Reflections and Meadows in Yosemite National Park

Of course where there’s water, there are opportunities for reflections—that is, if the water isn’t moving too quickly, and if the air is quiet enough so as to not create ripples.  Such were the opportunities for us last week in Yosemite.  Whether it was shooting Yosemite Falls across the quiet Merced River at Swing Bridge, or gazing up at Half Dome through the reflections in water pools in Cook’s Meadow or up at Mirror Lake, reflections were abundant.  There is something about the symmetry of seeing an object and it’s reflection all at the same time that photographers can’t resist.

In spite of all the water flowing throughout the Park, it was often the meadows that held secrets of beauty for those willing to seek them out.  And with the chilly mornings, there was also a low foggy mist that clung to the ground just long enough to decorate meadows.

It was paying attention though that often had the biggest payoffs.  At one point I’m taking pictures of Half Dome in the distance with a beautiful meadow carpet leading you to it, when I noticed this lone photographer out in the middle of the meadow, tucked up against some trees.  He was sitting in a stool and his camera was on a tripod.  He was camped there, but for reasons that were not immediately clear—for I had a good angle on Half Dome, how could his be better.  It was after I decided to satisfy my curiosity and be social that I started walking out to him.  It quickly became clear why he was where he was.  Because just in front of him was a small pond of water, just big enough to give him a fantastic reflection of Half Dome if you were close to the ground with a low angle.  I smiled at him, patted him on the shoulder, and thanked him for staking out such a great location.  I asked him where he was headed next…he wouldn’t say! 

You can view the entire Yosemite collection on my website gallery at http://www.costamesaphotography.com/Northern-California-Central/Yosemite

If you have questions or comments, please don't hesitate to send me a note at CostaMesaPhotography@gmail.com