It doesn’t take much to get into photography. A camera, a couple minutes spent reading the manual for your camera, and then a lot of time to practice with your camera. Photography and Yosemite seem to go hand in hand. Every time you turn a corner there’s another beautiful picture just waiting for someone to take it, YOU!
Take a Class (FREE!)
Say you want to get into photography but you could use a little help. Maybe get a couple pointers from someone and spend some time watching other people taking pictures. Hey, no problem. Why not go on a photowalk in Yosemite? Did I mention they’re FREE?
First step, grab the Yosemite Guide you’re given at the gate when you enter the park. What’s that? You want to plan ahead? No problem! You can check out the most current issues of the guide online in PDF format here: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/guide.htm.
Step two, find the Events and Programs section. Look in the column for Yosemite Valley and note the time for the photowalk provided by the Ansel Adams Gallery.
Step three, when you get into the park head over to the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village and sign up. That’s it!
Photowalks take place almost every day during the summer months and are 1-2 hours in length. Space is always limited so sign up as quickly as you can. Consult your guide or the Ansel Adams Gallery if you have questions.
Get a Book
By far the most useful book I’ve found for photographers in Yosemite is The Photographers Guide to Yosemite by Michael Frye. I have more copies of this book in my house than the Bible. This puppy is jam packed with where to go, when to go, what to see, and how to take great shots. It’s the next best thing short of private lessons. Did I mention you can take private lessons?
Private Lessons
SO many people around Yosemite will take you out and give you a private photography lesson. Some are good some are…well..I’d recommend going with a private lesson from the Ansel Adams Gallery or the Yosemite Association. Both organizations feature lessons with great photographers who really know their stuff. If you go to the Ansel Adams Gallery you can even sign up for a walk with Michael Frye, the man who wrote the book on photographing Yosemite.
Workshops
There’s no better way to learn something than by doing it with a group. Workshops not only give you the opportunity to learn hands-on but they allow you to work with others who are just learning as well. Most of the workshops I’ve attended I’ll find someone asks a question I never even thought of. If you’re interested I highly recommend going to a workshop. Most are 1-2 days and and cost around $900. If you’re interested take a look at some of the workshops offered by the Ansel Adams Gallery. Maybe there’s one right for you.