The winter season in Yosemite is one revered by all landscape photographers .... an opportunity for solitary immersion in an iconic location that is covered in a snowy blanket not seen by many.

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Yosemite in Winter: A Season of Contrast
Thursday, Feb. 25 - Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010
Instructor: Michael A. Mariant

LODGING IN YOSEMITE VALLEY IS INCLUDED IN WORKSHOP FEE!

DEADLINE TO SIGN-UP: JANUARY 15, 2010!!!!

This forum is an opportunity for those interested in the workshop to ask questions, share concerns and learn more about the Yosemite in Winter workshop as well as for workshop participants to discuss planning, preparation and needs for the workshop!




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Long after the vacationing families and day-trippers have made their exodus from the valley, the photographers arrive at the park to relish the open, uncrowded spaces (read: not blocked by happy-snap camera-wielding tourists) to capture scenes of unparalleled beauty, serenity and contrast. Stark gray and white speckled granite, brilliant green-needeled pines and rich-hued redwoods, ice-covered streams and ephemeral waterfalls, snow-blanketed meadows littered with bare oak trees... and all the landmarks that we have grown accustomed to seeing: Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Glacier Point, Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Spires, Bridalveil Falls, Lost Arrow, El Capitan — but yet in a completely different light.

And that is what the Yosemite in Winter workshop is all about.

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Dear Ma, Pa,

Reached Camp Curry at 2 pm. Snow everywhere, Clouds Rest one mass of white, Glacier Point, Half Dome, North Dome and Eagle Peak are holding as much snow as the pitch of their slopes will allow. At Camp Curry ... a large area of the camp is covered with from 6 to 18 inches. I would not have missed this for the world and consider it the finest season I have seen at Yosemite ... the air has more life and snap to it than ever.
... the sky is clear, great clouds of snow are blowing from the heights sometimes obliterating the topmost rocks. At present Half Dome looks like a volcano, and little swirls and eddies of snow dust are quite numerous on the cliffs of Glacier Point. I am going to attempt to photograph these snow clouds tomorrow...

Signed,
Ansel Adams,
Yosemite, 1920



Dear Ansel,

Today I walked in the woods, and gathered fir and cedar branches that I might send my friends a bit of the fragrance of the mountains. I wish I might also imprison in a box the clear, crisp air and the clouds that hang low, over the Cathdral Rocks at sunset.
You would love it here now. It is utterly different from the smiling, placid meadowy place you know. Not only do we lack the tourists and the green grass and trees, but the haze of summer, and the dusty smoky atmosphere of fall. Clear, cold moonlit nights, with the stars as bright as though they had just been polished and hung up and days with blue sky and sunshine on the white-topped cliffs....
Oh, I can not find words for it, Ansel, but there is more the feel of the Minarets in the air. If you ever need a tonic like that in the winter, you will find Yosemite waiting for you and it will be the old Yosemite that we used to know, and can not find in the summer.

Love,
Virginia Best
Christmas, 1926


(Virginia Best, whose father operated the Best's Studio, soon after married Ansel Adams, and the Best Studio is the longest operating business in Yosemite, today known as the Ansel Adams Gallery.)
_________________________________________


Ms. Best said it in words from an era long-gone but describing a scene that has not changed for over 80 years. Winter is Yosemite is a special, magical time. And the Nikonians Academy Yosemite in Winter workshop focuses on guiding participants in capturing this wondrous scene.



As with all my workshops, the four days in Yosemite are equal parts guiding to specific, photographic locations coupled with a strong educational curriculum to help each participant improve their photographic skill-set along with their pre-visualization and composition skills. Each day's locations builds on the previous day's, allowing for continual exercise of new concepts while applying techniques and methods.

This workshop, more so than any other workshop, concentrates on the pre-visualization and composition techniques critical and integral to successful landscape photography. I spend time with each workshop participant to improve their compositional skills and foster that 'photographic eye' to carry-on to future photographic expeditions. It's one thing to see what could be a good photograph; it's another thing to recognize the key elements, couple them together and generate a dynamic and stimulating visual flow that engages and entertains the viewer. And this workshop challenges that approach and provides an opportunity for every participant to accelerate and vastly improve on their compositional techniques.

The workshop also provides an opportunity to photograph a rare and long sought-after natural phenomena in Yosemite. What some consider the 'Holy Grail' of photographic moments is the blazing sunset light on Horsetail Fall, commonly known in photographic circles at 'The Firefall'. The backlit illumination of Horsetail Fall off of El Capitan by the setting sun, which occurs only for only a few days each year in late February, was immortalized by the original 1973 Galen Rowell photo.



All three sunset opportunities of the workshop will be devoted to capturing this elusive visual phenomenon as conditions must be just right for the photographic opportunity to occur. We will utilize different locations in Yosemite Valley to document and create a stunning pictorial of this beautiful event.


