick 'em in the trunk for the winter. Here's a link to some winter driving tips. Have fun and slow down in the white stuff!
Posted by David Senesac on December 21, 2007 at 12:55 AM
Tahoe in winter is particularly difficult because there are few places where one can park because of snow banks beside roads. In winter most places where Caltrans plows at pullouts are intended to be used as pullout zones for slow moving vehicles and definitely not for parking. If one is a winter sports enthusiast with gear and a photographer, that can work trekking out from the known crosscountry or snowshoe trails. Even in summer Tahoe is not what I'd consider particularly scenic. Partly because as Lon mentioned, most of the lakeshore was dedicated to private land ownership decades ago and what isn't usually still has man-made structures in views. Also I've always considered scenery at any huge lakes to be poor subjects. Might as well be the ocean as the distant shores are just indistinc shapes without much recognizable character. Accordingly almost all marketed Tahoe prints are early/late light shots with uncommon great cloud formations. Also large lakes are rarely calm thus decent mirror reflection conditions are uncommon. I much more prefer small intimate lakes or ponds where elements on the opposite sides are close enough to still look familiar. In other words a tree with a trunk and branches and individual leaves on the other side still looks like a tree with individual leaves etc and not some indistinc blob of green. ...David
Discussion
14 repliesSanta Rosa is certainly closer to Tahoe than Yosemite, if that's a concern for you. That said, Yosemite is gorgeous any time of year, but The Valley is wonderful in the winter. There will be people there, but not the usual hoards, and there are mnay places to find excellent compositions while enjoying the quietude of winter.
It will likey get busier the weekend before Christmas, so if you can get there this coming week, you would see fewer people.
As an aside. There is construction going on on highway 140 (that comes up from Merced): Delays are inevitable. Your best bet wouod be to take highway 120, if you decide to go to Yosemite.
Have fun and be safe wherever you decide to go!
-PB
Tahoe is beautiful, but it does not get me going the same way Yosemite does. As Preston mentioned, in terms of crowds, winter is a great time to be in Yosemite. There are not many people and it has a very slow, relaxing pace to life there. Take a walk even slightly off the beaten path and odds are you won't see a soul.
See our very own Dan Baumbach's Yosemite Gallery for inspiration.
-PB
If your into a good and relatively hard hike, go up to Mirror Lake then hang a left up the Snow Creek Trail. This will give you some very unique views of Half Dome, as you ascend the wall of the valley directly across from it. A great place to have lunch is at the top of the switchbacks and the trail levels off turn right x-country out to the rim (its also an incredible place to camp and watch the alpenglow off the Dome).
You will find many intimate landscapes along the Merced as you hike from Happy Isles toward Vernal Falls. With the low water and many exposed boulders, and the trees on the opposite bank, you should be richly rewarded.
Lon has done some very nice work in the Merced Canyon between El Portal and the Valley floor. The water in the pools will have a nice glow from the sky and from light reflected off the canyon walls.
If the light and conditions are right, there is nuthin' wrong with shooting the icons!
You didn't mention when you are planning to go, but there are several cold fronts that will be coming into NorCal through Thursday of the coming week. Snow levels are progged to be in the 3,500 to 4,500 foot range which may give some real fine conditions in The Valley. Bring your tire chains: they could be required on park roads at any time.
-PB
Yosemite. I've only seriously photographed around Tahoe once. It was the obligatory Emerald Bay and Eagle falls. The problem around the lake is all the development. I know there are plenty of public access sites, but I really think it requires some local knowledge to get some quality shots.
Of course I'm slightly biased about Yosemite. Starting about now, this is one of the best times to be in Yosemite; from the light as Preston mentioned, to the reduced number of visitors. It's also the best time for photographic crap shoots. What I mean by this is that the best opportunities are when you're watching the weather and can head over to Yosemite on a 1/2 day's notice. I've "scheduled" trips to Yosemite, booking a room at the lodge or in El Portal and invariably, it rains instead of snows, it's gray with dirty snow, etc. But if you can catch the valley during or directly after a fresh winter's snow - then you're in dog heaven.
As far as places within the valley.... first light happens on the east end of the valley. The meadows around Yosemite Village and the Awahnee at sunrise can offer many opportunities during the early morning when there may typically be a fog hovering on the valley floor. The areas past Awahnee and the mist trail are good recommendation.
In general, the light follows the valley from east to west. The further west you are along the merced, the longer you will be in the shadows. And depending what you like to shoot, could be an advantage.
El Capitan Meadow on the Northside drive is good pretty much all day long. The black oaks are on display and you have the option of a short walk to the Merced river for reflections. From the river, turning around, you have the monsterous El Cap as a backdrop against, the previously mentioned oaks. If it's cold enough, anywhere along the Merced you can find intimate images of pebbles and ice or oak leaves in the ice, etc.
Another nice area to wonder around is from the Bridal Veil parking lot. This time of year it's pointless to take the short walk to the bottom of the falls, but I would recommend walking around the entire area where the creek makes it's way down from the cliffs. Just be careful when off the main, paved, trail... moss covered granite disquised beneath snow can be a painful combination if you don't watch your step.
And as the end of the day rolls near, don't be too proud to not stop at either Gateway to the valley (valley view) OR Tunnel View for last light and sunset. Starting now and thru February, and depending on cloud conditions, if you're lucky and you get that orange light on El Cap, you'll wish you were at either of locations. And to hell with the crowd that's photographed these locations a million times - The light is special and unforgettable.
So, in general, start your day on the east end of the valley - mist, oaks, etc. Make your way west after breakfast (I don't stop for breakfast,) spend some time around El Capitan Meadow and take in the sights as you make your way around back to the start of the valley at Pahono bridge. You will likely end up driving around the loop a number of times scoping out locations. Towards the end of the day, well you have unlimited choices. Back at the eastern end, there are always comps to include the setting light on Half Dome to end your day... Back on the western end of the valley you have the option of Valley View (Gateway to the Valley) or Tunnel View as I mentioned earlier. And in the winter, anywhere in between you have the late afternoon light that slithers through the valley during winter.
Bottom line... if you're there for at least a couple days, you'll figure it out quickly. And don't worry about trying to get in all the locations... you can't. Find something you like, and work it.
Enough rambling from me... hope this helps answer your question of going to Yosemite and why... :-)
Lon
You are a God! Your response is invaluable, thank you!
Yosemite is easier to find stuff that's grand to take photos of, and will be immediatly rewarding. However now, I believe the waterfalls like Yosemite falls are bone dry. Also 1/2 dome hike is probably closed. If Tuolomne is still open, go to the lakes.
I have a slightly different perspective as I climb so I go to places hikers don't visit and have access to different view points.
The park is open.
Northside Drive is closed due a rock slide. No estimate as to when it will reopen.
The Valley received about 4 inches of snow on Tuesday
Hiway 120 is closed at Crane Flat.
Rain expected today. Snow on Thursday and Thursday night
Partly sunny on Friday through Sunday
Chance of rain on Monday (Christmas Eve)
Chance of rain on Christmas Day
If any of you head for the mountains, be prepared for winter-like conditions, and be safe!
-PB