Yosemite Waterfalls
& Spring Glory
Photo Experience
Coming Spring 2024
~ Are you ready to elevate your photography to the next level while being guided to amazing locations in beautiful light?
~ Are you wanting an experience where you can not only learn more about the art of photography but also make meaningful relationships in a small group setting that is supportive and comfortable?
~ Are you wanting to learn the art of photography in one of the most beautiful locations on earth? And be guided and taught by two Yosemite photographers who have spent years getting to know the park intimately.
~ Do you follow us on social media and appreciate our art and want to have an incredible experience together exploring nature and photography?
This Outdoor Photo Experience will help you grow and learn in a supportive environment while being in great locations for landscape, abstract, and intimate photography. With Shawn and Brittany’s expertise in and love for Yosemite, they will guide you to locations that will give you stunning opportunities to create beautiful photographs & push your photography skills to the next level.
Not only will you have opportunities to photograph and learn, but we like to have fun and help foster a deeper connection to nature. Often connecting on a deeper level to the nature we photograph allows us to capture more meaningful and personal photographs. Photographs that we'll treasure for years to come regardless of how well they may or may not do on social media.
We're so happy you're here. We have decades of experience between us as artists, photographers, and guides in the majestic Yosemite and beyond. We are excited to share our love of nature & community, our passion for Yosemite & the Sierra, and our drive & desire to create art in nature with you.
Yosemite Waterfalls & Spring glory Photo Experience Overview
Yosemite Valley ~ Coming Spring 2024
The "Yosemite Waterfalls & Spring Glory Photo Experience" is held during one of the best times of the year to photograph Yosemite Valley. The ephemeral waterfalls will be in their full glory, Yosemite Falls will be raging, the Moon will be full, and the Valley will really be coming to life. This will give us the opportunity to capture the booming energy of the water, the greenery of spring, and the majestic night sky, creating both intimate and grand landscape photographs.
This experience was also designed around one of Yosemite's most beautiful and iconic natural phenomena, Moonbows. Moonbows occur consistently in only a few places on Earth. With clear skies, a full moon, and big water creating lots of mist; a Moonbow occurs giving photographers an opportunity to photograph this beautiful rare occurrence. Yosemite is looking poised to have quite the waterfall season this year!
We'll be photographing all around Yosemite Valley, hiking up to waterfalls during prime conditions, and hopefully hiking and photographing from the Glacier Point road as well. This Photo Experience will be all about following the light and while we will have a tentative itinerary, we'll also be flexible and open to what magic Mother Nature may have in store for us.
While we're out photographing we will be available for any questions and are here to help while still giving you the freedom to get into your own creative flow. We will also be photographing alongside you giving you the opportunity to ask us questions about our approach to photography and insight into our creative process. We also hope to inspire you to "see" things differently by sharing our own unique approaches to creating art.
All participants will also receive a 1-hour private online mentoring session after the outdoor experience. This will allow you to have personalized help with your processing using Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop with both Brittany & Shawn. There will also be the option for participants to buy additional hours of online mentoring at a reduced rate to really dial in your post-production techniques and workflow with fresh new images from our experience together!
Check out the video below to see and hear about this Yosemite Waterfalls Photo Experience and what Outdoor Photo Experience means to us.
Who is this outdoor Photo experience for?
We work with all skill levels and welcome people from around the world but with that said, you will get the most out of this Photo Experience if you have a good understanding of the basics of photography AND a strong understanding of your specific camera and gear.
When beautiful conditions are fleeting, the last thing you want to be doing is messing with your gear looking for that one setting that you just can't find. We are comfortable with lots of cameras, but not all. So make sure you really take some time to get familiar with all of your gear so when we're together we can be more focused on being creative than technical.
We will also sometimes be covering uneven and rocky terrain to get to the best vantage points. So be prepared to hike anywhere from 1-4 miles each day at up 7 or 8 thousand feet in elevation to get to our photography locations. Each day will be different, and we tend to follow the light and conditions, so while some locations may be pretty close to the road, some will have us hiking and most everything in Yosemite seems to have at least some uphill hiking involved. So start preparing early by getting out hiking and walking as much as you can in the weeks and months leading up to the experience.
What you will learn
Technical aspects of exposure in all times of day and light
Creative composition and planning shots
Learning to “see” the light
How to use different focal lengths to capture a scene
How to edit in Lightroom and Photoshop
How to use different tools and modules
How to execute high-quality panoramas and focus stacking
How to prepare images for import and export
Pricing & Payment Schedule - $2222
- 50% deposit on the day of booking
- The final payment is due on March 1, 2024
- Book by Valentines Day and take $222 off!
What's included & not included
Your Workshop Fee includes:
- All in-the-field instruction and guidance by two professional artists and photographers who know the best times to photograph each location
- A personal online Zoom 1-hour private mentoring session with the option to buy additional hours at a reduced rate
- Small group size of 8-10 photographers
- An amazing experience with new friends in one of the most beautiful locations on Earth
Your Workshop Fee does NOT include:
- Ground Transportation or Airfare from your home to Yosemite
- Ground Transportation to all shooting locations (although we try to carpool as much as possible)
- Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
- Lodging
- Meals and snacks
lodging
The price of the workshop does not include lodging.