Join us in Yosemite this winter for a truly magical, special, enlightening and educational experience!


Feel free to post any messages or questions here in the forum! In the coming months, additional details and FAQs about the workshop will be added in this forum posting in preparation for the workshop.


Cheers,
Michael

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Just a footnote to those considering the "Yosemite in Winter" workshop and are, figuratively, sitting on the fence or waiting to sign up ... spaces for this workshop are filling up, and I'd recommend the 'sooner' as better than 'later'...

I've been receiving several questions via email about the accommodations for this workshop...

Lodging is included in the workshop, checking in to your private cabin on Thursday and checking out on Sunday.

We will be staying at Curry Village in the private, heated cabins with bath. All of these cabins have two beds (great to spread the gear out on the second bed!), a dresser, mirror, desk, chair and complete set of linens and towels. While simple and rustic, they are very comfortable.

Below are some pictures of the cabins we will be staying in during the workshop...

Attachment #1, (jpg file)
Attachment #2, (jpg file)
Attachment #3, (jpg file)

Anyone interested in Carpooling from Fresno? I'll rent a vehicle or split the cost of your vehicle.

Rob
Colorado Springs, Colorado
My Gallery

Hello Rob...

Put me down as a participant who would like to share a rental car with you for travel from Fresno to Curry Village and, one hopes, back again. It's possible my wife will come along; not certain yet.

Tony mendonikon

Great news Tony. We will have three or four in the vehicle then. When do you arrive? I should be there around 2:00PM on Wednesday and depart at 7:30AM on Monday. I'll send an email with my cell number.

Rob

Rob
Colorado Springs, Colorado
My Gallery

Michael:

Can you provide information on making cabin reservations? I'll be driving in from the Bay Area and would like to arrive on the 24th if possible.

Also, would it be worth its weight to bring along a 400 mm f/2.8? I've got an f/3.5 80-400 mm nikkor, but as you know, its not as sharp as the f/2.8.

Pete
My Photos

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Pete (and others wishing to extend their visit or arrive early),

For resevations inside the park at either Curry Village, Yosemite Lodge, the Ahwhanee or Wawona Hotel, you can make reservations online at http://www.yosemitepark.com.

On the reservations page, there is also a link for Tenaya Lodge, which located outside the park on Hwy. 41, south toward Fresno, which is operated by the park concessionaire. Very nice place.

Outside the park, on Highway 140 just outside El Portal and the park entrance, is the Cedar Lodge and Yosemite View Lodge: http://www.yosemite-motels.com/index.htm

Another nice location and favorite of mine is Yosemite Four Seasons: http://yosemitelodging.com/ Technically, they are outside the park, located in an area called Yosemite West, which is only accessible from within the park on the main road between Wawona and Yosemite Valley, right near the turn-off for Glacier Point. While they have wonderful accommodations, they might be too much for just an overnight stay.

Pete: Would you be willing to carpool with anyone else that would be driving from the Bay Area? Not sure if anyone else attending the workshop is along the route, but it would be much better than bringing two cars.

As for gear, if you have a 400/2.8, you might use it at the Firefall for a tighter shot, but it would be a personal compositional choice. I think the 80-400 would be a fine piece of equipment for this workshop.

Thanks for the lodging information. Absolutely willing to carpool with anyone coming from the Bay Area. I've already been in touch with a gentleman who is coming in from Israel. I have a big SUV and have room for two more people/gear.

As for the 400/2.8, I don't own one, but have rented it before. Just wanted to get a sense from you if it would be worth renting for this workshop. You answered my question. I'll be good with the lenses I currently own.

Pete
My Photos

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Michael,

What hotel are we staying at in Curry Village?

Thanks,
Rob

Rob
Colorado Springs, Colorado
My Gallery

We are staying in the heated tent cabins at Curry Village.

Hello Fellow Yosemite Nikonians...
re: transportation arrangements

Both Pete from Colorado and Rob from the Bay Area have been corresponding with my wife and I off-list, and I really appreciate the back-and-forth. However, neither of their scenarios closely mesh with what we’d like to do, so I’m putting out our tentative plans to see if anyone else could perhaps match up with us.

We will be driving to the Yosemite area from Caspar, which is near Mendocino, altogether a 3-hour drive south to the Bay Area, then another 4 or so to Yosemite. Ideally, we’d like to drive part way, then carpool up to Yosemite and back with someone.

Again speaking ideally, we would divide our incoming trip into two days. One long drive to get us near Yosemite, stay in a motel Wednesday night, then carpool up to Curry Village Thursday morning, sharing gas and rental expenses, if any.

