Photography by Fenichel:

Yosemite and High Sierras

 

[Tunnel View]

Tunnel View from Yosemite Valley


[El Capitan]

El Capitan


[Originally posted to a just-begun Google+ Collection, August 2018, shortly after the park re-opened, but with some still-burning wildfires. I have retained the original present-tense descriptions here.]

El Capitan is one of the best known and most spectacular of the iconic formations found throughout Yosemite National Park. (Yes, it was an Apple OS too.)

The sky has been hazy-blue (and the air smells like campfire).
But the wildfires are being contained and finally it is again possible to see those formations - and the sky.
Much gratitude to the many firefighters, still on the job.

A "silver lining" to the smoky air impacting the valley in particular: Much like the wonders of a "cloudy bright" day for color photography, these smoky-bright days have led to some crispy black and white images, and even some clouds coming into focus amid haze. Yosemite's majesty endures.

[Half Dome - Black and White]

Half Dome (Black & White)


The black & white image was captured with Acros (r), Fujifilm X-T2 and the infamous 18-135mm lens. I also have an image of Half Dome in color, from this same vantage point. (See below.)

Arriving in Yosemite Valley the first day it re-opened (August 2018) after closing due to wildfires, it was still quite smoky.

But "hazy-bright" light was perfect for black and white, offering high contrast and smooth grey rather than the smoky blue-ish haze.


[Half Dome - Color]

Half Dome (Color)


So the question is: Why 'half'? Well... Thanks to glacial activity what was a nice roundish dome got sliced on one side; This is the view of the result, looking right at the slice. Although... it may be somewhat a mirage (the "half" part) because about 80% of the original Northwest part of the formation is still intact although the vantage point from Yosemite Valley makes it seem like a perfect slicing off of half a dome. In any case, this is a renowned destination for serious rock climbers, complete with a well-known "cable route" with steel cables to aid as hand-holds. Challenging. Many try and cherish the success, but others die trying, both experts and those seeking selfies as their focus, before safety.


Olmsted Point at Dusk]

Olmsted Point at Dusk


The sky was beginning to return to bluish color after weeks of wildfire smoke, but fires still burned nearby. A haze filter brought back a view of the sky, but to the eye it was so smoky/hazy that it was often difficult to see very far. Here we find giant "erratic" boulders scattered across jointed granite slopes. This spot is named in honor of legendary landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. The son was best known for successfully advocating for the protection by the state of Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Tree Grove. Eventually this was the first land set aside for public use and served as a foundation for the National Park System. The elder Olmsted had earned fame as the landscape architect who, in the 1850's, designed another protected oasis of nature, this for the enjoyment of urban dwellers surrounded by an ever-growing city: New York's Central Park.

Mist and Reflection]

Reflections and Mist

Aside from extreme climbing, hiking, and other strenuous challenges, Yosemite is also a paradise for simple appreciation of nature and beauty. This is in Yosemite Valley near the Mist Trail trailhead, where some head up the rock for spectacular encounters with waterfalls. In August most major falls are dry (except for Bridal Veil Falls). But the views along and under the trail are sublime, and the cool clear Merced River, and shade from the towering Ponderosa pines provide a tranquil respite from the hot sun and smoky air. Great for appreciating nature, meditation, and reflection.


California

[La-la Land]       [Tattoo Parlor]       [Disney Soda Fountain]  
La-La Land  Venice Beach Hollywood Blvd.
 

 
[Hollywood Sign]       [Zoltar Speaks]       [Golden Gate Bridge]  
Hollywood  Zoltar Speaks San Francisco
 

 
[Big Sur Flowers] [Pigeon Point Lighthouse] [View from SR1]
Big Sur  Pigeon Point Lighthouse Fog (Near Carmel)
   
   [Bird's Eye View] [Sausalito]

[Panorama-fog]

Birds's Eye View View from Sausalito Panorama: Golden Gate


[San Francisco Cityscape]

[Big Sur Panorama]  [Streetcar Scene]
San Fran Streetscape Big Sur Panorama San Francisco Streetcar
     
[Alcatraz Closeup] [Bay and Skyline]
[View from Pier 39]
Alcatraz View from SF Bay Pier 39 - Sea Lions
(Collection)  
 




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[color line]


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This page last updated: Tuesday, 18-Feb-2020 04:20:33 EST


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