Summer in Yosemite
I couldn't resist Canon's recent invitation to go up to Yosemite for a few days (though don't worry ethics fans, I paid my own way). I brought my mom along with me, since she hasn't been in at least 10 years. It was hot and crowded, which reminded me of why I never go to the park in the summer.
Anyhow, Canon is putting on free seminars in Yosemite this month, followed by Yellowstone and Grand Canyon in July and August, respectively. You sign up, they give you some gear (lots of 30D's and 5D's were loaned out), and a professional photographer takes you out into the meadow to give you some tips and techniques. I went with the "advanced" group, which was lead by "Explorer of Light" Adam Jones, and I learned quite a few new techniques along the way.
Click the link to see some of the photos that I took before, during, and after the seminar. All photos were taken with the Canon EOS-1D Mk III, which is an incredible (but complicated) camera.
Thursday
Looking toward Yosemite Valley (with the back of Half Dome visible) from Olmstead Point (off Tioga Rd)
Looking the other way from the same spot. That's Tenaya Lake in the distance
Tenaya Lake
Tuolumne Meadows
People who never leave the valley floor are missing out
Friday
Bridalveil Falls
El Cap
First of many shots of Yosemite Falls
Lower Yosemite Falls
I already forgot what this stuff is called... cow-something.
Grass in the wind
Upper Yosemite Falls
One of the things I learned in the seminar was to get both the foreground and background in focus, which is harder than it looks!
Always a fan of these shots
Favorite shot, which was suggested by seminar leader Adam Jones
Second favorite shot
Local resident
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That plant you surmise is "cow-something" look's a lot like Queen Anne's Lace.
Great shots ... I do love the silhouetted tall trees.
Those are great shots Jeff of some beautiful country. Always wanted to go there and then I got too old.
How is your AF in Servo my 1D3 is OOF.
John
Terrific photos, Jeff. We made it ot Yosemite once several years back. A great photo op.
Checked the link you have for the workshops. It gives no info as to schedule for the July and August workshops. Is there another link? Thanks!
Doc
Cow-something = Cow Parsley. If the plant was misidentified, it is Poison Hemlock (yes, the stuff that sent Socrates to his grave).
Enjoyable images. I would like to try out a Mark III. I will read your review when you post it.
-billy
www.goodpersontest.com
The plant is Heracleum lanatum, Cow Parsnip.
Funny, when this is really the plant which Socrates poisoned we call it in our language Bereklauw = Bear's Claw!
Another very beautiful part of the USA! Very beautiful pictures!
The plant that killed Sokrates was Conium maculatum, Poison Hemlock.
Great Pics Jeff. I've hiked all over the Sierras for 30+ years and never get tired of experiencing this place firsthand, or viewing pics taken there.
All those plants are the same family anyway. Along with carrots, can you believe it? But carrots are the only non-poisonous one, if I remember correctly.
Great pics, make me want to go back and try and improve my shots!
It's a shame those workshops are US residents only - it would be worth flying back to the US for.
Possibly the flower is cowbane?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Hemlock
Great photos... particularly your two favorites.
You said keeping the foreground and background in focus was something you learned. I'd be curious to know if there's more to it than just using a small aperture.
Thanks for your continued brilliant work. I get so many questions about cameras, and I always refer people to your page for comprehensive reviews.