wildography

From a post that I submitted to the YAHOO group: YOSEMITE

I need some assistance from those who are familiar with the National Park

Wildlife Management system. Especially helpful would be statistics regarding

Yosemite VALLEY black bears, or Yosemite National Park Black bears statistics

in general.

WHY?

As a 4+ year resident of Yosemite Valley AND (I have found this out from

talking to fellow photographers, NPS personnel, and other NPS/DNC employees) as

the numer one photographer of Yosemite Valley Black Bears, I have found out

some VERY disturbing information.

In looking at statistics of bear damage, bear break-ins, bear incidents, etc

over the past five years, one thing is QUITE clear... incidents are down. Down

a LOT. WHY? The standard rote response is because of education, better

information made available to the public, etc.

I have found out from personal observation AND from overhearing conversations

and from talking to NPS/DNC employees that the REASONS that bear incidents are

down are wrong. As in not right. As in... that is total BS.

Yosemite Black bear numbers are down because more bears are being killed every

year. Yes, there ARE quite a large number of black bears being killed by

vehicle VS bear incidents OUTSIDE Yosemite Valley... but I am talking about the

Black bears being killed IN Yosemite Valley.

Does ANYONE know where I can get reliable information on just HOW MANY black

bears are being killed in Yosemite Valley every year???

My personal observations and queries put the number of Black Bears being

euthanized, by the National Park Service, at between 3 & 5 - AT LEAST - EACH

year, for the past two years.

Four years ago, there were roughly 15-25 black bears roaming in and out of

Yosemite VALLEY during the summer months. From what I have heard, that number

is currently at "between 6 to 12" black bears roaming in and out of Yosemite

Valley during the summer months.

(YES, I KNOW...SOMEONE WILL COME OUT WITH DIFFERENT STATISTICS SHOWING THAT

MY "uninformed/misinformed" NUMBERS ARE WRONG.)

My "uninformed/misinformed" information does not change the fact that 3 & 4

years ago, I could go out into certain areas of Yosemite Valley and find an

abundance of bear sign & scat as well as see up to FIVE juvenile and/or adult

bears in ONE day.

I go out now... covering even MORE areas... and usually do NOT find ANY black

bears... and find minimal amounts of bear sign & scat.

Why are so many black bears being killed by the National Park Service?

Yes, I know, the standard response: they are becoming more aggressive; re-

locating adult bears doesn't work; visitor safety is paramount; bears are

becoming wiser and re-locating out of the Valley...

Do you remember about 4 years ago that shotgun blasts heard at night were

fairly common during the summer months? (from Ranger/Bear Techs shooting bears

in the butt with little sandbag rounds)

I've heard ONE shotgun blast this year. WHy is that? The standard response: too

many people were complaining about the Rangers killing Black bears.

The result: the Rangers stop using the shotguns so much ... and start using

needles to REALLY kill black bears.

So... my question... again... does anyone know where I can find reliable,

accurate statistics regarding the number of Black bears killed in Yosemite

Valley?<div></div>

I lived in Nashville for seven years; leaving in 2001 to live, and work, in Yosemite Valley. Here are a few suggestions...

The Opryland Hotel off Briley PKWY. (I think they changed the name). There are three indoor "gardens" of several acres each. LOTS of plants, flowers, etc to photograph. A "must see" spot.

In, and around, Bellevue (a suburb of Nashville) there are several parks that are very photo worthy. A simple search of the 'net will give you directions.

The Nashville zoo is actually not too bad of a spot either... its not great... but if you like that kind of thing, then its worth stopping by.

The downtown area isn't THAT great for nature photography; although, there are isolated spts and plots of flowers. But there ARE good photo ops in the area. Its, perhaps, worth a drive through.

Enjoy... by the way, if you like Hamburgers and Cheeseburgers, stop by "Fat Mo's".

David

Mirror lock up WOULD be GREAT to have on the D70...

sometimes I think that the retail industry pushes bells and whistles so much that we all get caught up in spending the maximum amount of money to get the best there is...

maybe its because I can hardly even afford to DO photography, seriously anyway, that I try to get the best possible picture without all the trappings that other photographers seem to have. Sure, I don't have many photos on the net right now... but my day IS coming... lots of people that see my work think so... and I am working on getting my work out... again, my biggest limiting factor is money.... so... since I don't have the money to get that REALLY good, fast lens... or that $5K digital SLR... or that strong, LIGHT tripod with the REALLY good ballhead.... I do my best to get the BEST possible picture in the BEST possible light from the BEST possible angle at the BEST possible time... because I can't even afford to burn through as many rolls of film as many photographers do...

