Yosemite Location guide
Yosemite is BIG and full of options. Take a scroll through some visual references for my most chosen destinations! I’m happy to guide you through any or all of these locations during your session or elopement, with attention to ideal lighting, crowds, parking, and other seasonal factors. This isn't an exhaustive list, just a good starting point ;)
Best lit: 6-8am
Enjoy a sunrise peeking around Half Dome, a bold cliff face split by Yosemite Falls, a meadow bursting with gold and wildflowers, cute weathered logs for sitting, a winding paved pathway leading to lush riverside, and the rustic charm of Sentinel Bridge. In this carousel you can see the spread of all four seasons. You'll find this location in most client galleries, thanks to the easy parking, enjoyable walk, and wide variety of views it offers.
Best lit: just after sunrise
Tunnel View is an popular, easy access cliffside lookout that offers an expansive look through the valley, often including impressive fog clouds nestled into the sharp pines, and sunbeams peeking through. There are generally many onlookers, but it is not difficult to grab a spot on the wall for some quick shots. For a more private view, we can hike up the switchbacks 10 minutes.
Best lit: morning or evening
Stoneman is generally open parking and an easy walk, with light to moderate crowds, depending on the season. With a much closer view of Half Dome, a gorgeous tree line in the distance, a zig-zagging boardwalk, and an impressive stone bridge nearby, it is one of my favorite spots for evening sessions, especially in late summer when there are patches of brilliant yellow coneflowers.
Best lit: morning or evening
The chapel has made so many happy memories for couples and their small gatherings. Charming and intimate on the inside, and breathtakingly glorious on the outside, it is a great choice. Once the ceremony is complete, we can scamper across the street into the far side of Cook's Meadow.
Best lit: morning for fresh and dreamy, or evening for pinks and purples
Closed late October - Mid May
Glacier Point is a 45 minute drive up from the valley, but it is my fave! Easy parking and a short walk and you have an incredible variety of spots to get one of a kind views. It never fails to take my breath away when the cool light wraps around Half Dome and wakes the day. The amphitheater offers ample space for your guests to enjoy the view. In the evening, everything is awash in pastels, for an unbeatable sunset. If you can handle the rush of standing on great heights, we can leave behind the tourists and make some amazing memories on less traveled rockscapes. The roads close around late October and open around late spring.
Best lit: evening
Closed late October - Mid May
Taft Point feels on top of the world and is unforgettably epic. During golden hour, we are enveloped in orange and red cast, during a wide open, stunning sunset. You can see the light reflect off the winding river below, and the main road snaking through the valley. This destination is 45 minutes up from the valley and requires a 30 minute hike, during which we also get some dreamy shots enclosed in the forest. Headlamps or flashlights recommended for the walk back. Road closes late October and reopens around late April.
Best lit: morning or evening
This peaceful, often-private sandy beach is excellent for gathering as a small picnic reception, or as a quick stop for portraits with El Capitan.
Best lit: morning or evening
Yosemite Falls is well visited because it is spectacular! If you're down for a little adventuring, we can hop rocks up close to hear the crashing of the falls, cool off in the mist, and grab some really special shots. I will edit out all the photo bombing paparazzi ;)
Best lit: morning or evening
Bridalveil Falls is less crowded than Yosemite Falls and includes a lovely zig zagging walk through the forest and alongside a trickling river, dotted with enormous moss covered rocks. There is also a lovely designated area for small weddings.
