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TRIP OVERVIEW
Trip Highlights
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- Explore the world-class landscapes of Yosemite National Park during peak fall color season
- Capture the majestic beauty of iconic landmarks like Upper Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Half-Dome
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of maples and cottonwoods, and witness dramatic atmosphere in Yosemite Valley
- Benefit from personalized attention and guidance in small groups led by professional photographers
Yosemite National Park is reminiscent of names like John Muir and Ansel Adams. It is an icon of American Mountain Scenery and one of the world’s first National Parks. The beauty and history of this place is unparalleled from the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the mirror-like Merced River as it courses through Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite is a land carved by glaciers. As the land was lifted upwards, an estimated 4000 feet of ice sculpted the igneous batholith of Yosemite and moved slowly down steam to create a massive U-Shaped Valley for which Yosemite is so famous. This glacial artistry is responsible for creating the well-known granite domes such as El Capitan, Sentinel & Half-Dome. Yosemite was set aside as a National Park in 1890 and a world heritage site in 1984.
This is a unique opportunity to photograph and hike Yosemite during the spectacular fall color season. Yosemite is one of the most unique natural wonders on our planet and provides jaw dropping opportunities for landscape photography, waterfalls, rainbows and wildlife! The light is soft in the fall and the colors are vibrant making for superb landscape photography opportunities. We schedule this trip in late fall to take advantage of Yosemite Valley’s brilliant foliage when it is turning red and gold.
Experience Yosemite with a knowledgeable guide and instructor who has been hiking, guiding and photographing this park for well over a decade. This photography excursion features full days of hiking and photography from sunrise to sunset as we visit carefully selected locations in the best possible light, taking our time (key for us photographers!) exploring and photographing. We’ll hit the iconic spots such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls and Glacier Point as well as many off the beaten path locations most people don’t know about.
This Yosemite photography tour will be based out of our quaint & cozy lodge with prime access to Yosemite Valley. Each evening after our photography session we will return to the lodge for some rest and relaxation and a great meal at their restaurant.
You’ll get ample one on one time with your instructor and improve your photography in one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic locations. Aside from the fun you’ll experience with your fellow photographers you’ll leave this trip with a highly expanded portfolio of excellent images and a wealth of memories. Join us today for the trip of a lifetime to Yosemite National Park in the spectacular Fall Season!
Please note: We are excited to offer both a standard and “hiker” version of this trip for photographers who like to get out and hike! Not sure which one suits you best? Give us a call at 928-478-1521
Yosemite is a land carved by glaciers. As the land was lifted upwards, an estimated 4000 feet of ice sculpted the igneous batholith of Yosemite and moved slowly down steam to create a massive U-Shaped Valley for which Yosemite is so famous. This glacial artistry is responsible for creating the well-known granite domes such as El Capitan, Sentinel & Half-Dome. Yosemite was set aside as a National Park in 1890 and a world heritage site in 1984.
This is a unique opportunity to photograph and hike Yosemite during the spectacular fall color season. Yosemite is one of the most unique natural wonders on our planet and provides jaw dropping opportunities for landscape photography, waterfalls, rainbows and wildlife! The light is soft in the fall and the colors are vibrant making for superb landscape photography opportunities. We schedule this trip in late fall to take advantage of Yosemite Valley’s brilliant foliage when it is turning red and gold.
Experience Yosemite with a knowledgeable guide and instructor who has been hiking, guiding and photographing this park for well over a decade. This photography excursion features full days of hiking and photography from sunrise to sunset as we visit carefully selected locations in the best possible light, taking our time (key for us photographers!) exploring and photographing. We’ll hit the iconic spots such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls and Glacier Point as well as many off the beaten path locations most people don’t know about.
This Yosemite photography tour will be based out of our quaint & cozy lodge with prime access to Yosemite Valley. Each evening after our photography session we will return to the lodge for some rest and relaxation and a great meal at their restaurant.
You’ll get ample one on one time with your instructor and improve your photography in one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic locations. Aside from the fun you’ll experience with your fellow photographers you’ll leave this trip with a highly expanded portfolio of excellent images and a wealth of memories. Join us today for the trip of a lifetime to Yosemite National Park in the spectacular Fall Season!
