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Photograph Yosemite: Capturing Waterfalls, Cliffs, and Domes

Program Number: 8713RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/13/2013 - 10/17/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Oakhurst, California
Price starting at: $762.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Photography; National Parks
Meals: 12; 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian    

Capture on film the magnificence of Yosemite, loved by photographers since it was made famous by Ansel Adams. The Queen of our national parks will be the classroom for two full days of exploring the park and embracing nature through photography. Your leader, John Boyd, is a professional photographer who specializes in this breathtaking region and will share his favorite places is the valley. Learn how to create the best exposure for the best print and prepare for your adventures in Yosemite Valley with short educational presentations will ready the group for the trips into Yosemite Valley. Your photo workshop comes full-circle with a visit to the Ansel Adams Gallery in the park.




Highlights

• Learn to photograph water to achieve stunning results, from the "cotton candy" effect of a fast-moving stream to the detailed reflections of a gently rippling lake.
• Scan the face of El Capitan for daring rock climbers while on a hike to photograph beautiful oak trees.
• Harness the sun's color-enhancing properties in shots of the "fire" on El Capitan and of the granite monolith Half Dome in the final light of day.



Activity Particulars

Moderate walks of 1-3 miles. Elevations of 7,000 feet. All experience levels, digital cameras, welcome.



Program focus is on traditional photography, though all camera types are welcome. Suitable for photographers all experience levels.




Date Specific Information

10-13-2013

In October, fewer crowds make it easy to land prime spots for photographing coveted Yosemite icons.



Coordinated by Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst.




Oakhurst

With Yosemite National Park and the expansive Sierra Nevada just out the backdoor, Oakhurst is an active community and gateway to the region’s many natural splendors, including fine hiking trails and native wildlife.
Accommodations
Conference center on 162 forested acres, hiking trails, buffet dining overlooking pond.
Meals and Lodgings
   Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst
  Oakhurst 4 nights
 Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst
Type: Conference Center
  Description: ECCO sits on 160 lovely acres forested with oaks, manzanita, incense cedar and ponderosa pine. Our dining room overlooks a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons--and one mute swan. We are set back from the highway 1 mile , away from traffic and noise. It's a perfect place to reflect, relax and learn. We are at the gateway to Yosemite, only 12 miles from the southern entrance to the park and about 45 miles from Yosemite Valley itself. As you enjoy a walk on our grounds, you may find yourself accompanied by mule deer, wild turkeys and other wildlife.
  Contact info: 43803 Highway 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644 USA
phone: 559-683-8162
web: www.conferencecenter.org
  Room amenities: Climate-controlled, hair dryers.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior:  Because we are a conference center, we are not often able to accommodate either early arrivals or late departures.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Because we are a conference center, we are not often able to accommodate either early arrivals or late departures.
  Check out time: 9:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check in 3PM (but not earlier than 2 PM nor later than 6:00 PM, please!) Staff is not available to assist you before or after those times. Program Orientation Begins at 5PM You will be staying at Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst that night.
  End of Program:
Hotel check-out is at 9:00AM - Lunch is at 11:30AM - Program ending at noon- after lunch. You will be staying at Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. We begin preparing for your arrival long before you get here, and your personal information is vital in assisting us. Please return your Health Form, Supplemental Information and Liability Release Forms to us no later than 3 weeks prior to the program start date. CALL US if you haven't received program materials; they are mailed to you no less than 6 weeks prior to the program, usually sooner.
  Parking availability:
Parking is available directly in front of lodge rooms. All rooms have ground-floor entry.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Oakhurst
  Nearest city or town:  ECCO is 4 miles north of the center of Oakhurst
  Nearest highway: ECCO is set 1 mile back from Highway 41.
  Nearest airport:  Fresno/Yosemite International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Oakhurst
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Fresno, CA

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
ECCO
phone: 559-683-8162
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$75.00 - subject to change until reservation is confirmed with ECCO
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 
 

Distance:

 

50 miles
   

ECCO highly recommends renting a vehicle if at all possible, for free time options. ECCO shuttle is available only on program opening/closing days; maximum capacity is 4 persons. Other private transportation companies are available in our area; call Bruce at 559/683-8162 for names and contact information.
 
