Clearing Autumn Storm

Clearing Autumn Storm, Yosemite Valley (11/9/21) Elliot McGucken

Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite National Park (1937) Ansel Adams © The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust

In Ansel Adams’ classic 1937 photograph, Clearing Winter Storm, Yosemite Valley was dusted with snow. The photograph was taken in early December.

In Elliot McGucken’s tome to Adams’ photograph (seen above), Yosemite Valley is flecked with autumn color. The photograph was taken in early November.

The days that Adams and McGucken photographed from similar locations (Adams reputedly from Inspiration Point and McGucken from Tunnel View – near each other, but not the same locations) were near matches in cloud formations, though Adams’ scene was snowy and McGucken’s “autumny.”

These comparisons of McGucken’s images present near-duplicative color juxtaposed with black and white versions. Adams’ original was a gelatin silver print made from an 8 x 10″ negative, shot at 1/5-second at f16. McGucken shot with a Fujifilm GFX 100 medium format mirrorless digital camera, using a GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR lens at focal length 42.5 mm, equivalent to 32 mm on full frame, at f10, 1/160 and ISO 200.

McGucken exclaimed, “What a year it was! I am leaving Yosemite today after almost three weeks here. The fall colors were the best that I remember.” He continued that Peak is almost past, “but there is still a lot of glory to be found throughout the Park if one ‘Goes Now!'”

Clearing Autumn Storm (2021) Elliot McGucken

McGucken had a video camera running in time lapse while he was taking these pictures. Here is that footage. It demonstrates how clouds move and what’s needed to capture a moment of perfection. Patience is required. All good things come to those who wait.

Photographer’s Bridge, Merced River, Yosemite Valley (11/10/21) Elliot McGucken

Yosemite Valley (4,000′) – Peak to Past Peak, GO NOW, You Almost Missed It.

November 12, 2021/by John Poimiroo

Clearing Autumn Storm

Destination

Check-in date

Check-out date