There are many lodging options in Yosemite and the surrounding vicinity ranging from elegant and expensive such as The Ahwahnee to camping in one of the many campgrounds. There's also the Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, Rush Creek Lodge, or rental houses in Yosemite West, Wawona, and Foresta.
transportation
Fresno airport is the nearest airport to Yosemite Valley, but San Fransisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Sacramento are also viable options. Car rentals are available in all locations.
You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the experience. You will also need your own transportation during the experience, although we will be carpooling as much as possible for those who feel comfortable doing so.
Weather
May in Yosemite can be as good as it gets with warm sunny days in the 70s to 80s and cool to chilly nights in the 30s to 40s. But it is the mountains so be prepared for anything from warm/hot days to freak freezing storms and late-season snow. It's all possible and can even be hot and cold on the same day.
While often inclement weather can ruin an experience, unforeseen stormy weather can often be a gift with landscape photography. So we'll be out photographing rain or shine. Some of Brittany's most spectacular images have come from being out in the rain waiting for those fleeting moments when the storm starts to clear. The great thing about photography is that there are so many opportunities to capture mood and atmosphere in nature, and it just so happens that weather will only be a gift if we are blessed with its presence. So make sure and bring your rain gear and boots!
Cancellation & Refund policy
All deposits are non-refundable. They may, however, be transferred to a future experience or workshop when a spot is available less a $150.00 cancellation/change fee if canceled 60 days or more prior to the experience start date. If canceled less than 60 days before the experience start date, the deposit is not refundable and cannot be transferred unless we fill your spot in which case your deposit will be transferrable.
If you do need to cancel we ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can alert people on the waiting list. We strongly suggest that you purchase travel or trip insurance to make sure you're covered should you have to cancel for any unforeseen circumstances that might arise.
In the rare event that we need to cancel this workshop because of a lack of enrollment or an unforeseen event, you will receive a complete refund or credit toward a future workshop. We recommend that you avoid purchasing non-refundable airline tickets, and consider getting trip cancellation insurance.
You can see our terms and conditions here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much photographic experience do I need?
Our Outdoor Photo Experiences are designed for all levels of photographers, yet the more comfortable you are with your gear the more you'll get out of this Experience. Participants should be familiar with their cameras like knowing how to zoom into live view and be able to change their aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. We highly encourage participants to bring their camera manuals especially since we will be in areas with hardly any cellphone reception so Google will not be an option to problem solve. We are very familiar with many types of camera brands, but every camera model is different and it is crucial to bring the camera manual.
What kind of Camera should I bring?
All of our workshops are catered to digital cameras. With that being said, if you have a film camera to bring along as an additional camera, please do so. For our night-sky focused experiences, full frame sensor DSLRs and mirrorless cameras with f2.8 or faster lenses are preferred (necessary for Milky Way experiences). A modern crop-sensor camera with fast lenses of 2.8 or faster can work with Moonlit experiences and day light experiences. If you are not sure if your camera is capable of the Photo Experience you want to sign up for, please drop us an email. We will be happy to help with any questions that you might have.
Should I bring a computer? What Software Programs do I need?
While this Outdoor Photo Experience will be all about getting to amazing locations for photography with personalized online mentoring happening afterward, we highly suggest bringing your computer to upload images each day and work on processing in your downtime.
Do I need to bring a tripod?
Tripods are a necessity in landscape photography. Since our workshops involve using longer exposures due to photographing in lower light, tripods are crucial to capturing these photographs. Please consider a tripod that will stabilize your longest lens and camera, but does not weigh so much that it inhibits your desire to bring it out on location. If you have any questions about what tripods to obtain, please send us an email. We will be happy to help.
What kind of filters should I bring?
Filters can bring a great tool in promoting creative photographs. A lot of professional photographers prefer the filters that slide in and out of the filter holder, while others prefer the filters that screw directly onto your lens. No matter what type of filter you decide on, we highly suggest bringing a polarizer and multiple stops worth of neutral density filters. If you want to go light we suggest getting a variable 10-stop neutral filter.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
We all know that as photographers we are constantly being put in uncomfortable circumstances due to the weather. But that is how we get our great shots right?! We love weather! But with weather comes cold conditions that could make the experience miserable if we aren’t equipped with the right gear. But never fear, we made a list that will help in choosing the right clothes so that you can be comfortable and therefore be able to learn and enjoy your time outside.
Comfortable hiking shoes for clear weather conditions
Waterproof shoes will be necessary for rainy conditions and getting up close to waterfalls
Snow boots are a must in snowy conditions
Wool or synthetic Base layer pants and tops
Warm hat/headband and gloves
Windproof Rain jacket and pants for wet, windy conditions and being close to waterfalls
Warm jacket such as a heavy or down jacket
Sun hat and sunglasses
Lighter layers for warm days such as a sun shirt and lightweight hiking pants or shorts
Extra socks. We recommend wool socks or synthetic socks designed for hiking
If you need recommendations for a certain brand of shoe or jacket; please send us an email. We definitely have our favorite outdoor gear and would love to help you choose the best gear for the Outdoor Photo Experience.
