Backcountry Journeys

Transcription

1 Backcountry Journeys Yosemite in Winter: Photography Tour & Workshop Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. -John Muir, Yosemite Valley

2 Trip Overview Experience the beauty of Yosemite National Park during winter! Photograph this iconic park during its least visited season when the vastness of Yosemite is covered in pillows of white snow. Winter is an absolutely magical time to visit Yosemite and work on some incredible landscape photography opportunities. This is a unique opportunity to photograph Yosemite Valley during the stunningly beautiful winter season. Yosemite is one of the most unique natural wonders on our planet and in winter provides jaw dropping opportunities for landscape photography and wildlife! The light is beautiful in the winter and the colors are vibrant making for superb snowy landscape photography opportunities. We schedule this trip in late February to potentially take advantage of Yosemite s famous Fire Fall event but the main purpose of this trip is to photograph the beauty of Yosemite when the entire valley is covered in snow!

3 This photography excursion features full days of photography from sunrise to sunset as we visit carefully selected locations in the best possible light, taking our time (key for us photographers!) exploring and photographing. We ll hit the iconic spots such as Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Gates of the Valley and Tunnel View as well as many off the beaten path locations most visitors don t know about. This Yosemite photography tour will be based out of our quaint & cozy lodge right inside Yosemite National Park the Yosemite Falls Lodge is walking distance from the tallest waterfall in North America! Each evening after our photography session we will return to the lodge for some rest and relaxation and a great meal at their restaurant. You ll get ample one on one time with your instructor and improve your photography in one of the world s most beautiful and iconic locations. Aside from the fun you ll experience with your fellow photographers you ll leave this trip with a highly expanded portfolio of excellent images and a wealth of memories. Join us today for the trip of a lifetime to Yosemite National Park in winter! Please note: This is a standard tour so there is little to no hiking on this trip

4 Highlights Winter Landscape Photography in America s Iconic National Park Photograph dramatic winterscapes Cooler temperatures mean far fewer tourists Small Groups Return to our cozy lodge each night to unwind Top-notch meals, excellent lodging included Learn from & shoot alongside a seasoned pro Noteworthy Travel Logistics This trip begins & ends in Fresno, California We will meet at 6pm at the Piccadilly Inn Airport Address: 5115 E McKinley Ave, Fresno, CA Phone: (559) The airport to fly in/out is Yosemite Fresno International (FAT) We should be back in Fresno no later than 2:00pm on the last day of the trip. Transportation On-Tour We will provide transportation throughout the trip from Fresno, CA to Yosemite National Park and back. If you have a vehicle you can leave it at our lodge inside Yosemite National Park.

5 Itinerary Please note: This is a standard tour so there is little to no hiking on this trip Day 1 (travel day) We will meet at our lodge in Fresno, California at 6pm the first evening of the trip for an orientation and welcome dinner. Day 2 This morning we will arise early and head up into Yosemite Valley. We ll spend the morning photographing the Giant Sequoias of the Mariposa Grove under pillows of snow and we ll explore Yosemite Valley. After lunch we ll check-in to our lodge and get settled for the next few days. This evening s photo shoot will be at a spectacular location overlooking the entire valley.

6 Day 3 Our morning shoot will take us to a quaint beach along the Merced River where wintry reflections of El Capitan will be our photographic goal. There are many fantastic compositions to be had along the idyllic mountain river especially when the crowds are gone, and winter is in full-swing. Magical. After our morning shoot we ll head in for lunch and photo reviews followed by a short break. This evening we will shoot from another stunning location in the valley with expansive views of the sun setting on Half-Dome as its glow is reflected in the river. After a great shoot we ll head in and grab an excellent dinner at our lodge which is walking distance from our shoot! Day 4 After breakfast we ll head up to Lower Yosemite Falls and take advantage of the beautiful mid-morning light on this famous waterfall. Later we ll also head over and photograph another important Yosemite cascade Bridal Veil Falls. We ll spend the rest of today in search of wildlife and take a midday break from shooting to go over our images. This evening we ll head to a beautiful snowy meadow and photograph Yosemite in the warm-glow of a winter sunset. Day 5 Our morning shoot today is an inspirational view of Upper Yosemite Falls from the shores of the Merced River. The morning light catches this scene beautifully just after sunrise. We ll work on different compositions and take some short walks around the valley. This evening after our midday photo review session we will head to Artists Point for one grand finale landscape composition of Yosemite before an excellent farewell dinner!

