This forum provides info, details and updates for the Nikonians Academy "Yosemite in Spring" 2011 workshop — May 26-29, 2011.

Yosemite in Spring: Waterfalls and Spring Blooms
Thursday, May 26 - Sunday, May 29, 2011
Instructor: Michael A. Mariant
LODGING IN YOSEMITE VALLEY IS INCLUDED IN WORKSHOP FEE!

NOTE: This workshop, the flagship of the Yosemite workshops, sells out very quickly each year. Space is limited to only 10 participants.

We have several months to go until the start of the workshop but here is some important planning information for you in advance of our Yosemite experience.

You can read what last year's workshop participants had to say about the workshop experience:
http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=207&topic_id=925&mesg_id=925&page=

Also, you can look at the images from the 2010 workshop in the Yosemite Spring gallery:
http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/15547

And, lastly, for a wonderful first-person perspective of the workshop experience, read Todd Jackson's blog from the 2010 Yosemite Spring Workshop:
http://www.toddinyosemite.blogspot.com/


PERSONAL NEEDS:
I have had email correspondence with some of you regarding personal needs. If you have any requests or needs, especially in regards to accommodations, please email me ASAP.


ACCOMMODATIONS:
We will be staying in Yosemite Valley at Curry Village in the hard-floor, canvas-sided tent cabins. While this might sound like 'roughing-it', they really are quite hospitable, with each cabin having a dresser with mirror, a desk and bed with full linens and wool blankets. The cabins do not have heat, but temperatures in mid-May are warm during the day and cool - but not cold - in the evening. If you are at all concerned about your evening comfort, we can requests additional wool blankets upon our arrival at check-in. Private showers are located near to our cabins at the Curry Village Pool House; none of the tent cabins have private bath.

Due to a reduction in the number of available lodging units in Yosemite Valley, the ability to acquire a cabin is very difficult. The concessionaire has worked with us in always securing cabins for our workshop needs even during the crowded peak waterfall season.

All of our tent cabins exclusively will have an electrical outlet. Each tent cabins has a large, thick, metal 'food locker' directly outside the tent cabin entrance. This locker is sunk in concrete and 100% bear-proof. Each locker can be secured with a padlock; if you wish to use the food locker to store food or 'other items of value', please bring a padlock to secure the food locker doors. This is a very safe means of storage. It is not recommended to leave valuables in your cabin.


MEALS:
The workshop schedule usually allows for a sit-down breakfast and sit-down dinner every day, while some days we will have a sit-down lunch or have get a lunch to-go in order to maximize our shooting time. All of our meals will be at dining establishments in Yosemite Valley. You can budget that breakfast will cost between $8-10, lunch between $10-12 and dinner between $12-16. There is a surprisingly well-stocked grocery store in Yosemite Village is there is a need for additional food items.


ROCK FALLS:
During the 2008 ANPAT in Yosemite, two rock falls occurred directly behind Curry Village and in April 2009, a rock fall occurred below Half Dome. While this might sound like a hazardous situation, rock falls are common in Yosemite, as the exfoliation of the valley walls are a regular geological occurrence that have shaped, and continue to shape Yosemite Valley.

Rock falls do have a tendency to occur more often in the late fall (such as last year's ANPAT) and early spring (last week's rock fall) as rain or melting snow enters the rock during the day but during overnight freezing temperatures, the water freezes and expands, triggering the rock fall. While rock falls can be dangerous and expected, their occurrences are part of the natural experience in Yosemite. During the workshop orientation, we will review the rock fall conditions and safety concerns.


WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
The workshop will begin on Thursday, May 26 with the required orientation at 1:00 pm in the Curry Village Lounge (please eat a lunch prior to the orientatin), and will conclude Sunday, May 29 just after lunch (allowing for return to Fresno airport by 3pm). While some might have departing flight requirements that necessitate a earlier departure from the park on Sunday, I request that everyone make travel arrangements to arrive to Fresno airport no later than 9am on Thurs. May 26. If you need to arrive the night prior, directly across the street from the airport is the Picadilly Inn and Holiday Inn, both providing easy access from the airport.

