Deep within the vastness of Sierra Nevada lies the glacier carved granite mountains stretching on the edge of a valley like guardians of the land.
An open wilderness of sequoias and redwood trees that could grow like skyscrapers all reaching for the sky. As the sun rises at dawn the tip of
those granite mountain glows as if made of fiery coals. And when the sun sets its golden hue paints the rest of the landscape displaying the beautiful
colors of twilight.
This is a place of inspiration, of raw beauty, of rugged serenity.
This is YOSEMITE.
The quintessential National Park where most landscape photographer would like to visit even for just once in his/her lifetime.
Tucked in the valley of the California mountain ranges this gaping wilderness of granite rocks, mountainous terrains and serene meadows has
always been a place where man and nature can come together.
The likes of John Muir to Ansel Adams sang praises to this landscape through their words and photographs.





Exploring Yosemite is a treat and adventure rolled into one. I cannot deny the beauty of the place. I for one who loves to be in places that are out there with
nature could say that Yosemite is one for the books. Those cathedral like granite walls carved by glaciers millions of years ago and now engulfing the
valley from all corners are a sight to behold.
The majestic El Capitan alone as it towers to 3,000 feet is something that always left me in awe whenever i gaze up on that wall.
And Tunnel View is, for lack of better word, surreal. I have seen grandiose natural architectures before but this one is powerful.
The view was like those of prehistoric era when dinosaurs were still roaming the planet.
Considering Yosemite valley was carved by moving glaciers millions of years ago,
I think it was possible that at one point in time some now extinct animals did tread on that valley.
Another thing worth mentioning about Yosemite is that the wildlife roams freely.
I saw numerous deer grazing on the open meadows without even running away from the occasional hikers or photographer
who happens to pass by. Seeing a grizzly with cubs on the woods was also just a normal day at the park.

Yosemite is considered to be one of the most visited National Park in the US along with Yellow Stone and Grand Canyon.
It is expected for this place to be always full of tourists specially during spring and summer seasons when the roads going down the valley are all open.
Thousands of campers, hikers and photographers drove to Yosemite each year. It is actually quite hard to find a good spot to shoot the
famous landmarks like El Capitan or Tunnel View without bumping into a bunch of photographers gathered on the same spot.
For me that was the challenge. When i was shooting in Tunnel View, along with me were probably a dozen of photographers all waiting for the sunset light
which was the good time to shoot that vista. I did not shoot the sunset that day.
Photographers are everywhere lugging their tripods and cameras looking for their own vantage point to shoot in the valley.
The good thing though is that since Yosemite is so huge you can actually find your own spot without being with the herd.
Here are the shots from my trip to those majestic vistas.



My friends, may i present to you...YOSEMITE.

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" Land Frozen In Time "
The famous Tunnel View vista of Yosemite where landmarks such as El Capitan
on the left, Cathedral Rocks on the right, Bridal Veil falls and Half Dome far right
are visible in one view. The lush wilderness in between those granite
mountains is the Yosemite valley which is almost covered in Pine and Sequoia trees.




" First Light "
The frosts are still white in this frozen meadow while the first sign of light in the
valley paints the peak of those granite mountains.




" Morning In The Valley "
The light from the morning sun makes the colors and
atmosphere of this valley more alive.




" Tranquility Over The Swamp "
The morning light produces glare over that wall of snow
covered granite rocks on the background.
But this same light makes the reflection of the tree
lines over the tranquil swamp shone in lively splendor.




" Here Comes the Rain Clouds "
Standing on the Tunnel View vista i noticed this rain clouds
slowly covering the peaks of the wall of Bridal Veil.
The clouds created a pinkish hue that shone upon those walls.




" Deers on Yosemite Meadow "
I was walking on the meadow when i chanced upon these deers just grazing.
The afternoon light complements both animals as one is being hit by the light
while the other has its shadow.




" Morning Light "
This is one of those places in Yosemite that is not being
explored that much.
I guess it is because of its isolation.
Hidden in the middle of tall pine trees, not that much
visible from the main road, my kind of place.
That morning as the sun was still on its golden hour i
went here and took a shot of
the meadows with the
Merced River on the side.
The light was just perfect for this scenery.




" Fern Spring "
Fern Spring is a small natural spring of crystal
clear water flowing quietly towards Merced river near
Pohono bridge in Yosemite Valley. This small landmark
is very easy to miss when
traveling in the valley. It is just a small hole beside the
main road. Some hikers go to this spring with a cup in
their hands and drinks the water. I tried it too and the
water was cold and tasted a bit sweet.




" Foliage Light "
Just one of those subjects that i find interesting under a different light.




" The Mighty El Capitan "
As I stared at El Capitan, the sheer size of this world's
largest chunk of granite rock empowers me. it stood
tall and mighty like a guardian of the valley. An awe
-inspiring and over-powering vertical wall of granite rock
standing at 3,000 feet.
Its peak almost invisible
because of the lowered clouds this ephemeral view
of raw beauty made me think of lost worlds of the
pre-historic time.
Truly, this wall live through its name, The Captain.




" Over and Under "
Yosemite is one of those national parks that are
swarming with natural waterfalls. These gushing
waterfalls are scattered all over the place and as far as
i know there are 19 documented falls out there.
This photo is of the famous Yosemite waterfalls taken
out in Pohono. The mirror effect of this pond
provided a wonderful reflection of the granite
mountain rocks and that falls.




" Cathedral Rocks "
One of the famous landmark of Yosemite the "Cathedral
Rock" standing majestically at the edge of this meadow.
A tranquil swamp provided a picturesque mirror effect on
the pine trees nearby. This shot was taken on a
beautiful morning when the snow are just starting to thaw.




" Mirror in the Valley "
Standing on the meadow that morning and shooting this view was one of my
finer mornings even though i still haven't had my breakfast.
Some scenes are just too beautiful to miss.




" Light on Water "
The morning sun hitting the stair of this natural spring
produces a beautiful light that brings out the
fluidity of the water.




Thank you for dropping by and I hope these photographs were able to convey
my attempt to let you also see the way I remember this beautiful place.

Please consider this as my first set for Yosemite.



Cheers!
Romulus Rueda