7 Day 6 This morning we will have one more photo session in Yosemite Valley. After coming in from the session, we ll warm up over a hot breakfast and check out of our lodge by 11am. It is about a two-hour drive back to Fresno we ll arrive at the airport around 1 pm (we ll drop you off right at the airport if you want) and flights home can be booked any time after 3 pm. Please Note: Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures and more. Trip Details Physical Requirements All participants must be in good physical condition and have the ability to hike/ walk with camera equipment and essential hiking gear. For example, tripod, camera, lense(s), sunscreen, water (up to 2 liters person), snacks, and extra layers (if necessary). The weight of your pack largely depends on what gear you choose to bring on each hike. Typically backpacks weigh between 15 and 20 lbs. For those serious photography buffs packs could reach 35 lbs! But remember the choice is yours Group Size We keep groups small to maximize your one on one time with the guide / instructor. Trip Length 6 days Meeting Time and Place 6pm on day one at the Piccadilly Inn Airport in Fresno, CA

8 Trip Conclusion Fresno, California no later than 2pm on day six. We can drop you off right at the airport! Price/Start Dates: Please see our website for current Yosemite in Winter Pricing and Dates Accommodation We will be staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge for four nights which is walking distance to the tallest waterfall in North America Upper Yosemite Falls! Our travel hotel in Fresno is the Piccadilly Inn Airport. Meals Most meals are included during the trip dates and we typically eat at park lodges in the evening. We often eat snacks and prepare lunch on the trail. We typically return for a late breakfast, or eat breakfast on the road during photography trips as we are often out early to capture the morning light. There will be one evening with dinner on your own. Weather Expect winter weather cool days and chilly nights. The weather is cold in the High Sierra during winter however it makes for breathtaking photos. Remember some of the best photographs are made before, during and immediately after a storm cycle. There is no such thing as bad weather just poor layering and gear choices please plan accordingly! For more info on what to bring please or call us. Make sure you are prepared for rain! General links to Weather Conditions: Little Yosemite Valley Weather forecast. We recommend checking the weather prior to your trip departure to plan your gear and clothing packing accordingly.

9 Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris: Yosemite in Winter Price Includes Most meals, ground transportation, accommodation during the trip dates from the evening of day one through the morning of day six, professional photography instruction, park entrance fees, medically certified wilderness guide. Price Does Not Include Airfare, alcoholic beverages, accommodations before or after the trip dates, Souvenirs, one meal on your own, guide & staff gratuities (industry standard is typically 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience.)

10 Gear List This gear list should answer a lot of your gear questions so please read through this carefully. If you still have questions, please give me a call. While photographing during winter your clothing is a system of layers that you add and subtract according to the weather and temperature. Typically, daytimes temperatures are in the 20s and evening temperatures will often range from -5 to 10 Fahrenheit. Temperatures during Yellowstone s frigid winter can fluctuate drastically so be prepared! Although cold, the weather is often sunny, but you should be prepared for snowy, windy days as well. My personal clothing preference while in Yellowstone is to wear a pair of good synthetic Smartwool type socks under waterproof boots. I wear light-weight thermal base-layers under waterproof shell pants that are also lightweight for mobility. A polypro shirt, fleece, jacket and warm hat depending on the weather. As weather conditions change I add insulating and waterproof layers to my base setup. Don t bring any cotton clothing. Cotton is not a good insulator and once it gets wet it takes forever to dry. Absolutely no jeans! Photo & Field Gear for Yosemite in Winter Required Camera Gear: DSLR or Mirrorless Camera. (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic etc.) Medium telephoto zoom lens ( mm zoom or equivalent) Normal Lens (50mm or equivalent zoom) Wide-angle lens (10-20mm, 16-35mm or equivalent zoom) Sturdy but lightweight Tripod (must be able to carry this for hikes) Memory Cards Batteries, batteries, batteries (enough said?) Battery Chargers Filters such as a circular polarizer and neutral density are a must.

11 Lens cleaning pen & cloth Camera Day Pack (this should appropriately carry all your camera & hiking gear and have a rain cover) Camera Rain Sleeve Optional (but recommended) Camera Gear: Back-Up Camera Body 1.4x tele converter Laptop Computer with Lightroom / Photoshop Pre-Installed(for personal use in hotels for downloading images while on tour) External Hard Drives Remote Shutter Trigger Camera s Instruction Manual Suggested Field Gear & Clothing: Personal Field Clothing (think extra warm layers & waterproof) Warm top, such as a long-sleeved sweater or fleece jacket Insulated Down Jacket, warm, packable coat with hood (My favorite piece of gear in Yosemite!) Softshell Jacket lightly insulated windproof/breathable jacket for layering and protection from wind Lightweight Waterproof Ski-Pants Lightweight gloves, light- to mid-weight fleece or wool gloves for snowshoeing on warm days Insulated gloves, waterproof/breathable insulated gloves or mitts Balaclava or neck gaiter, midweight wool balaclava or neck gaiter for windy and cold days Warm hat, thick wool Sherpa style winter hat lined with fleece Long Underwear (synthetic top & bottom) Hiking Socks (Smartwool, Darn Tough etc.) Sunglasses Insulated boots Casual wear, for your evenings off the trail Water Bottle or Hydration System (2 liters), (make sure your bottles or water bladder are insulated!)