On the way back we’d either (a) grab a ride out of Yosemite on Sunday afternoon, stay again at the motel, retrieve our car, drive home Monday; or (b) stay Sunday night in Curry Village, on Monday morning grab a ride back to our car in the valley (or in the Bay Area; we have relatives in Walnut Creek).

Neither of our cars have snow tires, and one (Porsche) cannot take chains, so we do really need to carpool the Yosemite/mountain portion of the trip.

I hope this is more clear than muddy. To recap, our ideal trip is to carpool into Yosemite Thursday morning, and leave Yosemite either Sunday night or Monday morning, also carpooling.

Again, thanks to Rob and to Pete for the offers so far!

Best, Tony (mendonikon) and Joselyn

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I received the email inquiry below from a Nikonian (who has subsequently now signed up for the workshop!) expressing concern about being 'experienced' enough to take the workshop.

After reading my response, he wrote back: "Could I suggest you post my question and your response on the forum? It took such a weight off for me; perhaps it would encourage others as
well."

Here is his original email, followed by my response...

"Hello Michael,

OK, it's down to this. I am intimidated by the possible skill level
required for this workshop. (And I know that by hesitating I may be
losing that elusive last slot in the Yosemite Workshop...)

I have a D5000 and a good eye. I take good pictures, better than most
people I know. But I do this in a JPG world, using mostly the Auto
setting. My editing takes place in Picasa. I have never figured out
how to use Elements, and I'm good at computers. I have experience with
macro, travel, landscape, I know the basics of exposure and aperture,
and studied photography WAY back in college in the 1960s.

I love photography and photo tools, but in actual practice, stalking
mushrooms or walking an isolated beach, I don't pay attention to white
balance, or other settings, and settle for scene or auto because I'm
giving all my attention to the shot itself, composition, etc..

Just how educated should I be if I'm going to get enough out of this
workshop to justify your time and instruction, and mine? What skill
level is required

Many thanks..."

And my response back to him...

"This workshop is perfect for you. If I could describe the perfect
participant, you would really be it.

Let me explain...

For starters, this workshop is 50% guiding and 50% educational. There is an
established curriculum in-place that is based on composition, visualization
and structure. This component of the curriculum has no technical background,
pre-requisite of technical knowledge or need for previous experience. It is
a visual thinking approach to photography, learning to ‘see’ the scene and
‘find’ the photo. As such, it’s irrelevant your level of photography or the
type of camera you use.

On the technical side, since there is no requisite skill level and/or
equipment in order to sign-up, there is a very wide range in level of experiences
from all the participants, ranging from beginners to advanced amateurs. Just during a
recent workshop earlier this year, I had a Nikonian who had only picked up a digital
camera for the first time three months prior to the start of the workshop.
To put it simply (and what I presume it quite obvious), he knew nothing
about photography. But it didn’t matter.

You see, at the technical level, that is where I work with each person on a
one-on-one basis, helping them elevate from where they are to the next
plateau. If you want a stronger understanding of white balance, exposure and
f-stop/depth of field, then we focus on that. If you just want to learn the
basics, then we start there. It is completely customized to what your goals
are for the workshop.

But... Everyone in the workshop is required to start at the beginning,
so to speak. I require everyone to shoot on manual exposure. That does scare
pretty much everyone, but there is a simple approach to understanding
exposure that is rooted in this method and within in the day, everyone is
comfortable and utilizing this technique to assist in their composition!
It’s a tried-and-true method that works for every workshop with every
participant.

So it doesn’t matter what a participant’s experience level is at, as we all
go back and start as beginners. Everyone. And then we move up from there,
each at the pace that best suits them individually, yet while I challenge
you on succeeding at meeting goals that we’ll establish to improve your technical
prowess.

Hence the reason I keep the workshops at a maximum of only 10 participants
in order to completely ensure that I can achieve this successful educational
component with each and every one of you.

Don’t be intimidated or hesitant about needing a certain skill set because,
as you can, the skill set you bring to the workshop is the one that is
required.

You let me know what you want to achieve technically and you will leave
the workshop at the level you desire to be at. Guaranteed.

I hope to see you in Yosemite next February!

Cheers,
Michael"

In light of the recent changes in air travel, both with security and carry-on baggage restrictions, for those that are flying to the workshop through Fresno-Yosemite International Airport, you might be re-thinking about how to bring the gear you want when the airlines aren't so accommodating anymore.

I offer a possible remedy/solution/assistance: As I will be driving to the Fresno Airport and onward to Yosemite Valley, if anyone would like to ship (UPS/FedEx) any equipment to me that would be difficult to fly with, I would be glad to bring it with me and redistribute to everyone at the airport.

While I wouldn't recommend cameras and lenses unless you are comfortable with shipping in Pelican or Haliburton cases, feel free to send tripods, filter packs, batteries, chargers, or anything else that you do feel comfortable with shipping. (Please, no luggage.)