Each day will include a full-schedule of shooting of all the springtime environments of Yosemite Valley, from the waterfalls to the spring-time blooms. We will begin at sunrise and go to sunset each day, with some days going past sunset. There will also be an optional exercise in "Astro Photography" one night for those who wish to partake. If you do wish to partake in the Astro Photography session, a remote trigger for your camera is highly recommended.

A detailed itinerary of our daily schedule will be provided to everyone during the workshop orientation.


TRANSPORTATION:
I would very much like to start a dialogue of carpooling to Yosemite from the airport, to avoid having a caravan of 11 vehicles with 11 people. I believe that 4 or 5 cars would easily support transportation needs both to the workshop and while in the valley. If there are members of this group who would like to spearhead the carpool discussion, I applaud you for your efforts; please respond here in the forum as soon as you can.

For those flying, the airport of arrival and departure is the Fresno-Yosemite Airport (FAT). Those who are flying in to Fresno, if you arrive on Wednesday, there are several hotels located directly across the street from the airport, including the Picadilly and the Holiday Inn. For those arriving Thursday morning, please check if your flight arrives prior to 9am to ensure our timely workshop start.

For those driving, if your route passes through Fresno and you can contribute to the carpool option, please plan on meeting at the airport Thursday morning. If your route does not allow for transit through Fresno, please plan on meeting at the Curry Village Lounge at 1:00pm.

I will be in the airport's arrival lobby (near the Starbucks Cart) Thursday morning at 9:30 am to facilitate the carpools and our departure to Yosemite. I plan to have everyone together and we will leave promptly at 10:00 am, arriving in Yosemite Valley by 1:00 pm.


TERRAIN:
Nearly all of our photo locations are either just off trail or in fairly level locations. Some might require light boulder-scrambling for additional vantage points.

There is a full-day, nearly all downhill 'hike' from atop Glacier Point down to Happy Isles, providing the best and most exclusive vantage points for three beautiful waterfalls. It is a 9-mile hike, going from 7,000-feet down to 4,000-feet. While I like to include this day trip as it is the highlight and hallmark of the workshop, I understand that some attendees might have limitations in this type of trip or 'hike'. If you have concerns or reservations about this, please privately email me at: mmariant@nikonians.org

Below are two references to the trail and vistas we will photograph on the Day 3 full-day hike, that includes several rarely-seen vantage points of three stunning waterfalls:





As reference to the difficulty level of this option, I can do it ... and if you know me or have seen me, you understand what I am saying. In other words, it's not that bad. It makes for a long day but with spectacular and wonderful photographs.

Note the elevation profile below to reference the difficulty of the hike.



EQUIPMENT:
While a full-range of focal-length lenses, from wide to medium-tele is sufficient for this workshop, I am not one to state that the workshop requires certain lenses or cameras in order to properly capture the scene. Lenses that start in the 17mm range on the wide side and top out at 200mm on the long side will do a fine job. Chances of seeing wildlife and needing a 300mm or longer lens? About 1-5%.

A tripod is a must, however, as well as a laptop if you choose to download and/or edit your photos. A polarizer filter is a plus.

IMPORTANT: One piece of equipment that is required is a neutral density (ND) filter of -6 stops. There are several options out there for ND filters, from varying density to gradated to the Vario-n-Duo. If you are new to ND filters, or only bring one, either a Fader ND or a straight -6 stop (not a gradated ND!) is a great starter, especially for the studies in water motion we will be doing during the workshop. The additional ND options that are available will only contribute to your photographic creativity, but certainly are not necessary for this workshop.

In regards to carrying your camera equipment, I strongly recommend a small photo backpack, waistbelt and/or chest harness (such as those from ThinkTank) as, especially in regards to our day-long trip, it will be much easier to carry your gear in this manner than with a bulky camera bag. When packing and choosing your gear to bring, remember one thing: keep it simple and light!

In the non-photographic equipment, a hat and sunscreen is a must. Good light-duty hiking boots or shoes with excellent traction are necessary as we will be off-trail and doing some light boulder scrambling at times and good foot traction and strong ankle support is necessary.

