California

Photograph Yosemite: Capturing Waterfalls, Cliffs and Domes

Program No. 8713RJ
Improve your photography skills alongside a photography expert in idyllic Yosemite National Park. You’ll learn a variety of techniques and explore the region’s natural beauty.

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Protecting the Environment

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At a Glance

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 three full days of embracing nature through photography. Your expert instructor, Nancy Robbins, is a professional specializing in this breathtaking region and will share her favorite places in the Park. Your photo workshop comes full-circle with a visit to the Ansel Adams Gallery in the park.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking 1-3 miles daily. Elevations of 3,100-7,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn to photograph water to achieve stunning results, from the “cotton candy” effect of a fast-moving stream to reflections of a gently rippling lake.
  • Capture spectacular sunrise photographs from the famous Tunnel View.
  • 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.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, and a live performance or event.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Nancy Robbins
Nancy Robbins is a 35-year photography veteran. She began college at San Diego State University majoring in fine art but soon changed her major to photography. Nancy then opened her first photography studio one of her photographs to be given as a gift from the City of San Diego to Queen Elizabeth on her visit to the city. In 2004, she moved to Yosemite and has been sharing its natural beauty ever since. Nancy is an instructor with the Yosemite Conservancy Outdoor Adventures program.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Nancy Robbins
Nancy Robbins View biography
Nancy Robbins is a 35-year photography veteran. She began college at San Diego State University majoring in fine art but soon changed her major to photography. Nancy then opened her first photography studio one of her photographs to be given as a gift from the City of San Diego to Queen Elizabeth on her visit to the city. In 2004, she moved to Yosemite and has been sharing its natural beauty ever since. Nancy is an instructor with the Yosemite Conservancy Outdoor Adventures program.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5 B 5 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Oakhurst
D
Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst

Activity note: Lodge check-in from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in Lyles Dining Hall to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. We'll enjoy our get-acquainted social hour that includes drinks and appetizers.

Dinner: 6:30 p.m. in Lyles Dining Hall.

Evening: 7:30 p.m. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interactions with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. Field trips off site will be by shuttle. Field trips to and from Yosemite are around 35 miles each way on country roads. Classes will be held in Lower Lyles West or the chapel, a short walk from Lyles. Please note this is not an active outdoor program, however this and the field tip on Day 5 may include walks/hikes of varying lengths to enhance and illustrate the subjects being taught. If mobility is an issue, please contact the coordinator for further information. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will then enjoy a short, award-winning video from the National Park Service about Yosemite National Park. The balance of the evening is left free to relax after our day's journey.

DAY
2
Skills Assessment, Basic Instruction
Oakhurst
B,L,D
Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst

Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, yoga, etc.).All experience levels, beginning to advanced, digital or film cameras, welcome. Minimal walking around campus.

Breakfast: In Lyles Dining Hall.

Morning: We will enjoy class time with our instructor, a local professional photographer, who will appeal to all ability levels with hands-on training and leave us ready to capture the magnificent landscape of Yosemite.

Lunch: In Lyles Dining Hall.

Afternoon: We will return to class. If weather permits, we'll take a photo walk around the campus, located on 160 forested acres and including a pond, alive with waterfowl. We’ll test our skills as we explore the grounds.

Dinner: In Lyles Dining Hall.

Evening: We will enjoy an evening presentation from a local expert, which could range from a live animal presentation, living history performance, musical or artistic guests, or lectures on human and cultural history of the area.

DAY
3
Yosemite Valley Photo Walk
Oakhurst
B,L,D
Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst

Activity note: Light exercise prior to breakfast (walking, yoga, etc.) Getting on/off shuttle bus: driving about 70 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time: country roads. Walking up to 4 miles over the course of the day: mostly flat ground in Yosemite Valley, paved & unpaved.

Breakfast: In the dining hall. Each full day after breakfast, we will pack our own lunches from a variety of choices. Bring your own personal, reusable water bottle or the one provided at registration.

Morning: We will board the shuttle to explore Yosemite National Park (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min) with our expert instructor.

Lunch: In Yosemite Valley, we'll have the sack lunches we packed this morning.

Afternoon: We’ll take advantage of our instructor's inside knowledge of famed views in Yosemite. Depending on conditions, we will be photographing past sunset to capture the unique colors cast in Sierra Nevada range.

Dinner: At a sunset photo location, we’ll enjoy a boxed dinner provided by ECCO. Hot drinks are provided. We will return to ECCO following sunset shots (38 miles, 1 he. 30 min.).

Evening: After a late return to campus, we will enjoy an evening at leisure.

DAY
4
Yosemite Valley Free Time
Oakhurst
B,L,D
Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst

Activity note: Light exercise prior to breakfast (walking, yoga, etc.) Getting on/off shuttle bus: driving about 70 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time: country roads. Walking distances range on activities for free time choices: mostly flat ground in Yosemite Valley, paved & unpaved.

Breakfast: In the dining hall. Each full day after breakfast, we will pack our own lunches from a variety of choices. Bring your own personal, reusable water bottle or the one provided at registration.

Morning: We will board the shuttle for another day in Yosemite (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.).< br> Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Lunch: In Yosemite Valley, we'll have the sack lunches we packed this morning.

Afternoon: We will continue our free time in the Park. Take advantage of the free shuttle system to get to and from desired destinations within Yosemite Valley, tag-a-long on a scheduled Park Ranger walk or talk (if available), or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of Yosemite! < br> We will meet at a designated location and time for our return by shuttle to ECCO (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.).

Dinner: Dining hall buffet.

Evening: We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.

DAY
5
More Photography in Yosemite
Oakhurst
B,L,D
Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst

Activity note: Light exercise prior to breakfast (walking, yoga, etc.) Getting on/off shuttle bus: driving about 70 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time: country roads. Walking up to 4 miles over the course of the day: mostly flat ground in Yosemite Valley, paved & unpaved.

Breakfast: Sack Breakfast Bar.

Morning: After grabbing our breakfasts, we will board the shuttle for Yosemite Valley (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.), departing an hour and a half before sunrise. We will stop at some of the most iconic destinations on earth. Additionally, our instructors will give us an insider-look of the valley to get unique shots. Bring your creativity!

Lunch: At Basecamp Eatery at Yosemite Lodge near the base of Yosemite Falls, we will enjoy many hot options, with coffee, tea, water included.

Afternoon: We’ll continue our photographic exploration in Yosemite Valley on foot with our instructor. The shuttle departs for ECCO by 2:00 p.m (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.).

Dinner: Dining hall buffet.

Evening: We will meet with our Group Leader to discuss the procedure for the following days’ field trips, then enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.

DAY
6
Photo Critique in Lyles Hall, Program Concludes
Oakhurst
B,L

Activity note: Light exercise available prior to breakfast (walking, gardening, yoga, etc.). Lodge check-out by 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast: In Lyles Dining Hall.

Morning: At our 9:00 a.m. class, we will have the opportunity to show each other the photos we've taken all week. Our instructor will critique our photos at request.

Lunch: In Lyles Dining Hall. This concludes our program.

Afternoon: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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