If this would be of assistance to you in your gear selection, feel free to respond here in the forum and I will email you my shipping address. I would recommend UPS or FedEx as it can be tracked and we can pre-complete a return shipping label at the same time so after the workshop, I can simply re-ship the gear back to you in the same boxes.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Michael

Let's start the Transportation Details going here on the forum, so we can start to plan carpools and I can get the first-day logistics set.

If you are driving to the workshop, please let me know where you are heading from and if you are going to the valley first (coming from the north on Hwy. 120 or west on Hwy. 140) or will meet at the Fresno Airport (coming from the south on Hwy. 41). Also, what day you plan on arriving and when you plan on leaving.

If you are flying, please let me know your flight number and arrival/departure dates/times. If you ARE NOT flying into Fresno Airport, please let me know what airport you are flying in/out of.

If you are driving and can carpool, or are flying and already planned to rent a car and will be a carpool leader, please state as such.

Within the next two weeks (just after the Jan. 15 sign-up deadline), I would like to have all the transportation details set and all the carpool situations arranged.

Thanks everyone!
Michael

Michael:

Rob and I will be landing on Wednesday the 24th at the Fresno Airport (2:00 pm). I have rented a standard size SUV and we plan on driving to Yosemite after arriving plus we have hotel reservations at the Yosemite Lodge for Wednesday. Our return plans are to leave Yosemite on Sunday afternoon and spend the night in Fresno, for our early AM flight. I would be glad to transport someone from Fresno to Yosemite on Wednesday and back again on Sunday.

Also if there is anyone else planning on spending Wednesday in the park please contact me. Rob & I are planning on shooting Thursday morning prior to the group meeting.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Hi Michael,

Joan and I will be flying into Fresno from Seattle on the 24th. Our arrival time is 11:25 AM. We will be staying at the Yosemite Lodge that evening. We will also be staying at the Tenaya Lodge on the 28th and 1st. We have a Standard-sized SUV reserved for rental for the duration of our stay.

We're happy to provide transportation support to any whose schedules work reasonably with ours, or as needed during the workshop.

Cheers!!

David Hays

David,

Would you and Joan like to get together with Rob and myself for dinner Wednesday at Yosemite Lodge? We will be arriving at the Lodge around 5:00 pm. We are also planning going out and shooting the next morning prior to the group meet-up.

Let me know and I will forward my cell phone number.

Scott

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Hi Scott,

Sure, let's meet for dinner. We'll assess Thursday AM at that time.

Cheers!!

David Hays

David,

I just signed up today. Should also be at the Yosemite lodge Wednesday evening. Look forward to seeing you and Joan again, but this time not with my RV. Catching a ride with Pete from SF.
DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

Hello David,

After spending a few days in Yosemite in May I couldn't resist and decided I had to see it in the winter as well. See you in a few weeks.

Rob
Colorado Springs, Colorado
My Gallery

Hello All,

Naive question #741: What is the suggested footwear during our photo treks? Will we be on trails requiring anti-skid footwear, or also off trail where snow shoes might be useful? I have waterproof boots which should be fine, but I like to wander a bit too, which might involve fresh snow at uncertain depth.

Thanks, Tony

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No need for snowshoes (as in the traditional sense), as we won't be trekking anywhere like that. As the weather can be unpredictable, I would recommend wearing snow boots (such as Sorel or similar style) in case there is a snowstorm or fresh snow. The use of gaitors would be at your discretion. Plus, the snow boots will keep you warm.

As for anti-skid footwear, such as crampons, if the route is that slippery, where someone could slip and fall and possibly injure themselves or their camera gear, we won't go there. Safety always comes first.

I would also recommend a good winter jacket, but no need for a down jacket as the temperatures in Yosemite Valley rarely get below 25 degrees during the day. Most winter days in Yosemite Valley the temperature is around 30 degrees, and that is a "warm" 30 degrees. We don't have the bitter cold winters in Yosemite, especially at the 4000-foot elevation of Yosemite Valley.

Please plan accordingly clothing-wise based on your own comfort level and monitor the weather conditions prior to departing for the workshop.

Michael,

Some questions regarding the upcoming workshop:

My first question I see you already answered. Per your reply #2 we are staying in the "Cabins with Bath" at Curry village that have electric heat and power outlets, unlike the "canvas tent cabins" we had for the spring workshop (no heat, needed extra wool blankets or a sleeping bag), and also did not have power outlets for computers or charging batteries. (edited -- there is some question per your reply #13 that we will be in "heated tent cabins")

I am interested in shipping some camera gear ahead, since I also need to account for winter clothing. I am also considering limiting myself to photo gear that I can carry in a small backpack (maybe 3-4 lenses) and my smaller gizto travel tripod. I was thinking about taking a 200mm f/2 with a 1.4x or 1.7x TC, but in the interest in traveling light may take a 70-300mm or 80-400mm lens instead for any telephoto work.