NOTE: Everyone is required to bring at least two (2) water bottles of 32 oz. capacity. It will be warm during the day and at some locations, especially on the full day hike, access to water is limited. I am very strict on this requirement; as a matter of safety, anyone not carrying two of these bottles of water will not be permitted to join the group on the full day hike.

Optionally, we will be using the handheld GSRM radios to communicate throughout the workshop; if you have a radio of your own, please feel free to bring it.

WRAP-UP:
That should do it. If you have any questions or concerns, please post your questions here and I will get back to you right away.



Cheers,
Michael

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

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Only two spots left for this year's Yosemite in Spring workshop.

This is the workshop that sells out the fastest every year. Take a look at the gallery links and first-hand blog post above to see what it's all about. But act quick as these last two seats will not last long!

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

The workshop shooting locations necessitate a –6 stop ND filter at the minimum. This is confusing, as the most common rating system for ND filters is numeric, whereas .3 equates to one-stop of ND filtration. So a .9 ND filter is really a –3 stop ND filter.

Some other filter manufactures use a proprietary system to rate their filter’s level of ND. The key is too look for the actual number of stops that the ND filter truly blocks. It is imperative that everyone has at least a –6 stop ND filter. Anything less and they will be left out of nearly all of the shooting locations.

ND filters can be a tricky and expensive venture. One thing that does hold true is that you get what you pay for. I caution everyone to avoid Cokin ND filters as they produce horrible color casts. In fact, nearly all non-glass ND filters have this problem.

One option for ND is to use a variable ND filter, where you can dial in your degree of ND from –1 to –8 stops, all in the same glass filter. The most popular brand (and pricey!) is the Singh-Ray Vario-ND filters, and also the Vario-n-Duo, which combines the ND filter with a polarizer filter. These can be found at B&H Photo.

Another option to consider in addition to the Singh-Ray is the Fader ND from Light Craft Workshops.

http://www.lightcraftworkshop-shop.com/product-list/19

I use this filter for my video/cine work in addition to variable ND still work. Several past workshop participants have purchased it and have been very pleased with the results. (Especially as the price is a fraction of the Singh-Ray!)

Nothing, however, beats the quality of single-density glass ND filter, such as -2, -4 and -6 stop ND filters. B+W is the purest and cleanest. But then you are dealing with carrying multiple filters, and can be more expensive then a Singh-Ray!

My personal set-up is a B+W -6 stop ND filter and the Fader ND. The filters are 77mm and everything steps-up to those filters. No need to buy multiple filters for different lens diameters. Step-up rings run about $10 from B&H.

Hope that helps if sorting out the ND filter confusion!

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

HI Michael, I have discovered that the Fader ND from Lightcraft in 77mm and other sizes is not currently available, but did find availability from Fader Filters....Can you advise whether or not this company makes a comparable product to Lightcraft?

Thanks, Rick Merica

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Rick,

The Fader Filters brand is very good, as well as the Genus brand, though they are a bit more expensive.

If you don't want to go the route of a fader-style ND filter, you could always go with a straight -6 stop glass filter. For the purpose of the workshop, they will work just fine, but they won't give you the flexibility of choosing the degree or intensity of ND.

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

I'll be coming from East Bay south of Oakland. I'll probably leave around 8am on Thursday. If someone also comes from San Francisco Bay Area and wants to carpool let me know.

I'm looking forward to the workshop.

regards

Enrico

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Hello everyone!

It's time to start getting everything formulated for the workshop in regards to transportation, carpools, required gear, both photo and non-photo, and additional details.


TRANSPORTATION/CARPOOLS:
We will utilize carpools to move from the airport (in necessary) to Yosemite as well as within the park for certain locations. There is no need whatsoever to drive 11 vehicles for 11 people. To start the carpool discussion, as well as establish arrival times for everyone, I need everyone to please post a response here on the forum stating if you:

1) Are you flying or driving to Fresno/Yosemite?
2) If flying, what are your flight numbers and arrival/departure times?
3) If flying, can you be a carpool leader (rent the vehicle/collect money from everyone)?
4) If you are driving, are you coming in from the south (Hwy. 41) or the north (Hwy. 140 or Hwy. 120)?
5) If you are driving, can you be carpool leader?
6) If are willing to carpool, what type of vehicle do you have and how many can you seat?

