Yosemite in autumn is a photographer’s dream. The crowds thin out, the air turns crisp, and the morning mist creates ethereal scenes that seem almost otherworldly.

I hiked up to Glacier Point before dawn, bundled against the cold, waiting for the sun to illuminate Half Dome. As the first rays of light touched the granite faces, the valley below filled with a sea of mist. It was a moment of pure magic.

Preparation is Key

Landscape photography often requires significant preparation:

  • Research your location and the best viewpoints
  • Check weather forecasts and sunrise/sunset times
  • Arrive well before the golden hour
  • Bring warm clothes and snacks for long waits
  • Use a tripod for stability in low light

The Reward

These early morning adventures might require sacrifice—waking up at 4 AM, hiking in the dark, standing in the cold—but the reward is worth every moment of discomfort. There’s something profound about witnessing nature’s grand performances unfold before your eyes.

Standing there on that cold October morning, I was reminded why I fell in love with photography: these fleeting moments of beauty that exist whether we’re there to witness them or not. The camera just helps us hold onto them a little longer.