When visiting Yosemite National Park, it’s hard to choose a time of year that doesn’t impress. However, the middle of July and August in the valley can be a bit overwhelming. Spring brings incredible water flow to all the waterfalls in the park, while Fall showcases beautiful colors throughout the landscape. Winter, on the other hand, offers snowfall and a variety of weather conditions. A winter visit rewards you with numerous photography opportunities. In February, visitors flock to witness a phenomenon known as Firefall, hoping to capture the setting sun reflecting off El Capitan and Horsetail Falls.
During a recent trip aimed at capturing this phenomenon, we were pleasantly surprised by a fresh snowfall in the valley. With that in mind, we made an early morning trek, hoping to photograph the fresh snow. Instead, we encountered a thick fog covering most of the valley floor, making it difficult to see anything above the tree line. I managed to capture a photo of the Three Brothers just beginning to emerge from the fog, with what remained of the moon shining in the morning sky.
The valley boasts many geographical features, some of which are more photographed than others, such as Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and, of course, Tunnel View. I have always been fascinated by the story of the Three Brothers, a distinct formation with varying heights; the first peak is called Eagle Peak, while the other two are known as Middle and Lower Brothers. Traveling along Southside or Northside Drive beside the Merced River, you are almost certain to capture some part of the Three Brothers in the background of your images. John Muir considered the view from Eagle Peak to be the most beautiful perspective of Yosemite Valley. I spent about an hour walking along the Merced River, photographing and enjoying the peacefulness of the early morning.
