by Michael Frye | Jun 3, 2011 | Yosemite Photo Conditions
A) Dogwood, Pine and Cedar
On Wednesday morning Claudia and I woke early and headed up to Yosemite Valley. The sky was overcast, although the sun threatened to break through at times. After recording footage for a video I’m working on (more about that later), we decided to drive up the Wawona Road to look at dogwoods. As we ascended, we drove into the clouds, and into a patch of fog clinging to an area of burned trees.
As I photographed this area, the fog thickened, and I thought a group of dogwoods lower down might have become enveloped in the mist. Sure enough, they had, which made me happy. What could be better than dogwoods in mist? I spent a couple of hours composing photographs.
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by Michael Frye | May 31, 2011 | Yosemite Photo Conditions
Sunbeams from Tunnel View, Saturday morning
First, some good news: the blog is back up! It took a little longer than I hoped, but all the posts have been restored. Most of the comments will eventually be restored also, but some, unfortunately, may be lost. Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for your patience and understanding!
Meanwhile, in Yosemite, the cool, wet weather has continued through most of May. Yosemite Valley has reached over 55 inches of total precipitation since July 1st last year, one of the wettest seasons on record. The Valley even received a couple of inches of snow around May 17th, while I was in Utah.
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by Michael Frye | May 18, 2011 | Announcements
One of my workshop students in Courthouse Wash
First, a note about the blog. In transferring my domain to a new host, I encountered some problems. It may take a few days to get everything straightened out, and in the mean time I have a generic layout, and old posts will not be visible. I apologize for the inconvenience, and hope to get everything back up and running soon. If you have a subscription you should still get all the new posts.
But I wanted to write about the Moab Photography Symposium before too much time passed. This was my first time attending this event, and it was tremendous fun, with a relaxed, creative, and enjoyable atmosphere.
John Sexton gave a wonderful keynote presentation last Thursday night, and his talk about Ansel Adams on Saturday was amazing—really moving. I gave my presentation, Lessons From the Masters, on Friday morning, then got to see beautiful images from Joan Myers, and hear a fascinating discussion of photography design from Nat Coalson. On Saturday and Sunday we were treated to more great stuff from Jeff Vanuga, Tom Till, Steve Traudt, and Rory Tyler.
Friday and Saturday afternoons we broke into smaller groups for field workshops. I took my groups to Arches National Park (including Courthouse Wash and Balanced Rock) on Friday, and to beautiful Mill Creek on Saturday. Mill Creek is close to town, but this portion of it is not easy to find, and I would never have made it there without guidance from Bruce Hucko, the symposium director. A perennial creek flows through a classic red rock canyon, complete with petroglyphs and late-day reflections in the water.
I hope I get to come back. If you get a chance to attend this event next spring, don’t hesitate. You’ll have a great time.
by Michael Frye | May 11, 2011 | Advanced Techniques, Yosemite Photo Conditions
Lunar rainbow on Upper Yosemite Fall from Cook’s Meadow, May 2009
A full moon is coming up—Tuesday, May 17th, at 4:08 a.m. There should be plenty of spray in Yosemite Falls, so once again it should be possible to photograph a lunar rainbow, and I expect that many photographers will be in Yosemite trying to do just that. If you’re one of those people, last year I wrote some lunar rainbow photography tips that you might find helpful.
To learn the best times for photographing the moonbow, visit Don Olson’s web site. Good luck!
by Michael Frye | May 9, 2011 | Yosemite Photo Conditions
Emerging dogwood along the Merced River (from 2005)
I drove up to Yosemite Valley on Saturday for my reception at The Ansel Adams Gallery, and saw many dogwoods in full bloom—finally! I’d say about half of the blossoms in the valley had turned white, while half were still in that greenish-yellow stage. They’re changing quickly, and I expect that most of them are in full bloom today.
Meanwhile, the attendance at the reception was great—thanks to all of you who came! It was fun to actually shake hands with people who I’d previously only met in the comments of this blog, or on Facebook or Twitter. And it was nice to connect with old friends and acquaintances.
Now I’m on my way to Utah for the Moab Photography Symposium later this week. I’m reminded of that line at the end of the Coen brother’s movie Raising Arizona, something about finding a place “where all the children are happy, and all the parents are strong, and wise. Maybe Utah.” Of course—Utah. Here I come.
