After I shot the “Valley View” shot in the previous post, we headed to what is undoubtedly the most famous of all the “views” of Yosemite, immortalized by Ansell Adams—“Tunnel View.”
When we got there, there were no less than 40 other photographers, all hoping to capture some of the magic exuded by this wondrous view.
From here you can see Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan, and, allllllll the way in the back the base of Half Dome can be seen, illuminated by some hidden sun.
And it was hidden. We waited, and waited, and waited for the sun to break through the clouds in the west as it set, hoping it would cast a soft orange light on the valley below. But it never materialized. It found Half Dome, but that was about it.
I was not to be defeated, though! I took 9 exposures and combined them to make this one shot, capturing both the mountains, valley trees and the dramatic sky. Who needs sun when you can nerd out with your camera AND still see something extraordinary?
– Bryan Gray, Napa Valley Winery and Wine Bottle Photographer