Yosemite and More

Here are a couple of images of  high country flowers I really like the contrast of the flowers and the granite background. Now it's time for the yellow flower to be the backdrop. Go. See, Enjoy. Dave

Here's a couple more from my trip to Bodie where I shot only Black and White. I've tried several times to make something of the telephone poles. I like the contrast between the telephone pole and the clouds, even the misty clouds add a little texture to the sky. One of the iconic pieces of equipment. Go, See, Enjoy. Dave

On my way to Rainbow Falls I came across this butterfly taking a little rest. It was about the size of a quarter. This is what awaited me at Rainbow Falls Well worth the hike. Go, See, Enjoy. Dave

 Last time I was in Bodie they let us stay until 10 pm. I don't do much night photography so I had to do a lot of experimenting. In this photo the light on the truck is provided by an off camera flash the buildings are dimly lit by the moon. This next one I 'painted' the building with a small hand held light.   I'll be going again in August when they have another late night. Go, See, Enjoy. Dave

I've seen the wild iris plants before but have never been there when they were blooming, they're actually everywhere. Go, See, Enjoy. Dave

I decided to get away last weekend. On my trek I visited Olmstead Point  in Yosemite's high Sierra. You get a beautiful view of the back side of Half Dome. You also can see Tenya Lake among the wonderful Sierra Nevada range but you have to look a little harder. Easier to spot were these Prickley Poppies blooming along side Highway 395  They are very similar to the Matilja Poppies I posted earlier.  Prickley Poppies are about 12-18 inches high. The Matilja stand 5-7 feet high. Go, See, Enjoy Dave

Some friends and I went on a short hike (the ferry closed early) on the Saddleback Lake Loop in the high Sierra. Here's a panorama of just one of the many beautiful scenes. I guess it shouldn't have surprised me but there were a lot of beautiful wildflowers as well. Here's another view of the landscape. Go, See, Enjoy. Dave

Over the years I've taken several shot of the Methodist Church Steeple. This is the first one I've felt like posting. I like the contrast achieved in black and white.  Here are a couple more Bodie in Black and White Go, See, Enjoy Dave

On the way to Bodie I was came across a number of wildflower mostly at the higher elevations. This first one was just before hitting Yosemite. I don't think I've ever seen it before. It stands about 5-7' (yes feet) tall. I had to  stand on a rock to photograph it. These Cacti we actually growing below the Mafilija Poppies. Not sure what plant these seeds are from but I like it. Go, See, Enjoy. Dave Maybe more tomorrow, or soon.

The lighting in the stamp mill can be a challenge. Because we had a large group I had to use my tripod as a monopod. I've taken the tour several times and each guide seems to have a different take on at least one 'fact'.  Go, See, Enjoy! Dave