Summer 2010 Photo Tours
I’m planning two of my photo tours, see previous descriptions.
The first photo tour is a bit unusual— the Yosemite high country on June 9/10/11 (mid-week avoids tourists). Arrive and meet afternoon of June 9, then full days on June 10/11.
Early June is a interesting time, Highway 120 has to be open and clear by then, but I’m now expecting it to be open by around Memorial Day, hence the delay in announcing. Early June offers an awesome display of melt-water in many areas in the high country, but most of the mosquitoes should not yet be airborne. No flowers, too early. This tour will mean moderate hiking to get to some stunning locations. An optional extension to the Bristlecone Pines in the White Mountains is available, which demands little in the way of hiking (very convenient, but SUV advised there). In both cases, night-time astrophotography is also a strong possibility should the weather cooperate.
According to Dennis Mattinson who runs the Eastern Sierra Weather Center:
May 19 — the snow plows have reached Tioga Pass with average snow depth at 5 - 7 feet. Still looks good for a memorial Day opening. But, the cooler than normal temps are impeding the spring melt. Onion Valley yesterday, at 9,300 feet, was only 42 degrees in mid day.
May 16 — Right now at least, June 9/10/11 looks safe. We have had a very unusual spring to say the least. Temps running some 10 - 20 degrees below normal. The system today and over the weekend looks to be showery at best, with 2 - 4 inches of snow in the high country expected. Once the Tioga road is cleared, then the NPS still needs to do work before the road opens. Now, I believe that Schulman Groove should be open by memorial day as well. But like I say, we will have to wait and see...
Nikon D3x + Zeiss ZF 21mm f/2.8 Distagon
I’m also planning a photo tour in July 20/21/22/23 timeframe, which is springtime at high elevation, wonderful for the long shooting days and copious wildflowers.
Nikon D3x + Zeiss ZF 21mm f/2.8 Distagon
As with all my photo tours, these are immersion experiences. You will not be putting your tripod into the same holes as the last guy, nor elbowing for position. I limit my tours to an absolute maximum of four people. And while I'm planning on several short photo discussions and instructional, you are free to take a nap or shoot instead. If time allows, we will have a little “lab” time in the evening, but with days so long, and shooting so good, that might not be the preference.
Contact me if interested. Cost will be $995 per person for two full days and one prior night, with a discount for the White Mountains extension.