What other items should I bring?
Headlamp
Chapstick
Ibuprofen/Aspirin
moleskin for blisters or sores
Energy bars
Waterproof camera bags for rainy conditions
A large water bottle
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Trekking Poles
What is the best route to get into the park?
There are three year-round routes to get into Yosemite Valley:
- Highway 41 from Fresno and Oakhurst. It is a very curvy road with hairpin turns so if you prefer to avoid that highway, we suggest choosing an alternative route.
Highway 120 from San Francisco and Groveland
Highway 140 from Merced and Mariposa
All three routes are open all year with the exception of road closures due to rock slides or icy conditions. Highway 140 is the safest route during the winter as it does not experience such severe weather. We suggest keeping a watch on road conditions so that you can choose the route safest for you. For an update on road conditions, please call the National Park service at 209-372-0200. During the winter months, snow chains are required by law to have in your car at all times. If you're renting a vehicle and need to buy chains, go to the closest auto part store and plan on returning the chains as soon as the workshop is over.
I am flying, where is the nearest airport to Yosemite National Park?
The direct access to the nearest airport to Yosemite is Fresno airport. With that being said, some participants might want to fly into San Francisco to enjoy the city and photograph. Car rentals are the easiest way to get into the park and we highly suggest securing one as soon as you book a flight. Oakland, San Jose, and Sacramento airports are other airports to consider.
How do we get to locations during the workshop?
Parking is limited in Yosemite so we carpool as much as possible. If you do not want to carpool for various reasons, you're welcome to drive separately. It is our priority to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable.
What sort of cell service is there in the park?
Cell service is very limited in the park. Yosemite Village and the Turtleback Dome area have the strongest cell phone reception in the park. Also during the peak times in the park such as weekends, cell phone coverage is more difficult and data can be near impossible. Free wifi is provided at most but not all hotels so that you can still be in communication with your family and friends. Text messages are the most reliable in the park.
When does the Experience start each day and when does it end?
Before every experience, we will send an email with the tentative itinerary for the week so that you know what to expect. We will try to keep to the itinerary as much as possible, but if there is an amazing photo opportunity because of weather conditions; we will change the schedule to take advantage of these open windows to be creative. After all, following the light and weather is how we photographers create stunning photographs.
How do I handle meals in Yosemite?
Yosemite Valley has a few food options with restaurants that will help accommodate you for the Photo Experience. Here is the list of restaurants that are available to you:
Degnan's Deli serves breakfast pastries, coffee, sandwiches, and pizza. $$
Base Camp serves breakfast food (bacon, potatoes, and eggs) as well as poke bowls, burgers, and pizza.$$
The Mountain Room Restaurant has meals for dinner such as steak and fish. $$$$
The Mountain Room Bar has drinks and bar food available. $$$
The Ahwahnee Restaurant has a breakfast buffet as well as dinner options. $$$$$
If you have special eating habits or food allergies, we suggest bringing your own food since the restaurants in Yosemite do not really cater to the limited diets. There is a grocery store in the Village, but the selection is very limited. Bringing your favorite snacks and breakfast food should help make your time in Yosemite more enjoyable.
Can I bring my spouse or friend?
We know that some people would like to bring a friend or spouse to share the room cost. You are welcome to bring an extra person along to Yosemite, but not to the Photo Experience's field sessions. Our park permit only allows us to have a limited amount of people for the field sessions. Your spouse/friend is always welcome to join us if we decide to eat meals as a group. If you are disabled and need your spouse or friend to help you during the field sessions, please send us an email. We will accommodate you the best we can.
Can you tell me more about your referral program?
We offer a 10% discount on your next Outdoor Photo Experience if you refer someone who books a group Outdoor Photo Experience with us.
Where can we see more of your work?
What is your illness policy?
health and well-being of our participants are of the utmost importance to us. In order to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all, we have established the following illness policy.
Covid-19: While we do not require proof of vaccination for participation in our workshop, we strongly encourage participants to take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others and be conscientious and considerate. If you are feeling ill, or have a fever, cough, or any symptoms consistent with Covid-19, we kindly ask that you do not attend the workshop. If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 or if you have tested positive yourself, we request that you inform us and refrain from attending the workshop until you have recovered and tested negative. In this new era, we find it more important to have comprehensive travel and trip insurance like this.
Other Sicknesses: If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, regardless of the cause, we kindly ask that you do not attend the workshop if you are contagious and might put anyone else at risk. This includes, but is not limited to, symptoms such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath, headache, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, or sore throat. Another reason to make sure you have travel and trip insurance like this.
In the event that a participant becomes ill during the workshop, we will ask them to immediately leave and seek medical attention as necessary. By adhering to this illness policy, we aim to create a safe and healthy environment for all participants and ensure that everyone can enjoy the workshop experience to the fullest.
Note: This policy is subject to change as health and safety guidelines evolve.