Reminder, all those flying into Fresno or driving through Fresno, we will be meeting at the airport arrivals lobby at the Starbucks cart at 9:30am, leaving the airport at 10:00am, arriving in Yosemite Valley around Noon to 12:30p.

If you are flying into Fresno on Wednesday night instead of early Friday morning, directly across the street from the airport is a Holiday Inn and a Picadilly Hotel/Inn. It's a short walk (literally a few minutes) and are typically the hotels of choice by workshop participants.

If you are driving to the Yosemite Valley on either Highway 120 or Highway 140, please plan on meeting at the Curry Village Amphitheater at 1:00pm. The Amphiteater is located directly behind the lounge and registration buildings, across from the Food Pavilion.


REQUIRED PHOTO GEAR:

LENSES: While a full-range of focal-length lenses, from wide to medium-tele is sufficient for this workshop, I am not one to state that the workshop requires certain lenses or cameras in order to properly capture the scene. Lenses that start in the 17mm range on the wide side and top out at 200mm on the long side will do a fine job. Chances of seeing wildlife and needing a 300mm or longer lens? About 1-5%.

TRIPOD: A tripod is a must.

COMPUTER: A laptop if you choose to download and/or edit your photos, or a download device, or lots of cards.

FILTERS: One piece of equipment that is required is a neutral density (ND) filter of at least -6 stops. There are several options out there for ND filters, from varying density to gradated to the Vario-n-Duo. If you are new to ND filters, or only bring one, either a Fader ND or a straight -6 stop (not a gradated ND!) is a great starter. NOTE: I caution everyone to avoid Cokin ND filters as they produce horrible color casts. In fact, nearly all non-glass ND filters have this problem.

Please read the post above that details the different type of ND filters available, as well as understanding the numbering system that denotes the degree of ND

CAMERA BAG: In regards to carrying your camera equipment, I strongly recommend a small photo backpack, waistbelt and/or chest harness (such as those from ThinkTank) as, especially in regards to our day-long trip, it will be much easier to carry your gear in this manner than with a bulky camera bag. When packing and choosing your gear to bring, remember one thing: keep it simple and light! Plan on carrying at least two water bottles (see below) in that bag, as well as a sack lunch.

CAMERA PROTECTION: At the minimum, bring a plastic trash bag (with no holes) to wrap your camera in to protect it from waterfall spray on the Mist Trail IF you will not be carrying it in a photo bag or backpack that day.


REQUIRED NON-PHOTO GEAR:
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Hiking boots/shoots (must be waterproof) with good traction
• Minimum of at least two (2) water bottles of 24-to-32 oz. capacity. (I am very strict on this requirement; as a matter of safety, anyone not carrying two of these bottles of water will not be permitted to join the group on the full day hike.)
• Secure padlock of either of the two varieties in the photo below, for use in securing the food locker outside each cabin. These lockers will be used to store all scented items, as well as provide a secure locked location for any other valuables you will have. They are securely anchored in concrete and can not be removed, even by a bear.



Normal locks are usable, by all means. But if security is a concern, I strongly would recommend one of the two locks shown above. Last time I checked at Home Depot, the price of the two secure locks shown above were around the same price as a pair of bolt cutters…


RECOMMENDED/SUGGESTED PHOTO & NON-PHOTO GEAR:
• Remote timer for your camera
• Polarizer filter
• Hiking/trekking poles
• Rain gear for your camera (if you opt to not go with the plastic trash bag option above)
• Layered clothing for cool mornings/evenings and warm days
• Alarm clock


CONCLUSION:

• Be sure to read the details above regarding the full-day, 9-mile downhill hike on Saturday. If you have any concerns about this, you can mail email privately.

• I will be monitoring the snow clearing process on Glacier Point Road that is currently under way. In the event that the road is not cleared and open by the start of the worship, an alternate itinerary for the Saturday hike is in place and ready to be implemented. The alternate route is shorter but more moderate than the full-day hike. I will provide updates as conditions warrant.

• Please remember to post your travel details to the above six questions here in the forum (simply reply to this post). If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

• Note: I will be traveling and will be out of country for the Ultimate Travel Workshop, from Easter Sunday all the way until Wed, May 25, the day before the workshop starts. I will have limited internet access during this time, so my replies might be delayed. Please be patient and you can expect a reply within 1-2 days.


