I just got back from a day trip to Yosemite, which I took on Monday. The spring there is in the air.

The trees are getting green, the waterfalls are big, and the crowds are still few. In fact, before taking this shot, I was at the popular “Valley View” spot nearby, and for a while, I was all alone, right before sunset. Incredible.

I love Yosemite. It’s been shot to death, but some places we visit to just be there, not necessarily to photograph. There is nothing like Yosemite air and color. I also love visiting Ansel Adams gallery, and ended up buying Michael Fry’s print. On top of that, there is no cell phone reception inside the park. As I rolled out of the park on my way home, my Blackberry quickly downloaded 56 unread messages.

But it was nice to be there, and no doubt I’ll return many times this year, now that I found that a day trip can be just as good as the extended stay.

More photos to come.

Nikon D300
19mm, f/16, 30 sec, ISO200
ND400 for long exposure, Lee 0.9+0.6 ND Grads

We’re in the middle of winter storms here in SF Bay Area.

Last week as the day was coming to an end, there was a short break right around the sunset time. I quickly grabbed my gear and headed out of the door to the nearby park that our house is close to. The color was there, but not spectacular, since there were too many low clouds. So I decided the scene is better suited for B&W. Standing there in this weather I couldn’t help but enjoy the fresh air that these storms bring. Next few weeks will also be the best time for landscape photography around here, as storms tend to clear the air and bring high clouds.

The nature is mean out there right now, but that’s expected for January. Please drive safely.

Nikon D300
1/20 sec, f/16, 24mm, 100 ISO
ND Grad 0.9 (3-stop)