View of Yosemite Falls
From the valley floor near Yosemite Valley Lodge, you get one of the most iconic waterfall views in North America, with Yosemite Falls dropping nearly 2,425 feet in three tiers down a sheer granite face. The classic composition frames the full falls against the cliff with pine trees in the foreground; a wide angle lens in the 16-24mm range works well to capture the full height. For water in the frame, walk toward the rocky streambed along the trail for a foreground element that adds depth. Spring snowmelt, typically April through June, is when the falls run at full power and the light bounces dramatically off the surrounding granite walls. Early morning gives you soft, even light before harsh shadows form on the cliff face. The viewing area is an easy, flat walk from the valley floor parking area and is accessible year-round, though the falls can slow to a trickle or disappear entirely by late summer. (Yosemite National Park, California, United States)
