By Nathan Allen

This photo session has a special place in my heart. Not only did it take place in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, but it also features my lovely wife + our baby-to-be. Also: If you’re thinking about a Yosemite maternity shoot for you or someone you know, get in touch.

So…Surprise – We’re Having a Girl!

Many of you didn’t even know we were expecting. For various reasons, it’s something we wanted to keep a secret. Turns out it’s quite easy to hide a pregnancy when you live deep in the mountains during a pandemic! Haha.

Fall Colors For Our Yosemite Maternity Shoot

We were fortunate to have a warm winter this year. I’ve never seen the gold of autumn last so long into December. We found a nice spot with a boulder and some stunning colors.

We stopped at a scenic stone bridge along El Portal Road. I am the photographer of course, so I set up a tripod in the road to snap this photo. A couple passing cars made this difficult from time to time!

Speaking of stonework, further into the valley we checked out the old LaConte Memorial Lodge. This is a great setting for castle-like photographs.

I think the shot below might be my favorite of all. The patchy, late afternoon light and autumn leaves create beautiful contrast and drama. This was taken near the road to Ahwahnee Lodge.

Related post: Yosemite in the Fall

Into The Snowy Forest…

Again, the great thing about living so close to this National Park is that we could easily make a second trip. Our first one had beautiful colors in the leaves, but no snow.

The second had good snow, but as you can imagine, you have to capture these photos as quickly as possible. Island girls are not used to temperatures like these, especially when you replace a winter jacket with a maternity dress! Haha. She was a trooper, though.

There’s an almost spiritual quality to these Yosemite valley forests. An energy you feel, though is hard to define.

Here’s another favorite of mine. It was taken between two majestic pine trees on the bank of the Merced River.

A Session @ Evergreen Lodge

This toasty campfire was a welcomed sight after a chilly day in the park. We warmed our bones and finished up the shoot in this beautiful cabin-style lobby. It’s technically just outside the park, but worth a visit I think.

Also be sure can check out my extensive Yosemite & Eastern Sierra photography.

Oh, and before I forget…this baby was born! Mamma and baby are healthy and well – how’s this for a perfect ending?

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The post A Magical Yosemite Valley Maternity Shoot appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

“Leaf Peeping” on The Drive Into The Park

You don’t even have to get out of the car for this dazzling display! Still, you might want to.

I hiked down the small canyon to find a small creek that was literally covered in brilliant reds, greens & yellows. Also came across a deer with a fawn! No good picture, sadly.

Merced River Scenes (Rapids Near The Junction)

The eye popping yellows of the Bigleaf Maple trees are on full display along the riverbank here.

I climbed some rocks and boulders to take close up pictures. I’ve been living in the tropics for the last few years, so this cool change of pace is much appreciated!

Autumn Waterfall (Long Exposure)

Over the course of 3 days in this area, there was hardly ever a breeze. This makes it great for still long exposure shots along the river. Anytime after 1pm is good, though lighting is even better after 3.

Calm Merced River Landscapes (Yosemite Valley)

This is a beautiful area to park the car and take a quick afternoon hike along the riverbank. As the sun gets lower and lower, the golden light filters through the yellow maple trees – casting serene reflections on the natural pools.

You’ll need to pull over on the left side of the road soon after leaving El Capitan Meadow. If you reach iconic “Valley View”, you’ve gone too far.

Pohono Bridge Area

Sometimes you’ll find this iconic location empty, and you get it all to yourself. However, as soon as somebody sees you parked there, they will follow in your footsteps.

Better enjoy that solitude while you can!

Hiking Near Pohono Bridge

There is a scenic trail that takes you right along the river. Super easy hike, and plenty of great photo opportunities with many mossy rocks and leaves on the ground. Don’t miss it!

El Capitan Meadow

The stately trees along the road have turned a dark reddish brown, and they tower over the grazing deer below. Here I tried to capture the scale of Yosemite Valley, it’s truly breathtaking…

(Continued below, but I do hope you’ll follow along with me)

When (& Where) to Find The Best Yosemite Fall Colors

The 3rd or 4th week of October really is the best time to visit. Not only can you find stunning autumn scenes all around you, but there’s also a healthy LACK of tourists (& mosquitoes)!

The only thing missing during this time of the year is the strong flow of valley waterfalls. Well, they say you can’t have everything.

List of locations:

• Crane Creek – A few miles after Crane Flat on Highway 120 (coming INTO the park). The road passes right through some beautiful fall colors.
• Merced River @ Junction (Big Oak Flat Rd & El Portal Rd) – Again, you can see the bright yellows from the Bigleaf Maple Trees directly from the road. Some river rock hopping may be required to get some nice long exposure or waterfall shots. I have seen multiple bears in this area, so keep an eye out! (Don’t worry if you see one, just consider yourself lucky)
• Pohono Bridge – This is quite the scenic spot for photos! The bridge is located right where El Portal Road splits to start the Yosemite Valley Loop. If you want to take long exposure photos, I recommend waiting until late afternoon for best lighting. At least 4pm.
• Swinging Bridge – Even though I didn’t post any photos from here, you can take some nice reflection shots in the still water of the Merced river. You just need to “follow your eye” and hike along the river a bit to find the perfect location.
• El Capitan Meadow – You won’t find the most striking colors here. However, the large trees, families of deer, and breathtaking valley backdrop make a visit well worth it. Late afternoon lighting is most dramatic, and chances of deer sightings are better then, too.
• Tioga Pass Aspens – I did not make it up to the Yosemite high country this autumn, but I hear there are some nice aspen trees along the drive. Note, due to the higher elevation, these yellow colors tend to peak weeks earlier than down in Yosemite Valley. I suspect you would want to visit Tioga Pass around the first week of October for best fall colors.

Yosemite Valley (& Nearby) Hotels

Weather was perfect when I was there, about 70 degrees (f) during the day, though down to 44 at night. You can try your luck with a walk in campsite, though they tend to fill up pretty quickly.

Those looking for a bit more comfort can check out hotel options with Booking.com HERE, or Agoda HERE.

In closing, I hope you enjoyed my Yosemite Fall Colors series. Stay tuned for more Yosemite landscapes…hint…WINTER’S COMING!

(By the way, contact me if you’d like a framed print for the California / Yosemite lovers in your life…)

Cheers,

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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