John Muir called Yosemite “the range of light”. In my Yosemite DVD I described Yosemite Valley “the best 7 miles on the planet”. No matter how you feel about this magical area you’ll want to join us in February as we walk, talk, explore, discover history and photograph on the valley floor!

Chasing light has intrigued and inspired photographers for generations and February is simply delightful. We might experience passing storms, watch wildlife in the meadows, capture images of waterfalls and glistening granite. We’ll witness sunrises and sunsets in many locations. We often thrill to Horsetail Fall if the conditions make this long sought after image possible!

Among the many treats of Yosemite valley is a unique opportunity found only in February. Horsetail Fall is only a fall if the snow pack is of the size and the temperatures rise enough to allow steam flow allowing the waterfall. If these criteria are met then all is needed is a clear afternoon in this small window of time! The contest then becomes getting the best images at a time when the rock face is in shadow and only the waterfall is in sunlight. The closer we come the happier. However after years of chasing this type of magic, most have come to thrill at the opportunity of simply witnessing any part of the equation.

The wonderful part is to remember that this is only just a very small part of “the best 7 miles on the planet!”

Canon 1Ds MK lll, Canon 50mm 1.2, Singh-Ray Color Intensifier, Gitzo tripod