Will we be doing any macro or flash work?

Will we be taking advantage of the full moon for any of our shooting opportunities?

DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

For the telephoto lens selection, this is always a tough one and I get asked that question that always is in the form of: "Should I take my (insert big lens here) with my (insert TC here) or just my 70-300/18-200/80-400?"

I'm all for prime lenses as they produce the sharpest and cleanest images by far. But in the interest of traveling, it sometimes is better to go with the more resourceful lens, such as the 80-400. I always encourage bringing the prime lens if space and carrying it aren't an issue. But in reality, the 80-400 will work fine.

I don't schedule or plan for macro work, but if the weather conditions allow for it, there can be excellent opportunities with ice crystals, etc.

As with all my workshops that have a full moon during the shooting window, it will be incorporated ... if the Mother Nature cooperates. Of course, the longer the lens, the better shooting options with the moon, which brings you back to your first question...

Michael:

David M., Tony M., Rimon and myself will be carpooling from the Bay Area and arriving on Wednesday the 24th. I believe all of us are staying at Yosemite Lodge. We plan to leave on the 28th at the conclusion of the workshop.

Pete
My Photos

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

First attempt to us the "forum" took a while to figure it out. I am driving down late Wed PM from The Dalles Oregon, after dropping a friend off in Sacromento and hope to be there Noonish Thursday. Must leave immediately at closing for the drive back. Obviously have opted out of any car pooling.

David Mack

Michael/All:

To confirm; We're good on our carpool plan for Wednesday. Should be leaving the Bay Area ~12ish and arrive in plenty of time for making dinner at 1830.

Pete
My Photos

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Sounds good Pete! See you and your group Wednesday evening. If you get in earlier, feel free to contact me.

David,

Great to hear from you! You have quite the drive ahead for you.

For your arrival on Thursday, we will meet at 1:00 in the Curry Village Lounge, behind the registration desk at Curry Village, for our workshop orientation.

If you have any delays or problems on the way, feel free to email me or call/text at 805 550 7413.

See you on Thursday!

Hello everyone!

With just one month to go until the start of the Yosemite Winter workshop, I wanted to post what the travel details I have so far — and the travel details I am missing — and the FAQ for everyone.

Also, the workshop has officially sold out!

But first, to whet everyone's appetitite, here is a photo taken just this morning of Yosemite Valley:





For travel plans, this is what I have so far (if there are ANY errors/corrections, please let me know ASAP!!!):

Peter Guria: Driving to Yosemite; Carpool Driver
David Mathre: Flying in to SFO, carpooling with Peter Guria
Rimon Rafiah: Flying in to SFO, carpooling with Peter Guria
Tony Miksak: Driving to SF, carpooling with Peter Guria

Rob Miskowitch: Flying to Fresno; Carpool Driver
Scott Paine: Flying to Fresno, carpooling with Rob Miskowitch

David Hays & Joan Hammond: Flying to Fresno, driving to YosValley

David Mack & Robert Erdmann: If you could please forward your travel details or contact one of the above (through this forum) for carpooling, I would greatly appreciate it.


__________________________________________________________________


Onward to the...
F.A.Q.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Q: Will it be cold?

A: Yes.

Of course, some perspective is needed. If you live out here on the mild West Coast, it will be chilly. If you are from back East, you might find it downright balmy! The best recommendation I can give is to check the weather numbers specifically for Yosemite Valley (as recorded at the National Park Service weather station) at: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/queryF?YYV and click the link in the bottom right corner that says: "Daily YYV Data". The daily temperatures are updated ... daily. So keep monitoring it as we get closer to the workshop start date. And also monitor the weather forecast for Yosemite Valley; I recommend through this link: http://www.intellicast.com/Local/Weather.aspx?location=USCA9249


Q: What type of clothing will I need?

A: Again, this will be based on your personal perspective, but obviously winter clothing is necessary. However, you won't need a down jacket!

I simple winter jacket to keep the snow off, and similar pants, snow boots, gloves and a hat are a must. Gaitors would be at your discretion. The snow in February in Yosemite can range from just a few inches to several feet. And if a cold storm blows through, the snow can get deep in the valley.

One thing to keep in mind is that the valley floor is at 4,200' feet in elevation, so the weather can change from snow to rain quite easily. Also, snow in the Sierras is a heavy, wet snow... often referred to as Sierra Cement (or Cascade Concrete for you Pacific Northwest folks!). It is very rare to see light, fluffy, powdery snow.

And one last thing on clothing, remember that you will be carrying camera gear that will be heavy. You will get hot quickly as we go from location to location. Dressing in layers is highly recommended!

