Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Park
with insight from photographer Isaac Jessup
Yosemite Falls from Yosemite Valley during the sunrise
General Grant Tree in Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park, is the second largest sequoia tree on earth by volume.
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Photographing the tree in black and white seemed a good fit for its stoic presence among the rest of the pines in the grove.
One of the best feelings as a photographer is when conditions reward you for waking up early. This shot was taken during the sunrise, and just as the sun was peaking through the valley, it lit up the mist winding through the trees.
The walls of Kings Canyon loom over its river and valley, creating a sense of protection for those who enter.
As the spray hits your face and the sun begins to fall behind the mountains, it becomes easier and easier to understand the way Yosemite and its grandeur have been romanticized over the years, for better or for worse.
This meadow had been shut down due to recent flooding, however, half of the trail allowed me to get to this log. I love shots like this because while it is less inspired by someone like Ansel Adams, it reminds me of my youth.
This is a view from Glacier Point Road in Yosemite where the famous Half Dome is to the left and to the right you have Vernal Falls
This is another view of the same sunrise in the valley but from the river's perspective. I love the vibrant greens reflecting off the cool morning water.
Normally, I don't bring my telephoto lens because for one, it is partially broken, and for two, it is extremely heavy. I was glad I brought it on this hike though, because it allowed me to capture a picture of this female Sooty Grouse.
The layers of Kings Canyon, this view can be seen from Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
I would be remiss if I didn't include an image of the famous El Capitan. What really blew my mind was imagining the man who free climbed this with no ropes.
This river represents, to me, one of the lesser noticed aspects of parks like Yosemite and Kings Canyon. It is a less grand scene in comparison to other monuments in the parks, but it holds its own with quiet beauty.
A view of Yosemite Falls from Sentinel Dome. One thing I loved about the park was being able to experience different viewpoints of different subjects.
The walls and river of Kings Canyon were similar in some ways to the valley walls of Yosemite, but were different in most ways. I think that similarity and difference is a beautiful part of the national parks.
This tiny creek had a beautiful cascade and flow of water stemming from a small pool. Another example of a small moment within a larger ecosystem.This photo was taken in Yosemite.
Yosemite Falls at sunrise.
