Misty sunset from Tunnel View, Yosemite NP, California
Last Tuesday night a small snowstorm moved through Yosemite. It’s been a dry winter so far, and this was the first significant snow in Yosemite Valley in quite awhile. It also looked like the storm might clear around sunrise, which was good timing.
So Claudia and I rose early Wednesday morning and drove up to the Valley, where we found about four inches of new snow. It was great to see the trees decked out in white, and to feel the snow underfoot.
Skies didn’t truly clear until late morning, but there were a few moments of beautiful light before that. I photographed Half Dome emerging from the mist with the clouds above turning color, then again in black and white as mist closed in. Half Dome disappeared for awhile, but later the sun broke through and illuminated Washington Column for a few minutes. And about 11:00 a.m. I photographed the sun poking through clouds above the south side of the Valley, silhouetting trees along the rim.
Then showers moved in again. But it looked like skies could clear before sunset, so we decided to hang around and see what happened. We ended up at Tunnel View, where we waited out off-and-on snow showers, occasionally catching glimpses of Half Dome or El Capitan through the mist. Then, late in the day, the clouds and mist dissipated a bit more, revealing Bridalveil Fall, and allowing the setting sun to light El Cap (see the photo at the top of this post).
This was such a fun day. It was super misty at times, coupled with fresh snow – a great combination. I hardly got to photograph any clearing storms in Yosemite last year, and then got treated to this day as soon as the new year arrived. Let’s hope there’s more to come.
— Michael Frye
P.S. In case you missed it yesterday, I just announced a new Lightroom webinar called Mastering Color. You can find out more here. And there’s an early-bird discount: Use the code LRCOLOR20 to get 20% off until Monday, January 15th.
Snowy sunrise, Half Dome, Yosemite NP, California
Half Dome through mist, Yosemite NP, California
Light and mist on Washington Column, Yosemite NP, California
Sun breaking through mist above the south rim of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite NP, California
Related Posts: A Yosemite Icon; Clearing Tropical Storm; Lightroom Webinar: Mastering Color
Michael Frye is a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature. He lives near Yosemite National Park in California, but travels extensively to photograph natural landscapes in the American West and throughout the world.
Michael uses light, weather, and design to make photographs that capture the mood of the landscape, and convey the beauty, power, and mystery of nature. His work has received numerous awards, and appeared in publications around the world. He’s the author and/or principal photographer of several books, including Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters, and The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite.
Michael loves to share his knowledge of photography through articles, books, workshops, online courses, and his blog. He’s taught over 200 workshops focused on landscape photography, night photography, digital image processing, and printing.
Wonderful captures. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks very much Craig!
Absolutely beautiful photographs Michael. Thank you!
Thanks so much Don!
I think the mist swirling around Washington Column is my favorite of the set! You had some spectacular conditions.
Thanks Vivienne! Might be my favorite as well.
Beautiful images, Michael—many thanks! I love the Washington Column mist photo! What a great day you and Claudia had.
I’ve never photographed a clearing storm at Yosemite—maybe someday. In the meantime I will enjoy your lovely images.
Thanks Bob! Glad you like the Washington Column photo – that’s probably my favorite. I hope you get to photograph a clearing storm in Yosemite someday. There should be one after today’s storm – but it looks like it’ll clear during the middle of the night.
Awesome photos, as usual. My favorite this time is Washington Column. If I understood your commentary correctly, that photo was made from Tunnel View. If so, what lens did you use that made it look like you could reach out and touch it?
Thanks Patti! Glad you like the Washington Columnn photo. I was at Tunnel View late in the afternoon, not in the morning when I made that photo. That’s not a standard viewpoint, but I don’t talk about specifics for locations like that in a public forum like this.
Spectacular! A testimonial to ongoing beauty so few are there to witness. Mahalo!
Thanks very much Barbara!
Beautiful images Michael and happy we finally have snow in the Sierras! Waiting out sunset was the call…wonderful light on El Cap and the photo of Washington Column is amazing as well! Best to you both and looking forward to the webinar.
Thanks so much Hank!
I’m so glad you and Claudia were there to capture these images! The flowing mist looks really cool.
Thanks very much Gina!
You have past an interesting day and I like the great pictures. Thanks for the post.
Thanks very much Kuno!
Beautiful images! Would love to see Yosemite in snow someday.
Thanks Karol! Hope you get that chance.
Magical images! Sounds like it was a great day of photography.
It sure was – thanks!