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Gates of the Valley



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Yosemite National Park. The day couldn't have been more perfect!! I'm not used to seeing the Merced river so calm. Usually it's flowing, but the ...
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Yosemite National Park. The day couldn't have been more perfect!! I'm not used to seeing the Merced river so calm. Usually it's flowing, but the stillness was perfect for reflections!
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Awards

Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Contest Finalist in Mother Nature Photo Contest 2021
Runner Up in Capture Mother Nature Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Capture Mother Nature Photo Contest
People's Choice in My peaceful place Photo Challenge
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22 Comments | Report
cavazbe PRO
 
cavazbe December 31, 2020
Wonderful!
joybello PRO+
joybello December 31, 2020
Thank you!
ivatrocke PRO+
 
ivatrocke January 24, 2021
Gorgeous image!
joybello PRO+
joybello January 24, 2021
Thank you! I was thrilled with how perfect the conditions were for photography!
FergalBrady
 
FergalBrady February 15, 2021
These came out great 👍
tonyraymondthompson PRO+
 
tonyraymondthompson March 10, 2021
WOW !!! What a stunning image. Congratulations on your win.
joybello PRO+
joybello March 10, 2021
Thank you!! I'm pleasantly surprised by my win!
Natulya PRO
 
Natulya March 10, 2021
Congratulations
joybello PRO+
joybello March 10, 2021
Thank you!
kurtsnyder Ultimate
 
kurtsnyder March 10, 2021
Congradulations on your contest win! I love the Yosemite image you created. It is superb! I am following you so I can see all your new inmages as you upload them! kurtsnyder
joybello PRO+
joybello March 10, 2021
Thank you so much for the compliments. The elements cooperated for this photo.
jensen9cat Ultimate
 
jensen9cat March 10, 2021
Outstanding
joybello PRO+
joybello March 10, 2021
Thank you!!
Lukekat PRO+
 
Lukekat March 11, 2021
Amazing. so beautiful. :O)))))
joybello PRO+
joybello March 11, 2021
Thanks so much!
morningglory2
 
morningglory2 June 13, 2021
Absolutely beautiful ❣️
joybello PRO+
joybello June 13, 2021
Thank you!!
seanballentine
 
seanballentine June 17, 2021
Wow beautiful shot
joybello PRO+
joybello June 17, 2021
Thank you!
Sharleen_C
 
Sharleen_C June 18, 2021
Beautiful!
joybello PRO+
joybello June 18, 2021
Thank you, Sharleen!
DAsEye Platinum
 
DAsEye June 18, 2021
A beautiful shot, with great reflections
joybello PRO+
joybello June 24, 2021
Thank you!
bethking_3887
 
bethking_3887 June 24, 2021
Fantastic
joybello PRO+
joybello June 24, 2021
Thanks! 😁
quintonboshoff_3562
 
quintonboshoff_3562 June 29, 2021
Awesome image. The story of peace and tranquility it tells is enhances by a strong composition, beautiful colors and contrast. Reflections on the water gives it a strong depth of field. Overall awesome.
joybello PRO+
joybello June 30, 2021
Thank you so much for your kind assessment. It means a lot!!
smanshrestha_9601
 
smanshrestha_9601 July 06, 2021
I..love.. you 😘
dewaynerawlings PRO+
 
dewaynerawlings July 15, 2021
Awesome!
joybello PRO+
joybello October 29, 2023
Thanks a lot!
lauraruffino
 
lauraruffino November 13, 2021
So peaceful
joybello PRO+
joybello October 29, 2023
Yes!
FergalBrady
 
FergalBrady December 11, 2021
Postcard perfect
joybello PRO+
joybello February 13, 2022
😍
JayneBug Platinum
 
JayneBug December 28, 2021
Stunning!
joybello PRO+
joybello December 28, 2021
Thank you!!
NancyFlemingPhotography
 
NancyFlemingPhotography February 12, 2022
Well done!
joybello PRO+
joybello February 13, 2022
Thank you!
lenaavalon Platinum
 
lenaavalon April 18, 2022
Gorgeous picture !!!! congratulations
joybello PRO+
joybello April 18, 2022
Thank you!!
carolcardillo PRO+
 
carolcardillo July 30, 2022
Glorious
joybello PRO+
joybello October 29, 2023
Yes!
See all

Behind The Lens

Location

I took this photo in Yosemite National Park on a cold day in December.

Time

It was fairly early in the morning, probably around 9am. The park was operating on limited hours during that time, and opened at 8am. I made sure to be at the gate by then.

Lighting

The morning sun shining on El Capitan, along with the fog, mist, and perfect reflections made this scene magical!

Equipment

Canon EOS R Camera, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens at 24mm, Sirui T-2205X carbon fiber tripod, and Manfrotto 496 center ball head

Inspiration

As soon as I stopped my car and saw the scene in front of me, I knew I had to capture it. As I said above, the lighting along with the fog, and reflections, made this scene magical!

Editing

This is an HDR photo combining three photos in 1.33 stop increments using Photomatix Pro. The aperture was f/18, and the shutter speeds were 1/30, 1/13, and 1/5. The ISO 100.

In my camera bag

I have a Canon EOS R body, along with these lenses: Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8, Canon EF 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5, Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8, and Canon 100mm IS USM f/2.8 Macro lens. I keep it all in a Lowepro backpack. I have a Sirui tripod with a Manfrotto ball head.

Feedback

Watch the weather for clearing storms, etc... and get out and shoot! Morning or evening light is the best.

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