After breakfast, our first stop of the day is at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. It’s by far the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite, home to hundreds of the handsome beasts, but the 1,800-year-old Grizzly Giant sequoia is worth the trip all by itself. Our hike is a gentle stroll through the forest taking a variation of photographs along the way, capturing these Giants in their best form. A good idea for this location is to bring a wide angle lens, something below 24mm. After we get back from the shuttle ride to Yosemite valley we will head back to our hotel for lunch.

Once lunch is finished, we will have a very short hike to the base of Bridalveil Falls to capture long exposures/quick bursts of the water falling upon the rocks. This is a good spot to create dramatic black and white photos as the rocks add a strong edge to the bright, white waterfall.

When we get back from the hike there will be some downtime to explore the valley on your own. We will meet up again around 5:45 pm to head up into the mountains towards Glacier Point. This spot is known for its spectacular view of Half Dome and is one of Yosemite’s famous Granite Peaks. There are numerous spots at Glacier Point so we will make time before sunset to chose our location to capture the most enchanting spot during Sunset’s glory. Dinner will be back at the hotel. (B)

Breakfast will be at our hotel and afterwards we will look through our images and discuss the trip to date. We will also have a Q & A about editing techniques. Today is all about photographing water, from waterfalls to lakes. We start our days journey by taking a short stroll over to Lower Yosemite Falls; the waterfall is an astonishing 2,425 foot tall and if there was a building built in the same size it would mass to 200 stories high. What’s amazing about this location is that the water pressure hitting the bottom of the falls will blow your hat right off your head. Once again bring a wide-angle lens option so that you are able to create dramatic landscapes with a full view. We will take a variation of photographs from close up quick shutter exposures to wide long exposures.

Once we have had our fun and exhausted all possibilities for photo ops, we’ll head back to the hotel dining area for a quick snack and pack bag lunches with us to take along on our next adventure. We head east towards Mono Lake but have a first photographic stop at Tenaya Lake. This lake is extremely picturesque and from the west side of the lake the view looks back upon those Granite monsters we just left. This spot will be the prime place to capture a postcard picture moment. Once we are done shooting we will have lunch while enjoying the gorgeous view from Tenaya Lake.

For the Finale of the day we will arrive at Mono Lake. This lake is home to many Tufa Towers and the only thing you can really compare it to would be walking through a cave with stalactites and stalagmites, with the only exception being that there is no cave blocking the gorgeous sunsets. Having the lake reflect the colors is sure to you leave you breathless. This will be our sunset photo location and an image that no one will forget. (B)

What Yosemite has done brilliantly is create paths and walkways throughout the park; making sure that all parties interested can see the beauty within its walls. That’s why today we will focus on Yosemite’s footbridges and walkways. Our first spot is at Vernal Falls Footbridge. Only a mile from the trailhead we arrive at the bridge, crossing the North to the South bank of the Merced River. This locations offers spectacular views both down and upstream the river. The view upstream overlooks Vernal Fall. We will work this spot from select angles, capturing the best placement of the falls in our photographs.

After all photos have been captured, we move onto our next bridge; The Wawona Swinging Bridge. If you like Indiana Jones then you will love this bridge as it actually swings. During this time of year, the Wildflowers will be blooming and will make for amazing foregrounds in our images. This part of the Merced River is also used as a swimming hole so if you’re in the mood, bring your swimsuit along. We will also take a walk through the woods around this area to feel a bit of serenity. At this point of the day, we will head back into the valley and grab some lunch to refuel.

For our final sunset of the adventure we have left it blank so that we can all decide on which area we would like to finish the trip. The options will be, Glacier Point, Lower Yosemite Falls or Cook’s Meadow. Either one of these spots will make for stunning photographs. The reason we’ve left it undecided is because not every sunset is a winner, but if we experience a dull sunset on one of our shoots then we have the option to head back there for round two. Once we are all finished for the day we will head back to our hotel for our final night together. As we are winding down the trip, this will be the opportunity to assess our photographs and be educated on the best retouching techniques for each setting. (B)

Today we begin our most difficult hike of the trip; the Four-Mile Trail. There may be no better way to see what’s so fabulous about Yosemite Valley than to hike the Four-Mile Trail. Starting near the swinging bridge and finishing near the south valley rim of Glacier Point, this hike offers extraordinary views at every turn. We will see all the amazing landmarks that Yosemite Valley has to offer, but from views that have not been shown on a postcard. You have to take this hike to be able to view its glory.

In the beginning, we will pass through giant trees and a field full of wildflowers. From here we enter the winding trail of the hike which will yield a gorgeous view at every turn. What’s so wonderful about this hike is being able to view Yosemite Falls at each turn from a new unique angle. We will need to bring lunch as this will be a hike that will take up most of our day. Once we arrive at the top next to Glacier point we head down the mountain, but on a separate trail that offers different views; The Panorama Trail.

There are memorable views almost everywhere along this hike. On this side, we will gaze such beauties as Nevada falls from above and Illilouette Falls; moving around them as we go getting variations of photographs. These two hikes will take up our entire day, so be prepared to have snacks, sunblock and plenty of water to bring along.

After such a long hike we will bask in our accomplishments back at our hotel as well enjoy our wonderful “Farewell Dinner”. (B) (D)

Note: This hike is optional. Those who are not comfortable with this hike will be guided to alternate locations throughout the day. Everyone will return to the hotel in the afternoon in time for our dinner.

On our final morning, we will have a group discussion, review our past week’s photos, trade contact information and say goodbye. We urge you to extend your stay at Yosemite National Park or elsewhere in California and practice all the photography skills you learned on this Photo Workshop Adventure. (B)