One thing you might consider is an umbrella. Very handy to hold over you and the camera if it is snowing!


Q: Is there any special camera gear I need to bring?

A: A tripod is required. As for filters, you might find a gradated ND filter helpful, but far from necessary. A polarizer would be helpful ... if we see blue sky!

There is absolutely no requirement on which camera you bring. All cameras will work within the workshop curriculum.

As for lenses, I am not one to recommend a particular lens or set of lens for the workshop, as that is always dictated by one's own personal preferences and budget.

I will say that you will need a wide angle to medium to long lens for the workshop. How you choose to fulfill that is at your discretion. Would an 18-200 work? Absolutely. Would all prime lenses work? Absolutely. Do I need a 400/2.8 with a 2x tele-convertor? Not really, unless you like carrying that hunk of glass around AND have an idea for a shot you want to accomplish.

Yes, there will be a full moon while we are in the valley and very long, telephoto lenses help make the moon larger than a dot in the frame. Necessary? No. We will be shooting the legendary "Firefall" at Horsetail Falls if Mother Nature cooperates, and you will need at the least a 200mm lens to capture the scene. IF you have a 1/4TC, it won't hurt to bring it. But that doesn't mean you have to go out and buy one.

The equipment you bring with you is the tools in your bag that you will use. And we will make great pictures from your tools. No worries.


Q: What is the lodging like where we will be staying?

A: Please scroll up in this forum thread to read a description of the cabins, their amenities and to see pictures of the interior and exterior of the cabins.


Q: What time does the workshop start...and where?

A: The workshop start time will be dependent on the arrival times of all the workshop participants. Since there are many different travel scenarios for getting to Yosemite, once I get EVERYONE'S travel details, I will post what time we will start the workshop.

We will meet at the Curry Village Lounge (directly across from the Curry Village Pavilion and behind the Curry Village Registration Desk) for our workshop start and orientation.

The workshop will conclude after our final group farewell lunch on Sunday, to allow time for everyone to travel to their evening lodging or airport in the daylight hours.


Q: How much hiking are we doing? Or driving?

A: We will be doing very little to no hiking, in the traditional sense of the word 'hiking'. While we will have to walk to all of our shooting locations, for the most part it will be on level ground. With snow and ice, we don't want to try and tackle any trails or rocky terrain.

We will only drive to a location if the park's free Shuttle Bus system can't take us to the location.


Q: What are the meal plans? How much should we expect to spend on food?

A: In order to accommodate a variety of dietary and meal-time needs, we will take the time each day for a sit-down breakfast, lunch and dinner. The itinerary schedule (which you will receive during the orientation) will detail the meal times and locations, but generally we will eat breakfast and dinner at Curry Village and lunch at either Yosemite Village or Yosemite Lodge.

The best cost estimation I can provide for food is to plan on between $30-40 a day for all three meals combined. Breakfast and dinner is a fixed buffet price while lunch is based on where we go and what is ordered, from sandwiches to full plate meals.

There is a very well-stocked, full grocery store in Yosemite Village where you can supplement your food needs, if necessary, as well as a sport shop and clothing. (There is a much smaller and simpler food selection at Curry Village.) We will make time to stop on the first day at Yosemite Village for anyone that needs to supplement their provisions, be it food or clothing.

If you have ANY questions, please post them here on the forum versus directly emailing me, as your question very well could be on the minds of others and an answer to the group is always the best method.

-M

Attachment #1, (jpg file)

Was it really 48°F in Yosemite valley today? Will there be any snow left, or great waterfalls for an early spring?

DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

Yes, it's been warm. Watching the web cam daily, there still is snow on the valley floor from that series of big storms a few weeks ago. And a new round of storms are arriving this weekend. Ideally, we want it to snow *while* we are there!

Or even better, snow + great waterfalls!

DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

Hello everyone,

In anticipation of both the Firefall opportunity and the full moon, the following site provides a 2-day forecast of night sky seeing conditions from Yosemite Valley.

http://cleardarksky.com/c/GlcrPtYPCAkey.html?1

-M

Your timing is perfect, as I was just looking for something like this for tonight's full moon!

Pete
My Photos

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

An update on conditions in Yosemite Valley:

This video was shot just today (Feb. 3) and shows snippets of how much water is flowing in the falls in the Valley:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-t3d3NQFA8&feature=player_embedded

No snow in the trees right now, but about a foot on the ground in the meadows. Of course, this can change quickly depending on what storms hit the Sierra over the next few weeks.

Hello everyone!

With less than a week to go before the Yosemite Winter workshop, here's the final round-up for our four days in the park:

Note: There was a last-minute cancellation, so if you know of someone who wants to go, get them to sign up ASAP!



