Firefall in Yosemite {northern California photographer}
Perhaps you've heard of the Firefall in Yosemite National Park. I was first introduced to this magical phenomena last winter when a friend shared her image of this event. I had never heard of it before. This is not to be confused with the Firefall of previous years which occurred when trash was set on fire and pushed over the edge of Glacier Point. That practice ended in 1968. The firefall of which I'm referring occurs naturally when the sun hits Horsetail Falls in mid to late February when the conditions are right. There must be plenty of water, warm enough so it's not frozen, and a cloudless sky at sunset.
I had two evenings in which to photograph this event. The first evening we didn't really expect much. The falls seemed small and we arrived a bit late, but decided we should take our cameras anyway. There were hundreds of photographers who had apparently staked out their spot hours before. We were not hopeful. However, mother nature did not disappoint. It was magical. I just stared at it watching the transformation of the hillside from rather dark and flat to a champagne color, and then to what appeared to be fire or lava falling from the mountain top. Incredible. Amazing. Something to be seen.
The following afternoon, we found our location to shoot, chose our lenses and began setting up to wait. It was a beautiful clear day so we knew we would have another chance to witness the firefall. With anticipation and excitement, we waited and chatted with others just as excited as we were. Just before sunset a hazy cloud appeared in the western sky blocking the sun just enough to prevent the fiery illumination of Horsetail Falls. WHAT??? No firefall that night. Yet the images I captured reveal the hidden colors of the rocks so I was still pleased. If you ever have the opportunity to view this incredible, natural event, GO!
Firefall in Yosemite
Waiting for the sun to set and light up the falls at just the right angle on our second day.
A hazy, whispy cloud shielded the sun a bit eliminating the 'fire' on the falls.
*****
All landscape and still life images are available for purchase.
Please CONTACT ME at nadeen@nadeenflynn.com to purchase prints or schedule your portrait session.
Nadeen Flynn is an award winning northern California portrait and fine art photographer. Living in the greater Sacramento area, she specializes in senior and teen portraits as well as fine art landscape and still life photography. Nadeen’s style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. This retains the timeless features of photography that create family heirlooms. She offers in-person workshops and mentoring. She currently lives in rural northern California with her husband and a couple thousand walnut trees.
Currently booking 2017 senior portraits. Locations include Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Roseville, Rocklin, and Sacramento areas.
(530) 633-7575