I guess what I'm trying to say is... if you can afford to get all the technical things in a camera that makes for a perfect photo... GO FOR IT! If you can't afford... then go ahead and surprise everyone and get the perfect photo anyway...

David wildography@yahoo.com

CAN IT BE TRUE...

I work at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Valley. A vacationing NIKON

dealer came through the gift shop wearing a D70 around his neck... I

mentioned that I had just ordered one... and he commented that the

D70 was being discontinued with the announcement coming after

Christmas. Being busy at the time, I didn't have an opportunity to

ask him for details... when I did have time... he had disappeared!

Has anyone else heard this...

When some photography magazines were calling the D70 one the "best

cameras of the year"... why would they discontinue it. I DID just

order one... it should be here a couple of days after Christmas...

What do you think... what have you heard...

David wildography@yahoo.com

As a resident of Yosemite Valley, I wanted to give everyone an update on conditions. We are, today, having the heaviest snow of the season thus far. About a foot of snow is on the Valley floor. The Badger pass ski area, opening Dec. 17, has a base of about 3'. When the Badger pass road opens, I recommend going up there even if you don't ski. Great photo ops.

You MUST have chains when you come to Yosemite when snow storms threaten... even if you have 4WD and snow tires. There are times when chains are required for ANY vehicle... I guess that even applies to "monster trucks"! <grin> You do not want to buy chains or pay to have them put on in Yosemite...it can be expensive. CALL the National park service weather and road phone line at 209.372.0200.

Yosemite, in my opinion, is at its MOST beautiful in winter. Some areas to NOT miss if there is snow on the Valley floor...

Tunnel view ONE hour, at least, before sunset.

Valley View in late afternoon.

The Merced river during the middle of the day. Some good spots are at Stoneman bridge, Sentinel bridge, Cathedral Beach, the fern springs area.

Ahwahnee or Leidig or El Cap meadow as the sun comes up.

Mirror Lake can be good. Also the area around the Ahwahnee Hotel. Mid day for these two areas.

Visit Lower Yosemite Falls between 9AM and 11AM.

Look for the HUGE Mule Deer bucks in Stoneman's meadow aat Curry Village. They LOVE to show off and be impressive... really they do! One even laid down at the BASE of a stop sign! I think they like the attention.

I work at the Ahwahnee Hotel Gift shop, evenings, Friday thru Tuesday. Feel free to stop in and say hi.

This is a related answer to some comments made RE this subject.... I live, and work, in Yosemite Valley year round... if you have questions or need advice... feel free to contact me. I am an advanced photographer that spends ALOT of time seeking out areas , IN Yosemite Valley, that few people go to...so, I've taken some photos that I've NEVER seen anyone else take.

The best way to know an area is to live there, or nearby... other than that... ask questions and do research. Michael Frye has a book called, The photographers guide to Yosemite, that I highly recommend.

David wildography@yahoo.com

A lot of great answers above...

I wouldn't purchase another lens for this trip unless you see a need to fill in any "gaps" in your existing equipment.

Bring your "big" zoom & "little" zoom and leave the other lens' at home...

Think "protect your equipment" at all times... which do you want... get drunk and take crappy pictures or have a few drinks and take some really good photos? Also... watch out for theft... lots of opportunity for that at spring break... and keep your equipment clean... take time to wipe down/check/clean equipment often... and keep it out of the sun as much as possible... even if its shaded by your body...maybe bring along some "cool paks" (INSIDE ziploc bags) to keep film / equipment in your camera bag cool...

LOTS of guys will have throw-away camera to take pictures of flashing chicks... which do you think would make a better impression? Them? or you? And dress the part... casual but professional; guaranteed "good time"!

David wildography@yahoo.com

I live in Yosemite Valley year-round, feel free to contact me when you get ready to come to Yosemite (if you haven't already arrived).

