Emergence, Half Dome from Olmsted Point, Yosemite

When we arrived at Olmsted Point for the final sunset of my Eastern Sierra photo workshop, the last thing we thought we’d be photographing was Half Dome. The entire scene was engulfed in clouds that obscured all but the closest trees and rocks, and even those were reduced to looming, indistinct shapes. But as sunset approached the clouds started to thin, first in our general proximity and then farther down Tenaya Canyon, toward Half Dome and Mt. Watkins. From our vantage point it appeared that the receding clouds were relinquishing Half Dome to the encroaching darkness–the only question remaining was whether Half Dome would emerge before night took over. We photographed until darkness was complete, eventually waiting out chilly ten and twenty second exposures to capture this surreal moment.

3 Comments on “Emergence, Half Dome from Olmsted Point, Yosemite”

  1. Awesome! I just love your photos. The Yosemite Dogwoods are my favorite too! Have you ever just sat under one and looked up at the way the light comes through the leaves? So beautiful!

    Reply

    • Thanks, Judy. Yes, I love backlit dogwood, both the petals and the leaves. Their translucence makes dogwood petals and leaves one of the few things I enjoy photographing in full sun. The best is finding them fully lit in front of a shaded background–spot-meter on the brightest area and the shade makes a beautiful black background. It’s also nice to shoot up and slightly underexpose backlit dogwood against a blue sky.

      Reply

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