Experience two of California's most spectacular landscapes on a photo journey through Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. June brings Yosemite's waterfalls to life, with powerful cascades thundering through the valley beneath towering granite cliffs, while wildflowers and vibrant greenery add color throughout the park. We'll photograph iconic landmarks in the best light of day, from dramatic sunrise vistas to glowing sunset scenes. At Lake Tahoe, crystal-clear waters, alpine peaks, and pristine shorelines provide opportunities for captivating compositions.
Tour Highlights
Photograph some of America's most iconic viewpoints and vistas ⛰️
Get up close to the most dramatic and famous peaks, without strenuous hikes 🥾
Practice your hand on various subject matter and using different techniques, such as long exposure and astrophotography ⭐
See the work of "The Master" at the Ansel Adams Gallery right in Yosemite Valley 📷
Explore the beauty of Mono Lake and Lake Tahoe 🌊
Family owned and welcoming Yosemite travelers since 1977, Yosemite View Lodge is just minutes from Yosemite National Park’s entrance and located along the rushing Merced River.
We will pick everyone up either at the airport or in a nearby location in Sacramento.
It is a 3.5 hour drive into Yosemite from Sacramento.
Our first sunset shoot in the Sierra is a stunner, as we behold the iconic granite face of Half Dome reflected in the calm waters of the Merced River.
On this flat one-mile walk, opportunities abound to capture Yosemite's most well-known features from all angles.
An easy half-mile walk puts us at the base of the 620-foot plunge of Bridalveil Fall.
Glacier Point puts us in the enviable position of seeing Yosemite's most recognizable features from the other side!
Today we head out to the true high country of Yosemite on Tioga Road, which climbs so high, it usually isn't clear of snow until June. Our first stop puts us in a surreal landscape of granite and junipers looking towards Half Dome.
This glacially carved alpine lake is considered the "jewel of the high country."
This enormous expanse of meadow is highlighted by calm meandering rivers and surrounded by dramatic granite domes. While you are entranced by the light of sunset hitting Lembert Dome, we'll nudge you and say, "Don't forget to turn around and see what's behind you"!
Take a walk through a forest of the largest trees in the world, the giant sequioa.
Let's take an easy afternoon to appreciate the work of the master and explore Yosemite Village at a leisurely pace. Without Ansel Adams' legendary achievements, this National Park would not be the instantly recognizable landmark it is today.
This lookout puts you right on the water of the Merced River, with El Capitan and Bridalveil in your viewfinder.
On our way out of Yosemite, we cross Tioga Pass, the highest highway pass in all of California at nearly 10,000 feet elevation. Dramatic views abound, and we'll be sure to make plenty of stops.
This destination outside of Yosemite is no less stunning than what you've witnessed inside the park. Mono Lake is an ancient saline soda lake that is known for eerie limestone "tufa" spires
One of the defining viewpoints on Lake Tahoe, and one that will treat you to a different color, texture and mood every single evening.
A "bonsai" grows out of a granite boulder that seems to "float" in the calm waters of Tahoe.
Let's drive around the lake for a relaxing final day, making stops at views that catch our eye, exploring opportunities for abstract photography among the aspen groves, and visiting the quaint villages.
We will also get to explore from the water!
We will drop off the group in Reno, NV for departing flights.
We will be in touch after the tour to organize an optional zoom session, to go over our finished images and share with one another.
✅ All Overnight accommodations closest to the Park
✅ Ground transportation
✅ Breakfast at hotels
✅ Park Permits & Fees
✅ 2 Hour Boat Tour of Lake Tahoe
✅ Photography guidance & instruction
✅ Optional Post-tour Zoom Session for Feedback/Critique
❌ Flights
❌ Alcohol, Lunches, Dinners
❌ Any tips or gratuities
❌ Travel Insurance (required)
There will be several short walks of up to one mile on unpaved surfaces with little to no elevation gain. Some shoots contain short sections of uneven terrain and loose footing. Keep in mind that the elevation may be higher than you are used to, and may result in increased fatigue in difficulty breathing.
Paul Nguyen has lived and worked from coast to coast across the U.S., and has over 35 years of experience in film and digital photography. He specializes in digital photography of natural landscapes and wildlife, and capturing the authentic experience of outdoor adventure and exploration through his video series.
In April 2017, he served in the prestigious National Park Artist in Residence program at Petrified Forest, Arizona, and continues to create programs for the National Park Service. His accomplishments also include an exclusive assignment as a photographer for the Boston Museum of Science, and a position as a program guide and brand ambassador for Swedish outfitter Fjällräven.
His noteworthy image-making and teaching in the realm of photography have gained him sponsorships from Tamron USA and Sun Surveyor, and his acclaimed adventure and overlanding videos have led to numerous outdoor equipment sponsorships.
Hailing from Massachusetts and now based out of Flagstaff, AZ, Paul spends most of the year exploring the western U.S. to research photo tour destinations and create video content. You may run into him, his Jeep, his trailer, and his cat somewhere along your own travels. Despite the distance, he maintains an active connection to New England camera clubs, and continues to serve as a remote lecturer and competition judge.
Allie Richards is a professional landscape photographer and year-round resident of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She's best known for her strikingly vibrant photographic style and for showcasing her work on aluminum. She plans many of her photographs in advance; she pays attention to weather events, the phases of the moon, and uses various apps to aid her artistry.
Allie’s work has earned her several awards, including the PRC Boston Student Image Award in her college years, and an ambassadorship with f-stop Gear. She participates in local exhibitions at the Chatham Creative Arts Center and the Chatham Chamber of Commerce Art in the Park Event. Her work has been published by Cape Cod Life Magazine, The National Parks service, and other publications.