The photo walk is informative, but is primarily for beginner to intermediate photographers; it lasts about 2 hrs; I suggest going with Christine Loberg's walk (she's a staff photographer at the A.A. Gallery that does the walk -tell her that David Smith referred you <smile>.

David L. Smith wildography@yahoo.com

Most workshops have recommendations on type/quantity of film... you are paying for it.. CALL or E-MAIL them and ASK!

Otherwise... I would say a minimum of two rolls a day (4 would be better).. as to KIND of film... depends on the purpose of the workshop...

Don't take a workshop just because its a workshop... take it because it will help you become a better photographer... that means you get out of it what you put into it... technically... you don't really need to bring more than 1 roll with you... but if you really want to learn AND improve : bring more.

Good answers above... most flower shots have ben done... and done... and done. In my opinion, the BEST flower shots are the ones that 1) isolate and enhance the flower into a "fine art" photographic shot to where it no longer is "just a flower", but a work of art OR 2) incorporates the flowers into an overall landscape.

To me.. the shots of "just" a field of flowers is pretty... but not that eyecatching.

Photos of flowers are a good example of snapshots VS photos. Snapshots have been DONE already... and require very little thought as to exposure, composition, etc. A GOOD photo requires some thought and / or preparation... occassionally a "snapshot" will capture the moment... but usually NOT.

I had the opposite (from the origional post) happen to me.

I live year-round in Yosemite Valley and one evening I was in the Ahwahnee meadow waiting for the light to be JUST right... shining "god beams" slicing through the fog... it was just moments from being "PERFECT".

Sittin on the ground, waiting, near a tree, I heard a slight sound behind me. A BEAUTIFUL buck with perfectly matched antlers was feeding quietly not TEN feet from me!! What did I do??

Well obviously... I took my camera... turned it around and started taking photos.... yup... you got it... I missed the 'god beams" slicing through the fog... AND I HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT LIGHTING SINCE....the only time I've cussed a deer for posing for me!!

Living in Yosemite Valley year-round, I visit the Ansel Adams Gallery every week for one reason or another. One thing that I have found is that a lot of the photographs taken by Ansel were made "better" in the darkroom. (Sort of "the nature of the beast" at that time with photographic equipment & film") What I concentrate on, when viewing his - and others - photographs, is the perspective and WHY he chose a particular spot to take the photo from. He DID spend a LOT of time taking each photograph, generally, and we can learn from that. Why wait for the lighting to be just right? ; why take the photo from THAT angle? ; what does the photo that you see through the lens tell you that makes you want to take THAT particular shot?

Another good book that explores the WHY of taking particular shots is Galen Rowell's "The Inner Game of Outdoor Photography".

You asked: "How to use a hand to determine exposure?"

Use your hand to hold a grey card... then take an exposure from that.

...sorry, I couldn't resist... good advice from above... I've also looked around and found mid tones in the ground, on trees, etc.

This is a response to an old post, but it may still be of interest.

I live year round in Yosemite Valley... so if you will be visiting Yosemite, please feel free to contact me.

About Horsetail Falls, if you can match your trip to Yosemite to the weather, that would be your best bet for catching the "natural firefall". The weather should be clear to partly cloudy and around Febuary 20th... or you can just plan on Feb 20th and hope for the right weather.

The last post (above mine) asked about Yosemite and the last week of April: PERFECT TIME! The Valley isn't crowded and pretty much ALL the waterfalls have water going over them... if we have a fairly heavy rain, that week, then there will be more waterfalls than you can take photos of!

David wildography@yahoo.com

About Outdoor Photographer magazine...

I buy individual issues at the bookstore... too often, there are only 1 or 2 articles that I'm interested in... if there is a really good issue, I'll buy it; but I usually just read the one or two good articles at the bookstore.

I used to subscribe to photography magazines, but I got tired of 70% of the magazine not being of interest to me...

wildography

In reply to your most recent question (about Townsend)...I LOVE Townsend! You MUST make reservations most places... and if you have lots of money to blow, stay at Blackberry Farms; if not there are a few hotels & campgrounds in the area.

Townsend is known as "the quiet side of the Smokies" and it fits. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg is VERY tourist oriented. I think Townsend is the best place to stay in the area.

Look on the internet for Townsend's web site.

