In the Moment:
Michael Frye's Landscape Photography Blog

February in Yosemite

February light on Bridalveil Fall from near Turtleback Dome

February light on Bridalveil Fall from near Turtleback Dome


First, I’m going to have a big announcement later this week—stay tuned!

Next, I’ve been getting lots of questions about Horsetail Fall. Since my last post about this not much has changed; there is little water in Horsetail right now. There’s snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow, so that should help, but they’re only predicting 6-8 inches, and I don’t know whether that will be enough to make a significant difference. If the weather warms immediately afterward and melts some of that new snow the water volume could get a bump, but it’s likely to be short-lived.

But there are other things to photograph in Yosemite in February. That storm is predicted to be a cold one, which means fresh snow in Yosemite Valley. And when the storm ends we could see some nice clearing storm conditions.

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App Update is Ready; Fall Color in Yosemite

Reeds and reflected trees at Siesta Lake, Yosemite

Reeds and reflected trees at Siesta Lake, Yosemite


Good news! Apple approved the update for The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite iPhone app today, so it now works with iOS 5.0 (or any version from 3.1 on). I’m glad that Apple approved the update so quickly; sorry again about the inconvenience.

Meanwhile, autumn has finally begun in Yosemite. Fall color was nearly non-existent a week ago, but every day more leaves are turning. Yosemite Valley is not close to peak color yet, but things are changing quickly, and I think we’ll see some great color within a week. In fact some of the maples are already completely yellow.

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Read This Before Upgrading Your iPhone to iOS5!

Apple just released it’s new operating system (5.0) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Unfortunately the new OS causes problems with The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite iPhone app. We have already submitted an update to Apple that will fix the problem, but under normal circumstances it takes a week for Apple to approve this, and I suspect they will be inundated with updates to apps, so it could take longer.

So if you’re planning to use the app within the next week or two, the best solution is to not upgrade to iOS5 yet. When you sync your phone (or iPod or iPad) to your computer, if it asks you whether you want to update, click Cancel or Later. If you’ve already upgraded to iOS5, unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be a safe and easy way to go back to iOS4, so you will have to wait for the update to be released.

Please accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause!

— Michael Frye

iPhone App Version 1.1

I’ve heard a lot of wonderful comments about the iPhone app version of the Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite since it was released almost two weeks ago. There are ten ratings and eight reviews in the app store, all five stars. And many of you have taken the time to write me personally to say how much you like the app. Thank you all so much! I really appreciate all the kind words, and I hope the app helps all of you get some great photos of Yosemite.

We just released a minor update to the app, version 1.1. This fixes a minor inconsistency in the menus, and adds a link to the YouTube video about the app in the Extras section. This update should appear automatically in the App Store on your phone or iPod Touch, and of course the update is free.

I’ve had lots of questions about iPad and Android versions. First, the current iPhone version will work on the iPad, but it’s designed for the iPhone’s smaller screen. We are working on a version that’s optimized for the iPad, with a new design that takes advantage of the larger screen, and some additional features. We’d love to make this a free upgrade, so that iPad users could download the iPhone version now, and upgrade to the iPad-only version when it comes out. Unfortunately, due to the large size of the iPad app (lots of photos!), we have to make it a separate application in iTunes, and it won’t be eligible for an upgrade from the iPhone version. Of course I hate to suggest waiting to buy the app! But the iPad version will be available soon, maybe even within the next month, so if you own an iPad and can wait a bit I’d suggest doing so.

As for an Android version, we are working on that too, but that will take a bit longer, as it’s a completely different operating system that requires different coding. We hope to have that available early next year.

Thanks again for all your support!

—Michael Frye

Related Posts: The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite iPhone App is Available Today!

Michael Frye is a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature. He is the author and photographer of The Photographer’s Guide to YosemiteYosemite Meditations, and Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters, plus the eBook Light & Land: Landscapes in the Digital Darkroom. He has written numerous magazine articles on the art and technique of photography, and his images have been published in over thirty countries around the world. Michael has lived either in or near Yosemite National Park since 1983, currently residing just outside the park in Mariposa, California.

The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite iPhone App is Available Today!

The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite App

It’s here! The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite iPhone app is on sale now in the app store. Watch the video to see a demonstration of its features, including:

• In-depth descriptions of 40 outstanding locations including the classic Yosemite Valley views, high country, and surrounding areas.

• Locations Filter—a unique feature that allows you to quickly find the best photo spots for any month and time of day.

• Over 100 stunning photographs show you what you can see at each location.

• Detailed maps and directions.

• Clear, logical layout makes it easy to find the information you need.

• Lots of photography tips to help you capture better images of the park, including Exposure for Digital Cameras, Composition, Depth of Field, HDR and Exposure Blending, Photographing Waterfalls and Cascades, Clearing Storms, and more.

• Sunrise and sunset times, full moon dates, and depth-of-field calculator

• Seasonal Planning Guide helps you find unique photo opportunities for each month.

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