Thanks everyone!

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

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Hello, Michael.

I will be driving from Los Angeles. Coming with me will be George Whitson and Aymee Comings. We'll meet you and party at Curry Village.

I will have the same SUV as before, happy to carpool, and can carry four comfortably with all our gear.

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I will be flying into Fresno with my husband on Wed and staying there overnight. We will be renting a car (full size) however, we're not leaving Yosemite after the class is over. We're staying a few extra days in the park so we will not be returning to the Fresno airport on the last day of class. Therefore, I am probably not a great car pool candidate. If someone needs a ride on Thursday from Fresno or around the park during the trip, I can sign up for that.

I will be driving into Yosemite with my partner, Robyn Holt from Carlsbad and plan to arrive a day or two early, so will not be available for car pooling from Fresno Airport. After arriving and stowing our gear we could accommodate a couple of people in our car (Prius) if needed for the next few days.

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I'm flying into Fresno Wednesday afternoon and will be staying at the Holiday Inn. I haven't reserved a rental car yet since I was waiting to find out about car pool plans. I an willing to get a car and lead a car pool if needed. I have a late flight out on Sunday.

maybe you can carpool with Michael?

So far we had 5 cars (including mine). Are we 10 participants? Then we are missing one response.

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Still waiting on travel details from two more participants. As soon as those come in and I can calculate the carpool possibilities, I'll post the info here. For this workshop, we need a few extra cars because of our Saturday hike. On that day, we leave the cars we drove up to Glacier Point in the morning in the parking lot, then after dinner we drive back up from the valley in other cars to retrieve the cars left in the morning, and shoot sunset. All because it is a one-way, downhill hike.

However, the snow report is leading to suspicions that Glacier Point Road might not be open by the time of our arrival. Based on historical records, the last two times there has been this much snow at this time of year, the road was not opened until July 1. There is an alternate route we would take, one we have utilized in the past few years.

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

It is good to have a plan B or C for the day hike but I'm rather optimistic...

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Ok, so I am starting up the inevitable 'what lens to bring' question...

I have both the Nikon 70-300VR and 70-200VR lenses. Obviously, one is slow & light, the other fast and heavy. I was leaning toward the 70-300 because of the weight factor. On the other hand, I think that the image quality on the 70-200 is much better and hey, this class is all about the pictures, right? So, it's like I have the little angel on the right shoulder
and the devil on the left...and can't decide.

Is there any need for the faster lens? I am guessing not because we're probably using tripods most of the time, right? On the other hand, the 70-200 has a tripod foot and the 70-300 doesn't which makes a funky balance on the tripod.

Ok, enough rambling, what are your thoughts?

I have also 70-200 and 70-300. I'll probably bring both lenses and decide there bevore we go anywhere which lens to I'll put in my backpack.

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In Landscape Photography, you rarely if ever need fast lenses. Rather, at times, you would want the greater depth of field that a f/32 lens might provide over the standard f/22 lens. And if you aren't shooting "car-side" and have to carry your gear, the lighter choice is always a good choice!

I am a big fan of the 18-200 lens for cropped-sensor cameras, as with one lens you have everything covered. As for needing long lenses, such as up to 300mm, it won't be necessary, but if it falls into the lighter lens category, it becomes irrelevant.

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

I think FlaTiger has I have a full frame sensor the 70-200mm f/2.8 weighs 51.8 oz/1,468g and the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR weighs only half of that but pictures have lower quality.

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If it was an easy choice, compromise wouldn't be part of the decision making process...

You'll have to make the choice between image quality or weight. I wouldn't be concerned between the 200mm or 300mm.

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

I'm arriving Wed evening into FAT (AA #1349; arriving 9:20 PM). Not departing FAT until Monday at 1:20 PM. Would be happy to carpool if anyone else is staying until Monday morning.

Greg

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Just to clarify.

I'm staying Sunday night at Curry Village & driving to FAT Monday morning for a 1:20 PM flight.

Greg

Hi Michael,
Just checking in. As Scott said I'll be riding up with him and Aymee.