David wildography@yahoo.com

I live in Yosemite National Park, in the Valley (all-year round)... so I can help you out with Yosemite. (feel free to e-mail me when you know when you'll be here)

BEST time to come to Yosemite: April 15 - May 15 = less crowds; waterfalls full force

WORST time to come to Yosemite VALLEY: July 15 to Sept.1 = crowds, hot

2nd best time to come to Yosemite (DEPENDING on weather) = December 15 - April 15 = less crowds; waterfalls; snow; DOWNSIDE = access in/out due to snow; cold

OTHER suggestions for your photo tour:

- minimum 1 week in Washington DC = 1st 3 days the mall area; then other locations

- minimum 1 week IN New York City = if you like people photography

- Mystic, Connecticut during spring or Fall = beautiful coastal city

- Savannah, Georgia during spring = beautiful squares/fountains/parks/houses

- Blue Ridge Parkway

- Foothills Parkway (E. Tennessee) in FALL (only), otherwise skip it

- Townsend, TN in October = fall festival

- Wyoming/Grand Tetons/ Yellowstone = from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15

Most of all... have fun!

David wildography@yahoo.com

IF you can get into Sequoia/King's Canyon (by driving and hiking, I would recommend it) the snow on the giant sequoias is awesome. But the weather and roads is a major factor.

WHERE to photograph is up to you... everyone has different preferences. Since you are considering a 7 day photo shoot, I would probably recommend staying in the Death Valley area and a two hour radius... that would take you up to the mountains... spend more time looking for good quality shots instead of driving extra hours.

Subject: Response to calls for preditors

my answer strays a bit from the origional question, but does reflect an answer that may be helpful ( and is related to some of the above comments).

The best way, in my opinion, to get quality shots of predators is to visit National Parks. I live in Yosemite and the coyote photography opportunities is the BEST I've ever seen! (Look for some of my coyote photos coming soon - as soon as I get them scanned : I need a new USB cable)

Also, go to the library, or bookstore, and get/read books on BOWHUNTING. A bowhunter has to get CLOSE to animals (preferrably within 40 yards). I used to bowhunt (never shot anything - I used it as an excuse to get out in the woods!)... but what I learned is now invaluable.

Here in Yosemite, I'm getting a reputation for my wildlife shots. That is partly because I know how to get close to animals WITHOUT DISTURBING THEIR NATURAL BEHAVIOUR.

Important point: If you are so close to an animal that you make it stop doing what it wanted to do... YOU ARE TOO CLOSE!!

Having said that, I have been within 3 feet of fully mature Mule Deer bucks and I DIDN'T DISTURB THEM! Why? because I usually spend about an hour with indiviual animals and they become accustomed to my presence.

However, PLEASE Do NOT try to get that close to animals unless you can read their body language AND you know what you are doing... it can be dangerous!

So... back to the origional question: how to get close to predators for photography? Learn their habits & hunting areas. Use bowhunting techniques. Learn how to get close without disturbing them (another hint: talk to them and THINK to them... I ALWAYS thank the animal for the photos that I took... sounds funny but it works.) Use National Parks where animals are more used to people.

Another note: In MY opinion, there are FAR too many shots of predators that are actually wildlife models that are NOT identified as such... I don't see anything wrong with using wildlife models ( that are captive animals, or "pets", as long as they are identified as such... at least something like "photographed at Yogi Bear Game Ranch" or something...

David wildography@yahoo.com

see the above post (conditions in the Smokies) for more info on some recommended spots that I posted.

For April, I would recommend the Little River Road between Townsend and Gatlinburg. Hint for BEST photos: GET AWAY from the ROAD! There are GREAT reflection shots along the road and lots of flowers... but for really spectacular shots, it is best to get out of your car and hike for a few miles (just wandering around and looking for good shots).

Also try the area around the Smoky Mtns Institute (off the road to Cades Cove).

Fawns haven't been born yet in April (late June to mid July for fawns). Bears should be coming out of their dens but VERY hard to find... its a bit early for them to be wandering far.

The area around Townsend is good... but you have to look for shots.

The best overall area is the Little River Road and the road to Cades Cove.

(I lived 15 miles west of Townsend for about 6 months; I now in live in Yosemite National Park, CA.)

