Out of Yosemite 2020

Cook’s meadow is a beautiful meadow that both Charlie Cramer and John Sexton love to explore. The meadow is situated right in front of Yosemite Falls, and provides incredible variety of photographic possibilities. It offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. Magnificent examples of oak trees abound, with one famous and singular Elm tree remaining. (A non-native tree, it was planted in the mid 1800s). The Merced River runs nearby, with a bridge that provides an excellent vantage point for all kinds of compositions. Walk across it, and the Yosemite Chapel, the oldest building in the Valley, is right there. Depending on weather conditions, there will be possibilities from intimate natural details to grand vistas as we explore the meadow in the early morning light. We will be discussing the importance of light, and the organizing of subject elements within the frame, as key foundations for effective photographs. Charlie and John, along with Anne Larsen (who will be assisting on the field session) will be looking over your shoulder offering constructive and supportive comments on your images during the field session. A brief classroom session is planned at the end of the excursion. A tripod is required for this field session. Participants should bring the photographic equipment (lenses, filters, shades, etc.) they normally use. Participants should also bring the viewing frame received upon conference check-in to this field session.

We will walk to Cook's Meadow from the Yosemite Valley Lodge.