...If you had only ONE day to photograph Yosemite...

[Poisson Du Jour]

Did you see/photograph Bridal Falls (is that the right name?); the ones which, for a few minutes at specified times in months, catch the rays of the setting sun and resemble molten lava?

The photographic record is inspiring and has a few new and unexplored angles that give it a definite edge over the bland and unserviceable pseudo-scientific efforts of Adams so many years earlier.

 

[BardParker]

Did you see/photograph Bridal Falls (is that the right name?); the ones which, for a few minutes at specified times in months, catch the rays of the setting sun and resemble molten lava?

The photographic record is inspiring and has a few new and unexplored angles that give it a definite edge over the bland and unserviceable pseudo-scientific efforts of Adams so many years earlier.

Thanks for the comments. I did photograph Bridal Veil Falls, but it was early in the morning and the light was not optimal:


18220028.jpg by KentWebb, on Flickr
Bridal Veil Falls. Olympus XA, Kodak BW400CN,


90800002.jpg by KentWebb, on Flickr
Bridal Veil Falls. Pentax 645N, SMC FA 45-85mm Lens, Velvia 50

I went back later in the day, about 30 min before sunset, and it was much more colorful, however, I had used up all my film. So I snapped a quick photo on my iPhone, in much better light. I don't dare post that on this forum...
Kent

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

So that's the famed Bridal Veil Falls. Other images I have seen are more of an elevated angle e.g. at the higher level midway or near the top of the falls. Where would that viewpoint be? As things are, these two images beautifully frame the falls, just that the falls are in danger of being overwhelmed by the trees. More to the point, we have a resounding endorsement of the cute little Olympus XA — it's never been a push-over and makes me go into tailspin searching for one to rekindle an old and fun affiliation. The majesty of these falls probably sums it up as an enigmatic attraction in Yosemite that attracts photographers from all around the globe.

 

[BardParker]

So that's the famed Bridal Veil Falls. Other images I have seen are more of an elevated angle e.g. at the higher level midway or near the top of the falls. Where would that viewpoint be? As things are, these two images beautifully frame the falls, just that the falls are in danger of being overwhelmed by the trees. More to the point, we have a resounding endorsement of the cute little Olympus XA — it's never been a push-over and makes me go into tailspin searching for one to rekindle an old and fun affiliation. The majesty of these falls probably sums it up as an enigmatic attraction in Yosemite that attracts photographers from all around the globe.

These photos were taken from the parking lot at the trailhead to Bridal Veil Falls. Since I only had one day, I didn't have much time for hiking, but I will definitely be back to Yosemite!

Thanks,
Kent

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Well, that must be the most splendid "first look" and by-chance vantage point of one of Yosemite's magnetic attractions without even exercising the boots! Ya, you're spoilt!

 

[Wade D]

Did you see/photograph Bridal Falls (is that the right name?); the ones which, for a few minutes at specified times in months, catch the rays of the setting sun and resemble molten lava?

Horsetail Falls on the opposite side of the valley from Bridalveil Falls is the one that catches the sunset and appears on fire.
It only flows in spring near El Capitan and with less snow this year it might not even flow at all. Bridalveil Falls can produce a nice rainbow in the spray near sunset. In clear weather during full moon in May Lower Yosemite Falls produces a spectacular 'moonbow'.
Kent,
Nice photographs for such a short stay!

 

[Nige]

Bridalveil Falls can produce a nice rainbow in the spray near sunset.

It put on a nice display for us, but I can't remember what time we were there. We walked to the viewing area which is where the little waterproof digisnapper came in handy to at least record we stood in the mist and got wet!

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Horsetail Falls on the opposite side of the valley from Bridalveil Falls is the one that catches the sunset and appears on fire.
It only flows in spring near El Capitan and with less snow this year it might not even flow at all. [...]

Yes, Horsetail Falls is the one that received some media coverage down here in Australia a couple of months or so back. It made fascinating reading and was accompanied by a photo with real WOW! factor jumping out.
<sigh> and now Downunder we're getting cold in the afternoon as autumn draws to a close and winter makes it's mark. Baaaa—! Can't wait for Spring again...