Just got back from Asheville NC and the Smokies. Getting psyched for our trip, can't wait.


George

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Hello everyone,

Update with three weeks to go ...


First up, Travel Details:

Here is the round-up.

Greg, Bonnie, Keith and Thomas:
Arriving at the Fresno airport on Wed., heading up to the park on Thursday morning.

Scott, George and Aymee:
Driving up from SoCal and meeting the group Thursday at Curry Village

Robyn and Rick:
Arriving early and meeting the group Thursday at Curry Village.

Enrico:
Driving in from the SF Bay Area and meeting the group Thursday at Curry Village.



Next, carpooling:

As for carpooling to/from the airport, while all will arrive on Wednesday evening, there are different departure days from Yosemite/Fresno: Enrico-Sunday/Sunday, Keith-Sunday/Monday, Greg-Monday/Monday, Bonnie-Tuesday+/Tuesday+.

I will be meeting everyone at the airport Thursday morning as planned, but I too will not be returning via Fresno airport at the workshop conclusion on Sunday.

Bonnie and Greg: Because of the individual schedules, you will need separate vehicles.

Thomas and Keith: Both of you will be returning to Fresno on Sunday, so a carpool is recommended. Keith says he already has a rental car reservation.

Scott, do you and your group want to meet in Fresno at the airport with the rest of on Thursday morning and head in (with a planned lunch/gear stop)?




Next up, workshop planning:

The only thing of note to pass on is that I can say with certainty that we will be going with the contingency plan for the full-day hike itinerary on Saturday. The snow level in the Sierra Nevada range as of May 1 is 199% of normal. This is a deep and huge snowpack, and will last for some time. In the chance they get Glacier Point Road open, the snow at the upper elevations will still be covering the trail, so it will be inaccessible.

As such, we will be doing an up and back hike, but it is shorter in length, and will provide some views not seen on the other hike. It will be of upmost importance that everyone has the required water bottles and the recommended trekking poles, if desired. Plus this allows for a special and unique photo location in the morning before the hike, that would not occur if we had the original plan. Hopefully, the road will be open, though, to allow for the planned sunset opportunity. I will update as conditions change.




Again, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to post them here.

Looking forward to roaring waterfalls and great weather in Yosemite!!!

Cheers,
Michael

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

Hey Michael,

Thanks for the reminder!
Here are my travel plans:

I'm arriving in Fresno at 7pm on Wednesday May 25, spending the night at the Holiday Inn Express, ready for the convoy on May 26. I'm also staying overnight in Fresno on the way back on May 29th and departing Fresno May 30th around 7pm. I've already rented a car.

--Keith

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It looks like the Glacier Point will maybe open in time.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm

Still that doesn't mean we can take the hike down from there but at least we have a nice view from ther and is a good spot for sunset/sunrise.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Michael,

What is the contingency plan for the full-day hike itinerary on Saturday?

Thanks,

Greg

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Hello everyone,

I'm always asked about bears in Yosemite. And if you read the blog post from last year's workshop (linked to at the top of this forum), then you know that the chances of seeing a bear run about 50%.

While we will talk extensively about bear safety and prevention during the workshop orientation, below is the latest Bear Activity Report from the Yosemite rangers for the week of April 24 - April 30, 2011:

BEAR INCIDENTS

Michael,

We (George, Aymee, and me) are coming up Wednesday evening from So Cal. Expect to stay in the Fresno area, and meander up to Yosemite meeting spot on Thursday. Some good shooting I think of the strip mining on the way as I recall in the area of La Grange. Satisfactory?

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Could also join in with group as well, depending on departure time and plans beyond lunch stop. Open to options actually and and hadn't thought about caravan. You may have seen the strip mining landscape - it's been years for me - but pretty cool, I think. Just an idea.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Hello everyone!

We are just one week away from the start of the workshop, and here is the latest update:



• The travel arrival plans from everyone are as follows:

Greg, Bonnie, Keith and Thomas:
Arriving at the Fresno airport on Wed., heading up to the park on Thursday morning.

Scott, George and Aymee:
Driving up from SoCal and meeting the group Thursday

Robyn and Rick:
Arriving early and meeting the group Thursday at Curry Village.

