Granite Cliff Studio

Having lived in Hawaii for a decade, rainbows and moon bows were common occurrences. Usually, though, on a much smaller scale. Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in the United States. That, on top of record snowfall with the snowmelt that is creating mind-blowing waterfalls throughout the Sierra Nevadas created a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I ventured out from my house, camera in stow with no expectations. My only real goal was to find a spot that I could have a little privacy. It was a Saturday in June so this would not be an easy task. Cook’s Meadow is usually a great start and I knew there would be a ton of photographers by the chapel and Southside drive. I found a nice little corner near the Merced where no one was, eventually I would be interrupted by a group of people who would set up right in front of me with no idea I was taking a video. Luckily, I would feel content and anxious to leave and see what I captured anyways.

So I found my location and set up my tripod. I have two prime lenses and wanted to start with my 70-200mm to try to capture just the moon bow and then I would work out from there. The prism of light was visible with my eye and created a hazy bow of light but definitely not as colorful as I would create. The explosion of mist from the falls itself is so large that you could tell the rainbow was going to be just as impressive. With being closer to the falls than the folks on Southside drive, I had a nice foreground of towering ponderosa pines, cedars and even a tall Sequoia near the old superintendent’s house.

What an experience, the waxing near full moon was illuminating the valley, creating long shadows in the meadow. The Merced River was rising and actually started to come over the sidewalk where I was standing. Ultimately, I felt like I was able to create an image that only my imagination could conceive.

This is available on my store now. If you enjoy this image I am creating a 13″x19″ print on Exhibition Fiber Paper (a premium semi gloss) in a 20″x26″ black beveled wood frame with an off white mat.

The second night I decided to try to go to Lower Falls, and let me tell you, what a different experience. I came from the village side and ran into a crowd of people on the bridge. iPhones, GoPros and DSLRs were out and people were enjoying the scene. It was like a boat going to the base of Niagara Falls everybody was in their rain gear getting soaked trying to capture the moment. I found it very difficult to set up and even find a place to attempt to capture the shot. I did my best and took a few shots but unlike the night before when I hung out for over an hour, I was only here for a few minutes.

The Moon Bow itself was so bright and visible at Lower Falls and this experience was more about seeing it with your eyes rather than creating a piece of art. Still, with the eye, colors were not visible but the bright arched bow was incredible and hovering over the rage of Yosemite Falls.