Please note: We are excited to offer both a standard and “hiker” version of this trip for photographers who like to get out and hike! Not sure which one suits you best? Give us a call at 928-478-1521
Your 3 Unique Advantages
UNPARALELLED PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
THE BEST TEAM IN THE BUSINESS
WORLD-CLASS PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
Yosemite Fall Colors
IMPORTANT TRIP INFORMATION
Start Location: Fresno, CA
Orientation Meeting Time: 5 pm
End Location: Fresno, CA
Trip Conclusion Time: 2 pm
Orientation Meeting Time: 5 pm
End Location: Fresno, CA
Trip Conclusion Time: 2 pm
This trip begins & ends in Fresno, California at the:
Fairfield Inn and Suites Fresno Yosemite International Airport*
1535 N Peach Ave, Fresno, California, 93727, USA
+1-559-825-5200
Your hotel will have a complimentary airport shuttle – just call 24 hours in advance to schedule your pick-up!
*Please note: Exact hotel is subject to change - equivalent hotel may be substituted. If you are planning on arriving early or staying late please contact us.
The airport to fly in/out is Yosemite Fresno International (FAT)
Fairfield Inn and Suites Fresno Yosemite International Airport*
1535 N Peach Ave, Fresno, California, 93727, USA
+1-559-825-5200
Your hotel will have a complimentary airport shuttle – just call 24 hours in advance to schedule your pick-up!
*Please note: Exact hotel is subject to change - equivalent hotel may be substituted. If you are planning on arriving early or staying late please contact us.
The airport to fly in/out is Yosemite Fresno International (FAT)
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's NOT Included
- Transportation to and from Fresno, California
- Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
- Lodging outside workshop dates
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs and personal items
- Gratuity for photography guide(s)
- Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
WEATHER
Expect warm pleasant days and chilly nights. The weather is generally somewhat adverse in the fall however it makes for breathtaking photos. Remember some of the best photographs are made before, during and immediately after a storm cycle. There is no such thing as bad weather just poor layering and gear choices – please plan accordingly! For more info on what to bring please email or call us. Make sure you are prepared for rain!
General links to Weather Conditions: Little Yosemite Valley Weather forecast and Tioga Pass Weather forecast
We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.
General links to Weather Conditions: Little Yosemite Valley Weather forecast and Tioga Pass Weather forecast
We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.
TRIP ITINERARY
DAILY ITINERARY
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
We will meet at our hotel in Fresno at 5 pm the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Days 2 - 5 (B,L,D)
With Yosemite Valley as our base, each day we'll explore the landscapes of Yosemite National Park. From the towering waterfalls, like Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, to the granite monolith, like El Capitan and Half Dome, to the smaller scenes of the Merced River. We'll make most of the best light and fill each day with incredible photography.
There is no shortage of locations in the greater Yosemite Valley and we'll use the daily conditions to guide our shooting itinerary. We'll photograph iconic spots like Tunnel View, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, Cooks Meadow, Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Bride, and more. We'll also venture to some hidden gems that we've found through years of experience within the park.
Day 6 (B)
On our final morning, we'll photograph the gorgeous sunrise light before getting breakfast. Afterwards, we'll start our journey back to Fresno to conclude our trip.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
We will meet at our hotel in Fresno at 5 pm the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Days 2 - 5 (B,L,D)
With Yosemite Valley as our base, each day we'll explore the landscapes of Yosemite National Park. From the towering waterfalls, like Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, to the granite monolith, like El Capitan and Half Dome, to the smaller scenes of the Merced River. We'll make most of the best light and fill each day with incredible photography.
There is no shortage of locations in the greater Yosemite Valley and we'll use the daily conditions to guide our shooting itinerary. We'll photograph iconic spots like Tunnel View, Valley View, El Capitan Meadow, Cooks Meadow, Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Bride, and more. We'll also venture to some hidden gems that we've found through years of experience within the park.
Day 6 (B)
On our final morning, we'll photograph the gorgeous sunrise light before getting breakfast. Afterwards, we'll start our journey back to Fresno to conclude our trip.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
WHAT TO PACK
GEAR LIST
See our What to Pack for a Trip page for general recommendations and partner discounts.
Need some camera gear? Try renting, we do it all the time.
We recommend using LensRentals. Use the code 'BCJ15' for 15% off.
We recommend using LensRentals. Use the code 'BCJ15' for 15% off.
Photo & Field Gear
Recommended Camera Gear:
Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other travel items into a suitcase, duffel or travel bag. You will not bring all your camera gear on every hike or outing.
Recommended Camera Gear:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera (Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc.)