TRANSPORTATION

As of now, this is what I have:

Peter Guria: Driving to Yosemite; Carpool Driver
David Mathre: Flying in to SFO, carpooling with Peter Guria
Rimon Rafiah: Flying in to SFO, carpooling with Peter Guria
Tony Miksak: Driving to SF, carpooling with Peter Guria

Rob Miskowitch: Flying to Fresno; Carpool Driver
Scott Paine: Flying to Fresno, carpooling with Rob Miskowitch

David Hays & Joan Hammond: Flying to Fresno, driving to YosValley

David Mack: I still have not heard your transportation details. Please contact me ASAP.

If any of the above information is in error, please let me know asap. Those of you passengers in the carpool, please confirm the arrangements and details with your driver.



WEDNESDAY NIGHT

It looks like all of us will arrive in the park Wednesday night, the night prior to the workshop start on Thursday.

There was discussions on meeting for dinner that evening, so I suggest 6:30p we meet at the Yosemite Lodge lobby and walk next door for dinner. Sound good?

As for a morning shoot on Thursday morning, we can discuss that during dinner. If David Mack (and if there is a last-minute sign-up) arrives on Wednesday night as well, we will begin the workshop earlier, with orientation during breakfast Thursday morning.



WEATHER

Go figure. If you've been watching the weather forecast, it isn't good. And if you've been watching the web cam, it's pretty bleak.

While the East Coast gets pounded, the West Coast has been enjoying the spring time-like weather. (The past few days here in Morro Bay have been sunny and hovering around 80 degrees!)

This warm weather has melted much of the snow in the valley and upper elevations. While there isn't much snow on the north side of the valley, the waterfalls are flowing nicely.

The forecast calls for scattered rain showers while we are in the valley. That can easily switch to snow, but as of now, the forecast is for overnight lows that don't even dip below freezing. Hopefully this will change as we get closer.

Daytime temperatures are comfortable, in the high 50s.

Regardless, I would still plan and pack for snow, as in the Sierra, the weather can always surprise you. (On a backpacking trip many years ago, in late July we woke up to 6" of snow on the ground, completely obscuring the trail. Snowed an additional 2" by the afternoon. You never know!)

At the same time, I would pack for rain, though not much different than snow, eh?



EQUIPMENT
If you have rain gear for your cameras, you probably were already bringing them because of the winter elements. Trash bags are always a good substitute, and rain or snow, umbrellas are always good.

The south side of the valley, where we will be staying and spending some time shooting, is in constant shadow of the valley walls so it is colder and will have snow present. Snow boots or similar are still recommended, as is a jacket to keep you warm.




Please confirm here on the forum thread about Wednesday evening; primarily Peter, David Hays, and Rob, as you are the three drivers.

If you have any questions, please post them. If any of you know a snow dance, get dancing!


Cheers,
Michael

I wish I could send some of our snow on ahead. We have not had this much since the winter of '95/96. More snow is expected Monday & Tuesday. I need to decide what gear & outerwear I will take by tomorrow.

DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

David and I will arrive mid-afternoon on Wednesday, so we'll be ready for dinner at 18:30.

Joan

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Sounds great Joan! Looking forward to seeing you and David again! If you have any problems, don't hesitate to call me.

Wednesday dinner is good with me.

Rob

Rob
Colorado Springs, Colorado
My Gallery

Have a great workshop; if no snow, perhaps you'll get the elusive firefall shot. Wish I could be there, but I'll "settle" for the Big Sur workshop this year.

Have a great time!

Dan Johnsen
Garland, TX
A lion bit it off

Great to Meet every one in Yosemite best wishes on photos
Charles

Charles,

Back at you, and thanks. I'm writing for the group as it appears only my room is near enough to the unsecured Yosemite workers' hovels network to get a good wireless signal... After Sunday no doubt a bunch of posts and pix will appear here... BTW, even though the Horsetail firefall so far has not materialized, it's a good group and we're all learning and having fun, the way we ought. Tony

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Charles,

It's always a treat to see another Nikonian by sheer chance during a workshop! Great meeting you that night out at Horsetail Falls. Did you have any success the next evenings?

Cheers,
Michael

So... I did have a great time, thank you Michael and every participant. Now... where do I look for MM's recap, and where do I find any posted pix from this workshop? Huh? Help? Tony

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

The gallery is located at:

http://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/14741

DJM

http://shepartphotography.smugmug.com/

Dave beat me to the announcement that the gallery is live for our workshop. And, as expected, Rob beat everyone to posting his photos in the gallery. Don't know how he did it, but the gallery was barely live when Rob was already uploading.

Once some more images from everyone gets uploaded to the gallery, I will post the Yosemite Winter Workshop Wrap-Up Thread, that sums up the workshop and is the location where everyone can post their own feedback and comments.

