Yosemite suggestions

[bdk12]

I need some help! I am really just a beginner--with apparently a pretty good camera (gift of Canon 5D Mark II with IS lenses, cable release, Manfroto tripod, filters, etc)--and am traveling to Yosemite next week. Any suggestions as to "Rules of Thumb" for Manual settings related to aperture; ISO; where to focus when shooting big landscape--when shooting during the twilight times. I just want to come back with some decent pictures.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Doug Pardee]

Don't fret over it. It's the composition that matters, not the technical stuff. Anyone can get great photos at Yosemite with even a little digicam.

As far as the technical stuff goes, there's no substitute for practice. One of the great things about digital photography is that you can take all the practice photos you want for free. Another great thing is that you can get immediate feedback on the LCD screen, including a histogram.

[mosgood]

There are literally dozens of photo ops in Yosemite, so I wouldn't worry about what to shoot. Do be careful by Bridal Veil Falls. If you haven't been to Yosemite before, especially during chilly weather, the parking lot & trail often freeze over. It's treacherous to walk the trail due to the ice, & just driving/parking can be a challenge too (not to slide & hit other vehicles or trees). If you want Valley Views with Half Dome, check out Glacier Point. It's not so crowded in the winter months which is nice.

Dress warm too. Temps vary around the park. Shaded areas are quite a bit colder than areas in the sun. If you want to ensure getting some nice pictures, you could try shooting at various settings. Do practice with the camera before you go so you have some experince with it. I'm sure the camera also has auto settings as well. You could always go back & forth to different modes.

Have fun & post some of your pictures from your trip!

[Krusty79]

I would walk around the Valley in the golden hours and try to get some shots with one of the falls or Half Dome in the background. But, there are so many places to shoot there. The Mist Trail is spectacular if you're up for a strenuous, but jaw-droppingly beautiful hike. You'll need something to help keep your camera dry, though.

I don't know if the Glacier Point or Tioga Roads are still open or whether they are closed because of snow. Glacier Point is the most spectacular lookout I have seen in any national park (yes, I think it blows away the Grand Canyon). Tioga Road, if open, is spectacular also, especially when you get out Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows.

[mosgood]

Originally Posted by Krusty79

I would walk around the Valley in the golden hours and try to get some shots with one of the falls or Half Dome in the background. But, there are so many places to shoot there. The Mist Trail is spectacular if you're up for a strenuous, but jaw-droppingly beautiful hike. You'll need something to help keep your camera dry, though.

I don't know if the Glacier Point or Tioga Roads are still open or whether they are closed because of snow. Glacier Point is the most spectacular lookout I have seen in any national park (yes, I think it blows away the Grand Canyon). Tioga Road, if open, is spectacular also, especially when you get out Tenaya Lake and Tuolumne Meadows.

Good tips, Krusty! There's a ski area off the road to Glacier Point. That road will be open. However, Tioga Pass gets closed right after the first snow of the season. Too bad, because it is just spectacular.

[ravncat]

Originally Posted by bdk12

I need some help! I am really just a beginner--with apparently a pretty good camera (gift of Canon 5D Mark II with IS lenses, cable release, Manfroto tripod, filters, etc)--and am traveling to Yosemite next week. Any suggestions as to "Rules of Thumb" for Manual settings related to aperture; ISO; where to focus when shooting big landscape--when shooting during the twilight times. I just want to come back with some decent pictures.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

If you have the chance, you may want to figure out if you'll have a chance at seeing a moonbow. The visitors center should be able to tell you more... i know the next full moon is dec 10, so you may have a good chance at seeing one...