Enrico:
Driving in from the SF Bay Area and meeting the group Thursday at Curry Village.



• I will be meeting Greg, Bonnie, Keith and Thomas at the Fresno Airport at 9:30am at the Starbucks Coffee Cart in the arrivals lobby. As for carpooling, since it seems everyone has different departure times, I want to make sure everything is situated for the four airport arrivals:

Bonnie and Greg: Because of the individual schedules, you will need separate vehicles. PLEASE CONFIRM!

Thomas and Keith: Both of you will be returning to Fresno on Sunday, so a carpool is recommended. Keith says he already has a rental car reservation.

Scott: The strip mining site you are referring to near La Grange is on the western route into the park, and we'll be taking the southern route in (Highway 41) from Fresno. If you want to join us going in Thursday morning, let me know so we can plan to have you with our group at 9:30am. We won't be making any photo stops along the way; just a lunch stop and last-minute supply opportunity in Oakhurst. Please let me know what you and your group will do.



• As for the Saturday itinerary schedule, the latest update from the Park Service regarding Glacier Point Road states that crews worked on widening along the Glacier Point Road and clearing in the parking lot. Snow depth in the lower parking lot is 3 to 4 feet and the upper parking lot is 4 to 7 feet. This week and next, crews will begin plowing the trail between the parking lot and the point.

Even if the road is open, we will absolutely not be doing the hike from Glacier Point down along the waterfalls, as the trail is still under 4-7 feet of snow! However, if they get the road widened and necessary repairs done in time, along with access paths to the point through the snow, we will travel up to Glacier Point for sunset on Saturday evening.



• As for the contingency plan, we will be doing an alternate location in the morning after breakfast, then depart for our waterfall journey, still taking in the key photo vantage points for Vernal and Nevada falls. We just won't be doing the hike from Glacier Point, but rather up from the valley along one trail to a critical junction point, then back down on another trail. Note that this will include an elevation gain of roughly 900 feet as we hike up to the trail junction point, then descend on the second trail. Both trails (up and down) include several important photo locations.

Again, hiking or trekking poles are highly suggested, and if you will not be keeping your camera in a backpack/bag on the Saturday trek, a rain covering or plastic bag at the minimum is necessary to keep your camera dry along one section of the trail (meaning you will get wet, but your camera won't).

Note: it has been a mix of snow and rain in Yosemite (both the valley and upper elevations) the past week during a late spring storm. This has impacted the snow removal process, however it will not impact the contingency Saturday itinerary.



• Lastly, remember to bring warm clothes because with the unseasonable weather we’ve been having it’s been getting pretty cold at night and there’s always a chance for a spring snow/hail storm in the Sierra. The tent cabins do have heaters and the beds are outfitted with wool blankets and full linen, however layered clothing and warm clothes will be important as we will be out in the morning and evening when the temperatures could be cold.



• So if you have any questions, please post them now as we are getting into the final countdown! If the three airport arrivals that need to rent vehicles could please confirm as such, it would be appreciated. And please take the time to re-read this entire forum to make sure you didn't miss any points or suggestions, including the required gear/equipment needed for the workshop.

See everyone in 7 days!

Cheers,
Michael

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

Michael,

I will be carpooling with Keith.

Regards,
Tom

Hi Guys,

I've never been to the Fresno Airport before. When we go back to the airport on Thursday to meet at the Starbucks cart: Do you know if there is a place to park, and is the Starbucks outside of security?

Thanks!
--Keith

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Keith and all that are Fresno Airport-bound:

If you are not getting your rental car until Thursday morning, just plan on getting the car contract, keys, etc before our 9:30am meeting, but leave the car in the lot until we are ready to load up and depart.

If you are getting your rental car on Wednesday when you arrive, it would be easier to leave your car at the hotel lot (which is immediately adjacent to the airport) and we will retrieve the vehicles when we are ready to load up and depart. You could move it from the hotel lot to the short-term lot, but it would not save you much on distance and just cost some dollars for the parking.