I know post-production on all the images you took over the four days is very time-consuming, but I also know that everyone wants to see everyone else's pictures from the workshop! So get those images uploaded. Can't wait to see some of those shots that were amazing on the camera LCDs! (Even on Pete's little postage stamp LCD!)

Michael

Here is the updated schedule reflecting the time stamps for each location, each day:

http://www.nikonians.org/dcfp/user_files/159170.pdf

Right-click on the file to save it to your computer.

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

Attachment #1, (pdf file)

Lloyd over at Yosemite Blog posted this recently regarding the Horsetail Falls photography phenomenon...

"If you’ve never been to Yosemite in February you’ve missed one of the greatest migratory events in recent history. The flocking of the photographers. Every year the photographers migrate in from their winter nesting grounds for 2 weeks to preen themselves and take pictures of Horsetail Fall in the setting light of the winter Sun. This year I attended the annual migration and was amazed at the mass of photographers filling every nook and cranny where you could see El Capitan. Let me tell you, monarch butterflies and swallows at Capistrano have nothing on these guys."

That same day we pulled indoors from the rain and watched Half Dome light up with the setting sun from the porch of the Curry Village Lounge (with the exception of Dave, Rimon and Joan who captured great shots), at that same time the sun did hit Horsetail Fall. If you want to see what we missed, a link to a video that Lloyd shot from that sunset is on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1E3t6mxWIU

Some other links about products or items we discussed during the workshop:

Fader ND
An alternative to the Singh-Ray Vario-ND filter; the Fader ND actually steps-up one size from your filter ring to avoid possible vignetting. Note, tests have shown that going full maximum ND (8 stops) with long exposures (5-10 seconds) can result in 'clouding' where diffused patches of increased ND can possibly be visible.
http://lightcraftworkshop.com/site/page1000.html

ZigView
This portable LCD viewfinder couples to the camera to provide remote viewing away from the camera while providing full shutter controls, built-in intervalometer and a motion-sensor from the remote LCD viewfinder, up to 70ft away.
http://www.adi-digital.com/Zigview/Zigview%20S2/Zigview%20S2%20Page.htm

Matte Box with Filter Holder
Similar to what you see on motion picture sets for protecting the lens from glare and the sun, these are also finding widespread popularity with landscape photographers as they are wide enough to not vignette and are deep enough to protect the front element of the lens from sun, rain and snow. No more spots on the lens! Plus, they take 4x4 and 4x6 filters between the mount and the matte box.

The Cokin-branded Matte Box, that includes the filter holder:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/483764-REG/Cokin_CZ360_Matte_Box_Model_Z360.html/BI/1239/kw/COZ360

A similar product, direct from India, at a considerably lower price (I use the company for video gear and I can vouch for their reliability and quality):
http://www.thecinecity.com/tcc/product.php?productid=126

If I forgot to link a product or item we discussed, let me know and I will add it to the list!



In the meantime, the wrap-up forum thread for our Yosemite Winter workshop is up and online!

http://www.nikonians.org/forums/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=207&topic_id=696&mesg_id=696&page=

On behalf of the entire Nikonians Academy team, we would greatly appreciate any feedback you could share with the rest of the Nikonians community about your workshop experience in Yosemite last month. Please post your feedback in the wrap-up forum thread, linked above.

Hope to see you again on a future workshop!

Cheers,
Michael

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

Thanks for the great tips, tricks, and education Michael. I certainly learned a lot of new things. Like, first: make sure you bring TWO pro bodies in case one fails. I ended up sending the D700 to Nikon. It appears that the logic board went toes up during that horsetail falls shot. The ghost of Galen perhaps????

Well no worries now, as I'm the proud owner of a very well-cared for used D3. I'll be ready for the Eastern Sierra workshop later this summer.

Meanwhile, I've now posted some pics from the "toy" Nikon D70s that I was fortunate enough to bring with me.

And the cost for all this you say? Well, the wife wasn't too upset with the D3 purchase, but I may have to sell the Porsche 968 if I want to buy those used Speedotron lights for my studio garage set-up

Thanks to everyone for great company, camaraderie,and laughter.

Remember, when the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -HST

Pete
My Photos

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Thanks for the kind words, Pete.

Glad to hear the D700 if repairable and that you got a D3, too. Now you'll have three bodies (OK, two and a half) for the Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop. For the astrophotography night, shooting two bodies at the same time will come in handy.

The Eastern Sierra & Owens Valley workshop should be posted online in the days ahead. The dates for it are Aug 5-8.

There are other more 'affordable' lighting options that could allow you to keep the Porsche...!

If you have a chance, I would love it if you could post your feedback in the workshop wrap-up thread, so that future participants can see what they are getting themselves into!

Cheers,
Michael

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