If you have ever spent time in Yosemite Valley, you know that feeling upon driving through the tunnel and getting that epic view of El Capitan, Half Dome, and the valley floor. It is a jaw-dropping, butterflies in the stomach, magic in the air, kind of feeling. There are few places as inspiring to me as staring at Half Dome (maybe that means I just need to travel more but holy moly, she is something to behold).
If you read my last post about Shirley and Bryant’s Yosemite engagement session, you know that our day started with a morning hike into the snowy sequoia grove and then we planned on spending the afternoon in the valley. Bryant’s big wish for the session was to get Half Dome shots, so I knew I needed to deliver on that front while showing them other parts of the valley that are just as gorgeous.
TIP: Thinking of eloping or having a session in Yosemite during the winter? It is still totally possible! So many people forego winter sessions in Yosemite because of Glacier Point Road being closed and therefore not being able to access Taft Point by car. While I definitely understand not wanting to miss out on those shots, it’s definitely not the end-all-be-all for Yosemite. She has so much more to offer down on the valley floor that can be equally as beautiful. Also, if the weather and conditions permit, you can totally hike up to Taft Point via the four-mile trail—just sayin’.
When we finished up our morning session in the sequoia grove, we agreed to meet at Tunnel View later that afternoon and then they could follow me down into the valley for our different shooting spots. When we met up a few hours later, we all agreed that the time flew by WAY faster than we thought it would! Traffic had also gotten a little heavier since we left each other that morning but thankfully it wasn’t much of an issue.
We spent the next hour driving around the valley and hopping in and out of our cars to get pictures at different locations. We were lucky to spend time in El Cap Meadow while trying to spot climbers on her massive granite face and even heard large chunks of ice falling from Yosemite Falls! It was also nice to incorporate an added element—water! Because the Merced River flows throughout the valley, there are a few beach spots that are perfect for pictures (and elopements…hint, hint!).
Shirley and Bryant’s session culminated with photos in front of Half Dome and saying cheers with a couple more beers to celebrate a great day (a few people definitely judged us—that was part of the fun!).
All in all, it was the perfect day from start to finish. Yosemite National Park gave us her best winter vibes in the morning and treated us to gorgeous sunset colours in the afternoon. Shirley and Bryant were not only super great in front of the camera but by the end of the day, it truly felt like I had made new adventurous friends.
Interested in booking a session or eloping in Yosemite? Fill out the contact form here and I will be in touch ASAP!