Monday, May 18, 2015

on the road {yosemite valley}


"Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space." -- Ansel Adams

I was first introduced to Ansel Adams in my Introduction to Art class, during my freshman year of high school. The assignment was to select an artist, from any time period and any medium, and write a report about them -- the hook being they had to share our birthday. 

Fast forward a lot of random Google searches later, I arrived at some of the most striking black and white landscape images I had ever seen, in particular, this one of Half Dome in Yosemite, with the moon rising ever so gracefully above it. I had found my subject, a certain Ansel Adams (Ms. Feeney made an exception for me here since his birthday is technically a day after mine), and subsequently, an obsession that would see me through to this very day. His command of contrast, lighting and composition are, of course, unrivaled but I think it was his uncanny ability to make a landscape appear more as a character: from brooding to ominous to downright joyful, that had me hooked. His images have always struck me more like portraits, than they do landscapes. 

Years (and many Ansel Adams calendars and prints) later, I still had never ventured to Yosemite Valley, which really is only a several hour drive from both Reno or San Francisco. Camping space reservations are admittedly hard to come by and it always seemed easier to head to Tahoe or to drive up the coast instead. That is, until a recent trip back to San Francisco, when my guy and I, on a complete whim, happened to snag one of the last camping spots left for the weekend, packing up just a few hours later to hit the road.

Granted, it was a whirlwind 48-hour camping trip, complete with snow and moody skies the first day and a crisp, clear blue summer day the next. We roamed around the valley floor, taking in everything as mere small observers in such a vast and grandiose space and then hiked up to Glacier Point, again, feeling smaller still, perched high above the valley below, with Half Dome and El Capitan flanking us on either side. 

All the while, I couldn't help but wonder, how Ansel Adams must have felt when he had first ventured to the valley himself -- how quiet and pristine and alive he must have felt, alone with these giants. These larger than life characters, at home in their perpetual sunrise of green and golden wonder. 

Needless to say, I think I'll be coming back to Yosemite for more. Very soon.


Photos by Tyler Graff and Krystal Bick

19 comments:

  1. Wow - stunning place! It seems almost magical

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  2. Oh my goodness, woah. I am completely blown away by this incredible location. I mean, how lucky are we to live on such a breathtaking planet. I'm going to make sure I visit Yosemite Valley when I'm in the US!

    www.lioninthewild.com

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  3. the place looks incredible, some gorgeous views ! great photos as well !

    CLUB AVENUE / http://club-avenue.blogspot.com / instagram

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  4. I've been to Yosemite too. I remember 1/2 Dome. Your shots are so beautiful and bring back wonderful memories.

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  5. I visited Yosemite last month but unfortunately we were only there for the day... it would have been so great to camp there and explore a bit more like you did. Love the pictures!

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  6. Wow! These pictures are incredible. It looks like a wonderful trip
    Dresses & Denim

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  7. These pictures are absolutely gorgeous! Looks like you had an amazing time!

    www.littleblackshell.com

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  8. The one where you are jumping looks pretty scary, this place is beautiful anyway, mountains are breathtaking!

    Printed or Plain

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  9. Which campground did you guys stay in? I'm planning a camping weekend for my boyfriend's birthday in June and this would be great! Thanks!

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  10. Mother nature is AMAZING...:)

    http://www.wllwproject.com

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  11. Loving your pictures and the original and beautiful way you have put your story across - you're an inspiration and I am following your journey - awesome work!

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  12. wow it looks so amazing
    x
    http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au

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  13. Incredibly beautiful part of your country!

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  14. Stunning photos, breathtaking views! It's so easy to get lost in the beauty of the Yosemite Valley.

    Happy Wednesday :)
    www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud

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  15. So beautiful, looks like you had an amazing time!

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  16. So beautiful places! So lucky :)

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