12 Waterproof/breathable jacket underwear Gaiters (optional, but recommended, depending on your ski pants) Shooting Gloves Pocket knife (optional) Binoculars (optional) Trekking poles (optional, but recommended) Prescription medication Sunscreen Knee pads (for low-angle shooting) Headlamp with spare batteries (there are short daylight hours during the winter and lodging grounds in the park are not well lit) Personal toiletries Money, for tipping your guide (industry standard is generally 10%-20% of the trip cost based on your experience), and for any personal expenses not included in the tour package such as alcoholic beverages, a few of the meals, souvenirs, etc. Note on Packing for the tour: Please pack your extra clothing, toiletries, extra camera gear, and other travel items into a suitcase, duffel or travel bag. You will not bring all your camera gear on every hike or outing. Each evening you will be briefed on which lenses, filters, etc. you will need to carry the following day on the scheduled tour or hike.

13 Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris: Yosemite in Winter Registration To book your reservation with Backcountry Journeys a deposit is required for each person on a trip. Depending on the trip, deposits are usually 30%-50% of the trip cost. All our trips can be reserved using our secure online registration form. If booking within 120 days of departure full payment is required in order to make a reservation. Please note: Your final balance will automatically be charged to the card you used to initially book the trip 120 days prior to the departure date. We will send a reminder a few weeks out. If paying via check, money order, wire-transfer or Paypal we will send a payment reminder before the 120 day due date. If you are booking within 120 days your final balance will automatically be charged to your credit or debit card within 7 days of making this reservation.

14 Payments, Cancellations & Refund Policy All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars. For deposits we accept Visa, MasterCard and PayPal. Final payment of the trip fee is due 120 days prior to departure. Trip deposits are non-refundable. Acceptance of any participant is subject to receipt and review of all required forms, documents, and payment. We must receive written notice of your cancellation, at which time cancellation fees in the following amounts apply: 121 or more days prior to departure: 100% of deposit plus a per person $100 administration fee 120 days or less prior to departure: 100% of trip fee No partial refunds are made for unused portions or services of a trip for any reason whatsoever. Trips are sold as a package only. All our Workshops & Tours are subject to the realities of the natural world. Although we will do everything in our power to stay on itinerary, circumstances including but not limited to permit availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or public land closures, and forest fires can affect our itineraries. The price and duration of a trip will never change once you are registered. Payments are not refundable for any itinerary change. Backcountry Journeys reserves the right to cancel trips. If this is the case a full refund of the amount paid will be given, including the deposit. Backcountry Journeys is not responsible for additional expenses incurred preparing for the trip (for example: non-refundable advance purchase air tickets, clothing, equipment, visa fees, medical expenses, etc.). Transfer Policy If you transfer from one trip to another: 120 or more days prior to the trip start date, there is a $50 administration fee. Less than 119 days prior to the trip start date, regular cancellation and refund policies will apply.

15 Travel Insurance Sometimes life happens, and you must cancel because of unforeseen circumstances. We highly recommend protecting your travel investment and purchasing a trip insurance policy that includes emergency evacuation coverage. Travel insurance provides you with trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay, medical expenses, emergency assistance, air flight, baggage and baggage delay coverages. Medical coverage purchased with your policy is crucial and required if you do not have health insurance. Please note that Backcountry Journeys does not recommend or endorse any particular plan or insurance company as everyone has different insurance requirements. You will likely find several good options for travel insurance plans at

16 Our Promise Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours & Workshops offer you a seamless adventure travel experience where we handle the details so you can focus on photography. Our world-class service and small groups allow for a personalized experience that allows you plenty of one on one time with your instructor. Joining a Backcountry Journeys Photography Tour is embarking on the trip of lifetime. Really. All our locations are hand selected to provide you with unique one of a kind photographic experiences. It s like no other kind of Journey. Our trips give you more time in the field to work on your photography as we ve got the logistics handled. We focus on the quality of the experience and the photography. Backcountry Journeys is set apart by our commitment to offer the finest outdoor photography travel experience in the industry. What does that mean? It means we are dedicated to bringing you an unsurpassed travel

17 experience with impeccable attention to detail. We ve got you covered from the moment you first contact us, to our fine-tuned photographic itineraries, the excellent lodging we select for our trips and our goal of ensuring you are at the right place at the right time. We re in the business of making it easy for you. The intentional decision to remain a small independent business with a focus on being the best means that our trips grow more cohesive each year. It means we don t cut corners and our service remains world-class as an owner operated business. When you reserve a trip with Backcountry Journeys you know you re purchasing quality as you know the level of effort, care and attention to detail poured into every Tour & Workshop. After all, our reputation is our most important asset and our consistency in delivering amazing experiences speaks volumes as our guests return year after year to photograph new & different locations. Backcountry Journeys is in the business of providing not just Photography Tours but vacations where you will leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Sincerely, Russ Nordstrand