Yosemite in Winter

Photograph Yosemite in Winter—and Capture the Firefall if Conditions Align

Friday–Sunday · February 6–8

Limited to 5 participants

Yosemite in winter is calm, quiet, and deeply photogenic—bare trees, snow-covered cliffs, and soft light reflecting off granite and ice. This is also the time of year when Yosemite’s famous “Firefall” phenomenon may occur: a glowing ribbon of orange light on Horsetail Fall that resembles molten lava. If the sky is clear and water is flowing, we’ll be there to photograph it.

This small-group workshop focuses on Yosemite Valley at its most peaceful. We’ll arrive Friday afternoon and photograph until twilight. Saturday and Sunday, we’ll return to the valley at sunrise, break during midday light, and shoot again in the afternoon—adjusting based on weather and lighting.

What You’ll Learn

✔ How to expose for snow, water, and high-contrast winter scenes

✔ Techniques for managing highlights and shadows using histograms

✔ Using filters and white balance to capture winter color accurately

✔ Composition strategies for minimalist, moody, or dramatic images

✔ How to prepare and shoot Yosemite’s Firefall if conditions allow

Workshop Details

📍 Location: Yosemite Valley

📅 Dates: February 6–8 (Friday to Sunday)

⏰ Schedule:

• Friday: Arrive by afternoon; sunset shoot

• Saturday: Sunrise to midday shoot; break; afternoon/evening shoot (Firefall window if conditions align)

• Sunday: Sunrise session, then return to Petaluma

  💰 Cost: $395 (tuition only)

  👟 Fitness Level: Easy – most photo locations are near roads or parking

  🚗 Transportation, lodging, and meals not included

Experience Yosemite in its quietest season—and if the timing and light are right, capture one of the park’s rarest natural events: the glowing Firefall.

🔗 Reserve your spot now—limited to 5 participants.