The Starbucks cart/stand is in the center of the arrivals lobby, right near the airport main entrance/exit doors, outside of security. After deplaning, and walking down the terminal past the gates, after you pass security you will see it directly in front of you, smack dab in the middle of the lobby. Rental cars are located to the right across from the luggage carousels.

Here's a tip: Both hotels offer shuttles to the airport if you do not want to walk over with all your luggage/photo gear, even if you have a car. Everyone can meet at the Starbucks cart with all of their luggage/gear, and once everyone is present and we've reviewed our travel plans to Yosemite, the drivers can just cross the street to the hotels and drive the cars around, we load up and leave.

PLEASE check out of your hotel before meeting at the airport.

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

Michael - Yes, confirming that I have a car rented.

Michael,

Expect that we will enter via 140 unless you advise that route is problematic. We will leave the Fresno area early to ensure on-time arrival. Checking with group to be sure, but latest.

Scott

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No problems entering on Route 140 via Merced/Mariposa. Note that the strip mining pit you are referring to is off of Highway 132.

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

I have a rental car reserved. will pick it up Thurs. morning.

Greg

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Michael,

I assume we buy our typical park passes. Any special request or mention to park rangers upon entrance?

Scott

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Nope, no special secret password to get free entry into the park. The odds are high with Nikonians that someone has a National Parks Pass, and you don't have to pay. When we do the carpool up from Fresno, I try to get at least one in each car of the caravan. But it is random.

Hopefully someone in your group of four will have a park pass for your Hwy. 140 entry!

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

Bummer. I heard when you say r98wLq to the Ranger at the entrance you get free pass

According to weather reports here:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Yosemite+Village&state=CA&site=HNX&textField1=37.7453&textField2=-119.597
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=95389&sp=MAHIC1
It will be mostly sunny/party cloudy.

Forcast here looks less than good:
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/CANPYOSE:13

The weather will probably change anyway. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

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This site which is usually reliable gives a better forecast.

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=95389

Greg

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That is the same website I mentioned in my post but with the weather station southwest of the valley.

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The weather in the Sierra is always unpredictable... You can count on that. As for forecasting, I use the NWS site as their readings come from their station in the valley, and forecast as such. The other sites could be forecasting for a point just one mile south, but is out of the valley at 7000 feet. Huge difference.

In a nutshell, plan for mild days and cool evenings.

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

Michael, thank you for the great workshop. I've learned a lot and it was a great group.
Special Thanks to Scott for borrowing me his backup camera for couple days after mine stopped working. I owe you one.

I uploaded some pictures I've taken in my gallery, have a look. There are no camera settings mentioned at the pictures I've uploaded because it doesn't seem to read out the EXIF/metadata of image files and I'm too lazy to enter the information manually.
If you really want to know what aperture etc. I had at a picture save it and check the file info.

I'll go to Yosemite this weekend to go to the spots where we didn't go because of the bad weather.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Enrico - very nice pics! I enjoyed looking through your gallery. I will get mine posted in the next week or so....

Unfortunately, as soon as I got back from California I had to travel on business so am currently sitting in meeting in PA.

It was very interesting to see your shots as compared to mine...some very similar, some totally different. I look forward to see other's as well.

Being as we stayed a few extra days, we did go to some of the spots that we missed... It will be interesting to see what you end up shooting.

Good luck, Bonnie

Enrico,

Very nice photos! I'll be posting the wrap-up forum thread and gallery link tomorrow, so watch for it so you can add your images to the Yosemite Spring 2011 Workshop Gallery as well!

Thanks for sharing! See you at the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop!

Cheers,
Michael

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

Hi Michael, just wondering if I missed your post of the "wrap-up forum thread". I thought it may have been posted in an area that I haven't looked in yet...

Thanks again for an outstanding few days in Yosemite...

Rick

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Michael,

thank you.
I don't know which of the 63 pictures in my Workshop gallery I should pick for the wrap up gallery.


regards

Enrico

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All 63 photos!!!

____________________________
Michael A. Mariant
Nikonians Academy Faculty
Master Your Vision Workshops

Uploaded some of my pictures to the workshop gallery more pictures are in my albums. I also uploaded pictures of my mid-June visit in my albums. I was last weekend in Yosemite and will be there again a few times this year ...


Enrico

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