David wildography@yahoo.com

I was in the Smoky Mtn area before returning to Yosemite National Park - that was from Oct. '02 - March '03... but I was in the Maryville area (south of Knoxville/west of Townsend). Actually, I was in Happy Valley (just below the Foothills Pkway).

I'm not real familiar with the Cherokee section of the Smokies; however, the road between Gatlinburg & Cherokee should be open most of the time, except for after snowstorms. If you go up toward the top of the Mountain, on the way to Gatlinburg, I would recommend having 4 wheel dr if snow is on the ground.

The area north west of Cherokee is really nice for photography, but I didn't spend much time there so I can't really recommend any good spots there.

If you do ever get to the Townsend/Pigeon Forge side of the Smokies, I DO have some suggestions...

Late October: as far as I am concerned, the Foothills parkway is the BEST place in the Smokies for Fall colors... there are lots of good places for but for sheer volume of beautiful trees, I never saw anything that compared to the Foothills Parkway (especially the section south of Maryville).

this time of year (December): Townsend and the Little River Road (closed during snow & icy conditions)...lots of pretty places along the river.

Good most anytime of the year: Cades Cove (especially during early October)... HINT: the BEST places in Cades Cove are AWAY from the road! Most visitors to Cades Cove stay on the loop and in their cars... MISTAKE! A really good area in Cades Cove is east and south of the Visitors Center area along the creek.

For up to date info on road conditions, contact the National Park Service.

David wildography@yahoo.com

I second a couple of suggestions above:

the Blue Ridge parkway (hint: DON'T just drive to a pullout, take a photo and drive to the next one... pull over and get out and hike along the edge of the woods or inside the trees... )

Peaks of Otter: suggested time: October for fall colors and whitetail deer (there are some awesome bucks there)

Another suggestion: Ashville area ... you can spend weeks there taking photographs...

I used to live in Roanoke, VA; now I live in Yosemite.

David wildography@yahoo.com

The most photogenic Nat. Park? The one you are in at the time! Seriously, I agree with the above... it depends on what you like to shoot and your personal preferences.

My suggestion: look at what kind of photography you do best at, then find the National Parks that best suit your needs.

I live in Yosemite - yes, in the Valley. ( I live & work here - and take photos - year round). I think Yosemite is one of the BEST and most photogenic of the parks... however, many people don't see the side of Yosemite that I do. I tend to go off the beaten path and follow deer trails, old seldom used trails, and explore the tallus slopes. The photos I find are incredible. I even have an idea of a location to shoot from that should be even BETTER than the famous tunnel view... but I haven't made it there yet (hint: it involves getting away from the road and near the rim).

If you will be visiting Yosemite, please feel free to contact me.

David L. Smith wildography@yahoo.com

While my answer is given well after the origional question, I'm sure there are others who have the same question and are planning a trip to Yosemite soon.

If you can get hold of a copy of "The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite" by Michael Frye, that has invaluable information. (It is sold here in the Park.

Quick answer to the best time to come to Yosemite:

April 15 - May 15: waterfalls; spring flowers

May 20 - June 20: Toulumne (High Country)

July 12 - July 20: mule deer fawns born (in Valley)

December 15 - February: snow, fog and ice

Least visited times: Nov - March on weekdays

BEST time to come (my opinion): April 15 - May 15

2nd best: ANY time in Yosemite is a great time!

MOST crowds: weekends: May 15 to September 15

Crowded beyond belief (in the Valley): July 15 to August 1

By the way; I live & work in the Valley year-round ( THAT is the BEST way to take photos in Yosemite!)

David wildography@yahoo.com

This is November, so you've already come & gone.. but my answer is for those will be planning their Yosemite trip in the future.(I live & work in the Valley year round)

September in Yosemite: I agree with the above photographer - try the high country. Yosemite Valley is very warm and dry in September. If you insist on staying in the Valley in September; as someone else suggsted, pick up "The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite". It invaluable.

Yosemite Valley places to go during September: shady areas, the base of tallus slopes, near the Valley walls, Mirror Lake, the area around the Ahwahnee Hotel.

The BEST time of year to come to the Valley: April 15th to May 15th.

Other good times: Early July for the high country; mid-July mule deer fawns are born; December for snow & fog...

Feel free to contact me if you visit Yosemite Valley.

wildography@yahoo.com