Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
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.
WishlistShare
Start
  • 8713-john-in-office-yosemite-photography-c.jpg
  • 8713-leading-lines-yosemite-photography-c.jpg
  • 8713-glacier-point-rainbow-on-vernal-yosemite-photography-c.jpg
  • 8713-photograph-yosemite-national-park-capturing-waterfalls-cliffs-domes-lghoz.jpg
  • 8713-photograph-yosemite-national-park-capturing-waterfalls-cliffs-domes-c.jpg
  • 8713-photograph-yosemite-national-park-capturing-waterfalls-cliffs-domes-el-capitan-c.jpg
National ParksPhotographySmall GroupRetreats
Length
6 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,599

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Oakhurst
2
Skills Assessment, Basic Instruction
Oakhurst
3
Yosemite Valley Photo Walk
Oakhurst
4
Yosemite Valley Free Time
Oakhurst
5
More Photography in Yosemite
Oakhurst
6
Photo Critique in Lyles Hall, Program Concludes
Oakhurst
View Full Itinerary

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
Profile Image
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.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Search for a Title
Start Enrolling
Meals
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Low Salt, Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024
  • Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
  • Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.
Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst
5 nights
Oakhurst
Set amid 160 lovely acres of forested oaks, incense cedar and ponderosa pine, the two ECCO lodges used by Road Scholar participants — Sanford Lodge and Beardsley Lodge — are split-level with ground-floor parking and an entrance at each level. The dining room features a full wraparound deck overlooking a pond populated by mallards, egrets, herons and one mute swan. There is a casual relaxation room for socializing, with plenty of novels to borrow. Good to know: No TVs in rooms but one in common area. Wi-Fi is available throughout. Housekeeping once a week. We will serve wine on the arrival night during the social hour afterward wine or beer is not provided or sold at ECCO. You are welcome to bring your own and we will provide corkage and glassware at no additional cost. Most meals served buffet-style; bus own table.





Recommended For You