Half Dome Sunset from Washburn Point, Yosemite NP

Posted by Don Smith (California, United States) on 13 July 2009 in Landscape & Rural.

Perhaps the most iconic of all Yosemite rock formations is the formidable glacial carved granite called Half Dome. Though one can view this monolith from many locations within the Park, I've always liked this view from a pullout along Glacier Point Road called Washburn Point. Most tourists simply pass on by, or stop for a quick picture while on their way to the Glacier Point lookout. Glacier Point does allow one a view of Yosemite Falls, but I was more interested in capturing the rugged John Muir wilderness with this clearing storm sky and was virtually by myself when I made this image.

Other than a 2-stop Singh-Ray split neutral density filter, this image is really all about the beautiful setting sun skimming its warm light across this unbelievable scenery. The two waterfalls in the center of the frame are Nevada Fall (top) and Vernal Fall. Little Yosemite Valley lies above and beyond the top of Nevada Fall. Just to the left of Nevada Fall is Liberty Cap. The tip of the dome lit just to the left of Liberty is Mt. Broderick. The area below and near the falls is called the Illilouette Gorge. In the spring, Illilouette Fall is visible from this viewpoint (and also below the Vernal Fall bridge along the Mist Trail). Just to the left of Half Dome is Tanaya Canyon, and just behind the famed Dome is Cloud's Rest.

If you have a Yosemite vacation (or photo trip) planned from spring to late fall, I would encourage you to make Washburn Point a part of your plans. It is a beautiful location regardless of the time of day, but is especially scenic on either end of the day.

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Comments (16)

Scott Schilling from San Martin, United States

Don, another beautiful image - This is such an incredible view - I am amazed that Nevada Falls is still going so strong! Also, on this image the foreground element on the LH side helps give perspective to an incredible scene - and the skies are great also! Travel Safely!

13 Jul 2009 5:30am

@Scott Schilling: Besides the incredible view, what drew me to this image was the beautiful warm light skimming the peaks and domes. I've photographed very little from Washburn Point, but it offers so much. It is sort of like the little cousin to Glacier Point. I hope you are enjoying your trip!

Evi from Athens, Greece

Don, you are the best!

13 Jul 2009 5:41am

@Evi: Thank you Evi, but I think anyone with a camera, standing where I was, could have produced a similar image. A funny related story was that there were many tourists with point-and-shoots enjoying the view, when a couple little girls in the parking area yelled,"BEAR!" Suddenly, I was the only one left. True story!

shoti from Everywhere in the, Philippines

Magical -- that's the feeling I get upon seeing this image. I just love the colors in this photo. the shadows still has details in it without making the whole photo look flat. amazing :)

13 Jul 2009 11:47am

@shoti: Thank you shoti, it did take a bit of work in PS with the curves dialog box to get the proper blend of highlight and shadow (with detail), glad to hear from another photographer that it plays well.

Evi from Athens, Greece

hahahaha......

13 Jul 2009 3:01pm

Lambspun from Madison, Maine, United States

This is gorgeous.....and what a view you took...what a great point you took this from :)

13 Jul 2009 3:39pm

@Lambspun: It's a stunning view regardless of the time of day, add great light and a nice sky, and it's a can't miss. Glad you enjoyed it.

LauraS from United States

Don, thank you so much for not just your wonderful photography, but for the narrative that you send with the photo. I really enjoy reading about the points of interest in this shot, and others. You are a wealth of knowledge, and sharing with this community is much appreciated.

13 Jul 2009 4:03pm

@LauraS: Thanks Laura for writing this. I have been at this close to 30 years and have learned a thing or two. I've written here before that I have had many "excellent" mentors, and this is perhaps my way of thanking all of them. I remember asking a professional portrait photographer about the beautiful light in one of his images once (many years ago) and he told me "it is a secret." I thought to myself, "what a pompous ass," and I vowed there and then never to be that way. I love teaching and sharing knowledge, if you are ever interested in a workshop, please let me know.

john4jack from Corvallis, Oregon, United States

Fabulous lighting; so much more interesting than with everything lit up. Very nice sky.

13 Jul 2009 5:48pm

@john4jack: Thanks Jack, and I know you know this area better than me, so if I misidentified something, please let me know. PS - it really is all about great light - as you well know. Hope you are doing well.

Sergei Z from Türi, Estonia

Fantastic place indeed! If someday I would plan photo trip in US than this place would be in the list!

13 Jul 2009 6:07pm

@Sergei Z: Every photographer should get to Yosemite at least once in their lives - I hope you get that chance Sergei - it will take your breath away!

Christian from Gif-sur-Yvette, France

Hello Don,
I am just discovering your blog and all the wonders that are included in it...
Thanks a lot to present all these superb images and for all the explanations you give regarding them.
This point of view is gorgeous and it seems that you can embrace all the beauty of this fantastic park with one single view.
I would really love to get there one day!
Take care,
Christian

14 Jul 2009 2:29am

@Christian: Thanks Christian for this nice message. I hope you become a regular visitor. I try to post new work every third day. PS - I hope you make it Yosemite also - you'll be in awe!

Judy from Brooksville, Florida, United States

Nothing but the best from you, as usual, including my favorite, the Lady of the Valley standing proudly in the beautiful light.
As if your lessons aren't enough, your story of the bear is really funny!

14 Jul 2009 12:09pm

@Judy: Thanks Judy, tourists are funny - they must think these are grizzlies, but they are really harmless black bears - they just want your food! It was almost spiritual to have this spot to myself, so I guess I'll have to thank that bear. I guess I shouldn't make fun, but there was this very elderly woman in the crowd, when the child yelled "BEAR" she took off like she was running the 100 meter dash! I think she probably won. I don't know who was more sacred, the bear or her.

Mags from Paris, France

Very nice light!

14 Jul 2009 1:22pm

@Mags: Mountain light can be exquisite - and this generally happens twice every day! Sometimes I just step back and enjoy - it is a real treat.

Tracy from La Selva Beach, United States

Perfection! I love both the sky and the view of the valley! I have never been to this location, and I feel a road trip coming on! The bear story is great! Sometimes things work out in interesting ways...I always seem to make my best photographs when I am alone in some patch of wilderness....Much to the anxiety of my husband and son! (My daughter just says "Go Mom!")

14 Jul 2009 2:11pm

@Tracy: I hear you Tracy, I probably make my best images when I'm alone also. I believe it is because we are fully engaged - locked in - in the zone. Call it what you will, but a high level of concentration on your subject, guided by your emotional response to the scene in front of you is generally what produces the best images.

Tammy-Cricket from somewhere out there, United States

I feel as though I am on vacation. Your words are just as vivid as the images. Thank you for sharing.

14 Jul 2009 3:21pm

@Tammy-Cricket: Thanks Tammy, one of my early inspirations was reading the writing of the late Galen Rowell. He had the unique gifts of visual and written communication. I always enjoyed hearing the story behind the image. He had some awesome adventures in his life as a mountain guide and climber; mine are a bit more tempered, nonetheless, the back stories are fun to share. Thanks for your continued support.