Driving Directions
  From Northern California Take Hwy 99 south. Exit on Hwy 140 east (toward Yosemite). At the intersection with Hwy 49, turn right. Hwy 49 dead ends at Hwy 41 in Oakhurst. Turn left on Hwy 41. ECCO is 4 miles north of the intersection of Hwy 41 & Hwy 49, on the right--the first driveway past the neon sign for Sierra Sky Ranch. Watch for the red and white "Welcome Road Scholar" banner. Turn into the driveway (shared with Christ Church) and follow the signs one mile back to the conference center.
  From San Francisco Airport Take Hwy 101 south to Gilroy. Exit eastbound on Hwy 152 and stay on 152 until it merges southbound with Hwy 99. Exit on Hwy 145. At the end of the offramp turn left. Go over the freeway. Turn right on Cleveland Avenue. Continue on Cleveland about a mile to 145. Turn left on 145. Go about 20 miles then turn left on Hwy 41. Once you drop down into Oakhurst ECCO is 4 miles north of the intersection of Hwy 41 & Hwy 49, on the right--the first driveway past the neon sign for Sierra Sky Ranch. Watch for the red and white "Welcome Road Scholar" banner. Turn into the driveway (shared with Christ Church) and follow the signs one mile back to the conference center.
  From Southern California ECCO can be reached by car from Southern California by taking highway 5 north to 99, then take Hwy 41 north toward Yosemite in Fresno. Once you drop down into Oakhurst ECCO is 4 miles north of the intersection of Hwy 41 & Hwy 49, on the right--the first driveway past the neon sign for Sierra Sky Ranch. Watch for the red and white "Welcome Road Scholar" banner. Turn into the driveway (shared with Christ Church) and follow the signs one mile back to the conference center.
  From Yosemite Valley ECCO is approximate 1-1/2 hours from Yosemite Valley. As you exit YV, follow the signs toward Hwy 41. As you travel out of the park, you will pass the turnoff for Glacier Point and Badger Pass as well as the Wawona Hotel. Exit through the south gate of the park and continue on Hwy 41. ECCO is on the left approximately 12 miles south. Our sign may be difficult to see from that direction, so watch for the Christ Church sign. Turn left there and follow the signs to ECCO about a mile back.
Elevation Note: ECCO's elevation is approx. 3,100 ft. On field trips bus may briefly stop at an elevation of 6,000.

Equipment Requirements: Bring the following with you, as it applies to your type of camera: 1.Camera and lens (camera can be any type: SLR, point-and-shoot or digital 2.Camera Instruction Manual (very important) 3. Film (note that b/w film cannot be one-hour processed) 4. Tripod 5. Laptop for viewing your digital photos (optional) 6. Filters 7. Polarizer 8. Cable Release 9. Samples of your work 10. Cable to connect your camera to a television and, most importantly - your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrivals and Orientation
(Sunday, October 13)
   
 Dinner: Please plan to arrive at ECCO between 3 to 5 p.m.--but no earlier than 2 p.m., please--staff is not available to assist you until that time.) After check-in, take time to relax before our get-acquainted social hour with a brief orientation beginning at 5 p.m. Dinner follows at 6.
 Evening: After dinner, your group leader completes your orientation to ECCO; then your instructor gives you an introduction to the class material.
   
Accommodations: Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Class to Assess Skills and Learn Basic Instruction Followed by Free Time
(Monday, October 14)
   
 Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. - Breakfast in Lyles Hall. Class follows at 9:00 a.m. with an introduction to photography, assessment of skill levels and basic instruction. Get acquainted with your instructor, a professional photographer who has specialized in the Sierra Nevadas for over 20 years. You'll enjoy her stories of Yosemite's early years, as well. Note that following the basic information, class will be held outside to the extent weather permits.
 Lunch: 12 noon - Lunch in Lyles Hall followed by class, a photo discussion with instructor
 Afternoon: Beginning at 2:30 p.m. enjoy free time - an opportunity for participants to explore our surrounding area or just relax.
 Dinner: Dinner in Lyles Hall at 6:00 p.m. After dinner, meet with your group leader to discuss the procedure for the following days' field trips.
   
Accommodations: Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Itinerary Subject to Change - Photo Walk in Yosemite Valley
(Tuesday, October 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. in Lyles Hall.
 Morning: Please note that the schedule for this day is subject to change from what is described here in order to take advantage of the best photo opportunities in Yosemite Valley. Your group leader will give you detailed information upon your arrival.
 Lunch: Sack lunch in Yosemite Valley. After lunch, participate in a photo walk in Yosemite Valley with instructor. Those who do not wish to walk are free to explore the Valley's wonders on their own. (Free shuttle buses are available on the valley floor.)
 Afternoon: Photo walk in Yosemite Valley with instructor. Those who do not wish to participate in the photo walk are free to explore the Valley's wonders on their own. (Free shuttle buses are available on the valley floor.)We will stay thru sunset, so be prepared an extraordinary day of photography
 Dinner: Because you are out on a long day, we either provide you with a box dinner or you will dine in Yosemite Valley.
   
