The Morning After

@Jen: Mist in Yosemite Valley comes and goes at its own whim. I've learned over the years to shoot as soon as you see it or it could be gone within seconds. I was really hoping for shafts of light as the sun dcuked in and out of clouds, but it never materialized.

@john4jack: Wow - now there's a compliment. I think we all get caught up in seeing a shot (like William Neill's) and it sticks in our mind for years. Then, one day such as this, we are in a similar situation and hoping that magical moment materializes once again. I'm learning in my photographic journey that nature rarely behaves the same way twice. You've really made me stop and rethink this image - thank you Jack!

@Markela: Thanks Markela, I am getting similar reactions from others. Perhaps Half Dome does reveal itself as the main subject, though that was not the intent. Light and shadow are such key elements in any successful image. Thanks for your insights.

@Marie LC: Thanks Marie - I love the current image you have posted on your blog!

@Eleftheria: Thanks Eleftheria! It must be Friday evening for you and I just crawled out of bed with a long day ahead! Hope you and your family are well.

@Marion: Thank you Marion. I was actually at the opposite end of the Valley when I began thinking of the potential for this image. Fifteen minutes later upon arrival, my friend and I were shocked that the meadow had not been tracked to death by wandering tourists. Don't discount luck (and don't question it) just take it and run!

@jim: Hi Jim, I would have loved to have had the opportunity to spend one day with the master. I have read a ton of his books (still re-read them to this day) and have viewed many DVD's. I don't really know if you can ever have someone else's vision, nor would I want to. I would have just liked to have gotten to know what he was like - intense, subdued, worked better alone? What was his thought process when looking for images in the field? Questions like that. I did have lunch in Carmel with a man named Al Weber who taught with Ansel for 20 years, but we spent little time talking about Ansel. He did say that Ansel was not about the money - it was more about making great images. I found that comforting. When art becomes all about money, it is no longer art - it's commercial art. I don't shoot what I know will sell, if I did, I would start sticking people in my images. I shoot what moves me - I'm fortunate to be able to say that in this business.

@lydia: Thank you Lydia. Many photographers from France seem to be with Aminus3!

@Scott Schilling: Hi Scott, yes this is the lone non-native elm in Cook's Meadow. I think because it is alone and out of character with the rest of the Valley's trees, it stands out. Plus, it has a great juxtapostion with Half Dome. Would love to know who planted that tree and when. If anyone out there knows the answer please share!