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm FX or similar)
- Mid-range lens (24-70mm FX or similar)
- Telephoto lens (100-400mm/70-200mm FX or similar)
- Camera pack & rain cover
- Tripod & ball head
- Memory cards
- Batteries & chargers
- Circular Polarizer
- Lens cloths
- Remote shutter trigger
- Back-up camera body
- Laptop with Lightroom/Photoshop
- Neutral Density filter
- External hard drives
- Baselayers
- Hiking pants
- Down jacket
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Warm hat & gloves
- Casual wear
- Brimmed sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Good walking shoes - we recommend trail runners
- Water bottle
- Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars (Optional)
- Money for tipping your photo guide(s) (industry standard is generally 10-20% of the trip cost based on your experience) and for any personal expenses not included in the tour package such as alcoholic beverages, a few of the meals, souvenirs, etc.
Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other travel items into a suitcase, duffel or travel bag. You will not bring all your camera gear on every hike or outing.
SEE WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY
Meet The #1 Trusted Leader in Small-Group Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris
"Saw lots of big cats - lions, leopards, and cheetahs - and so much more! It was a combination of adventure and luxury with an amazing number and variety of wild animals, beautiful landscapes, and a fabulous “tent” camp, where we were treated like royalty. I loved every minute. This was my second trip with BCJ and I will be back. Well-organized, great group of people, both photographers and staff."
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Christine R.
Big Cats of Africa
"The trip was amazing. There is alot of attention to detail ahead of time to ensure the trip runs smoothly. The accommodations were wonderful. Our guide, Casey, was exceptional. It was a small group and I was a solo traveler. I felt very included. I was probably the person with the least photography experience but never felt left behind. I learned so much!"
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Laurie L.
Glacier National Park
"It's hard to begin to say how great this trip was! This was my first trip with Backcountry Journeys and quite an amazing experience from when I first signed up until the last moment of the trip and after. Kelley from the support team was great in answering all my questions and ensuring that I was prepared for the trip.
Once the trip began, it was just one great experience after another. From the first meeting where our guides Grant and Alex took us through the upcoming weeks plans, to the final breakfast, it was like traveling with a group of friends. We were guided to the best light and locations as well as some little known places that Grant had researched a few weeks prior. It was nice to get some unique shots a little off the beaten path.
To sum it up, one of my best travel experiences ever! So much so, that I have already signed up for 2 more trips."
Once the trip began, it was just one great experience after another. From the first meeting where our guides Grant and Alex took us through the upcoming weeks plans, to the final breakfast, it was like traveling with a group of friends. We were guided to the best light and locations as well as some little known places that Grant had researched a few weeks prior. It was nice to get some unique shots a little off the beaten path.
To sum it up, one of my best travel experiences ever! So much so, that I have already signed up for 2 more trips."
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James W.
Canyons of Utah: Zion & Bryce
"This trip was simply amazing! Well planned, well organized, fabulous/diverse photographing opportunities and a truly professional and experienced leader. I'd travel with BCJ again in a heartbeat.
This was a week-long trip around the Kenai Peninsula that included an all-day fjord boat trip (orcas, humpbacks, seals, birds and a calving glacier), a flight to spend a morning with bears on the beach, a second boat trip to Seldovia (rafts of otters, puffins and...more), and lots of landscape photography. I can't imaging a better week of shooting.
The small group (BCJ is noted for them) bonded quickly and were open to sharing experiences and tips. The guide, Liz Carmel, helped everyone learn something, no matter their prior level of experience. (She was awesome!)"
This was a week-long trip around the Kenai Peninsula that included an all-day fjord boat trip (orcas, humpbacks, seals, birds and a calving glacier), a flight to spend a morning with bears on the beach, a second boat trip to Seldovia (rafts of otters, puffins and...more), and lots of landscape photography. I can't imaging a better week of shooting.
The small group (BCJ is noted for them) bonded quickly and were open to sharing experiences and tips. The guide, Liz Carmel, helped everyone learn something, no matter their prior level of experience. (She was awesome!)"
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Steve D.
Alaska's Kenai Peninsula
"My trip with Backcountry Journeys to the Grand Tetons was spectacular. Every aspect of the trip was researched and executed flawlessly. The lodging was great as were the restaurants we ate at throughout the trip but the best part of the trip was the guide for the trip, Casey Mannes. He was well prepared and treated us as friends rather than guests on a trip. I would highly recommend this trip, company, and guide."
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David S.
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"Recently completed my 5th trip with Backcountry Journeys, this time to Iceland - the Land of Fire and Ice. This was an awesome trip that took in the entirety of this beautiful country, from active volcanos to the northern lights to glacier fed rivers, streams and beaches. As usual with my previous trips with BCJ, this trip was well planned and we stayed at great lodges and had superb meals."
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Tony E.
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