Accommodations: Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Itinerary Subject to Change - Photo Walk in Yosemite Valley
(Wednesday, October 16)
   
 Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. breakfast in Lyles Hall. At 8:45 a.m., board bus for destination in Yosemite. Destination will be determined based on weather, road conditions and available photo opportunities. Bus will depart by 9:00 a.m., as soon as all participants are on board.
 Lunch: Sack lunch in Yosemite National Park.
 Afternoon: Photo walk. Take advantage of our professional photographer's expertise as well as her knowledge of Yosemite National Park to enhance your photo skills in the Queen of National Parks. Meet your bus at the assigned location at 3:00 p.m. for return to ECCO. (Arrival time is approximately 4:00 p.m.) Note that several locations in Oakhurst offer one-hour processing for digital, print and slide film. You may wish to take advantage of the opportunity to have your photo work developed for review by fellow students and the instructor. The processing fees are NOT included in your Road Scholar program.
 Dinner: In our effort to provide you with your best photographic experience, we will provide dinner within the park(box or at the cafeteria) within the park.You will be out taking pictures around sunset.
   
Accommodations: Evergreen Conference Center Oakhurst
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Class to Share Your Photos with Instructor and Other Participants
(Thursday, October 17)
   
 Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. breakfast in Lyles Hall. Please vacate your sleeping rooms by 9:00 a.m. so our housekeeping staff may prepare for our next group's arrival; however your program continues with class following breakfast. Please return keys and evaluations to your group leader.
 Morning: At 9:00 a.m. class convenes. This is your opportunity to show your fellow students and your instructor the photos you've taken during your stay at ECCO and your field trips to Yosemite Valley. Your instructor will critique your photos at your request.
 Lunch: Lunch and farewell.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Oakhurst Bass Lake
Bass Lake is one of the most popular vacation spots in Central California. The lake was created back in 1899. It was enlarged 6 years later, and work on the present dam began in 1909. At 3,500 feet in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains, the 4-mile long lake is on the north fork of Willow Creek which is a tributary of the San Joaquin River. Its waters turn powerful, electricity-producing turbine engines for Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the world's largest non-government utility. Because of its altitude, it's not unsual for Bass Lake to have snow on the ground for several weeks during the winter--not tons of snow...but enough snow to carry chains in your trunk...and, as locals put it, enough snow to be beautiful but not bothersome. Bass Lake is popular for all of the right reasons. It's close to California's Central Valley (1 hour from Fresno) via Highway 41 and only 20 minutes from Yosemite. Nature lovers appreciate the lake, and so do fishermen--it's stocked with trout, bass, salmon, catfish, crappie and bluegill. Water skiers appreciate the warm water--75 to 78 degrees in the summer. The lake has excellent marina facilities.
  Fresno Flats Historical Site
Fresno Flats Historic Park recaptures the flavor of 19th Century life in the Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains of Central California. Eastern Madera County is the southern end of the historic Mother Lode gold fields, but the people who settled here came not so much for gold but more to build their lives and raise their families, making their living as farmers, merchants and using the rich natural resources of the mountains. The museum complex is built around two restored and furnished homes dating to the 1870s. Both have been designated by the State of California as Points of Historical Interest for their unique construction styles once common throughout Northern California, but virtually unknown today. They were saved from demolition, moved to Fresno Flats Historical Park and restored by the volunteers of Sierra Historic Sites Association, as were a pair of early-day one-room schools, two 19th Century jails and several other farm buildings. For additional information, visit www.fresnoflatsmuseum.org/about.html
  Sierra Mono Museum
Sierra Mono Indian Museum Roads 225 & 228, North Fork 9:00 - 4:00 Tuesday-Saturday 559-877-2115 Admission: $3/Adults $2/Seniors $1/Students The North Fork Mono Tribe is the original inhabitant of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The tribe consists of two clans: the golden eagle and the coyote, both of which are represented at the entrance to the museum. The Mono way of life is featured in the museum through examples of fishing, hunting, acorn gathering, cooking, healing, basketmaking, games and ceremonies. Also featured is the Tettleton Wildlife Collection, one of the finest in California.
  Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a restoration of the old narrow gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. A section of the original railbed has been reconstructed using the same techniques used at the turn of the century. Two vintage Shay steam locomotives have been brought in from the Westside Lumber company and restored to provide authentic motive power for the trains. Shay number 15 was built in 1913 and weighs 60 tons. Number 10, built in 1928 weighs 83 tons and is the heavest operating narrow guage Shay locomotive today. Railcars once used to provide transportation for logging and track repair crews have been refurbished and are now operated for passenger excursion. Antique Model "A" Ford gas engines power the trolley-like "Jenny" cars over the route. For additional information, visit www.ymsprr.com/
  Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau
Check out the Yosemite-Sierra Visitors' Bureau for the wealth of activities available to visitors to our area, from photo, art and antique galleries to outdoor recreation activities to many sites of historical interest. For additional information, visit www.yosemitethisyear.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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