Capturing EPIC Moments in Yosemite | Landscape Photography Tips & Techniques

This might be the best landscape photography trip I have ever had, which is a strong statement. My recent adventure to Yosemite National Park hit everything you could ask for in a trip. I photographed the unprecedented snowmelt, rainbows, thunderstorms, and some moody abstract photos.
In this video, I share some of my favorite techniques for capturing unique images in popular places like Yosemite. Even though many locations are heavily photographed, I firmly believe that as long as you keep an open mind and a creative spirit, you can always come away with something you can be proud of. I really hope you all enjoy the video!
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[@miketschappat6402]

That lightning photograph is a masterpiece!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much!

[@mitzimckay7934]

Absolutely stunning! It’s like the rainbow exploded at the bottom of the waterfall, spreading its colors out through the water like nature’s surprise party!

[@joanhuggett5164]

'Patience and persistence' - key words in photography... you've got it. Your imagination knows no bounds, Michael, and we are beneficiaries. Tunnel View, waterfall rainbow spectrum... awesome. The close up waterfall stills at the end... so crazy good. Always super-enjoyable when we are out with Michael. 'One of the most fun viewing experiences of our life.'

[@deenugent473]

You've inspired me and your words of advice really helps me think and be creative! I might need to rewatch your videos for inspiration before my next trip to a National Park ☺.

[@ericoconnor5416]

Dude! Your images are some of the best landscape shots I’ve ever seen! Your style, compositions and subjects really speak to me. Keep up the good work!!

[@charliethompson7042]

It's been almost 60 years since I've been to Yosemite. Because of this video, I want to go back! Thank you, Michael.

[@sean.grogan]

Man! That shot (13:25) is *chef's kiss*

[@andreak4280]

HOLY WOW!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼 😲🤯Absolutely stunning footage & images Michael … that water flow is crazy magnificent !! And the rainbows🌈 and lighting strike⚡️ I am seriously in awe! what an amazing weekend you experienced… thank you always for sharing it with us!

[@glazin_]

5:08 is definitely a bear head carved into the wall. Love your videos! This one was particularly stunning to watch.

[@DamienCulley]

Travelled to Yosemite from Europe as a teenager and again for my honeymoon. It’s an amazing place and you’re right: photos don’t do it justice - you have to go there.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Indeed

[@go4jackson]

Your work truly is a gift to humanity. I hope your work inspires the people across the country and the world to keep working to preserve and maintain these wild spaces. Even our own backyards can hold as much beauty and majesty as these incredible locations. Thank you Michael!!

[@nbonham593]

Wow! This was incredible, Michael! So many great shots from this trip - I especially loved the lightning and the rainbow at the base of the falls 🙌

[@j16m02]

OMG Michael! You are an inspiration for sure. As a long time central California resident (1964), I've been to Yosemite dozens of times and got some "nice photos" but these are almost other worldly. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you.

[@viktorasztalos2732]

Superb video and pictures, as always👌 Love the message at the end, and of course the dragons are always with you. 🤙

[@aliolfat5827]

You’re v inspiring. I get demotivated with photography pretty often but your vlogs and photos bring the intense itch back.

[@brianlemke6017]

Talking about crowds, Michael, I live in Calgary. It’s not California even by a stretch but …….. the weekend crowds in Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake have become truly impossible. They now ration visitors to Moraine Lake with a voucher system that sells out about 2-3 am every morning. Great shots as always. The way you catch the light, power and drama of waterfalls with that long lens is spectacular.

[@danmckee4988]

I can’t say enough about persistence and patience, I’ve captured several photos that I almost said it doesn’t look like it going to do anything or pan out and then “bam” it happens!

[@Jekaniah-jm7gq]

Wow I’ve been struck by lightning. My goodness what a shot!!!! I’ve been three times to Yosemite and I came all the way from Australia for it

[@sebleu1]

Always a pleasure to discover another masterpiece video from you, beautiful moments perfectly captured and edited. From dunes, seascapes, forests, waterfalls, storms, thunders, time-lapse, name it, you master any subjects that nature has to offer. Thanks for such quality content after all these years

[@MichaelShainblum]

I really appreciate the kind words and the support, thank you so much! :)

[@alivtehrani]

You're truly an inspiration Michael. Thanks for not giving up on the quality of your videos and always adding a bit of humane touch to the fantastic art you make by photography. Big fan of yours, from Norway!

[@davidposaas7350]

I don't think I could chose a favorite! I liked all of your very creative and interesting photos! City scapes the way you see them is a great way to maybe re-energize motivation and get out of a burnout stagnation. Great video Michael!

[@benelliott6133]

Just wow Michael! So many valuable takeaways here as far as patience and vigilance. You truly reaped the rewards and got some outstanding portfolio shots that only photographers can dream of. Those Tunnel View shots were incredible! Well done mate. Your dedication to your craft is so inspiring. Thank you!

[@SteveZodiac777]

Greetings from England! Amazing photos - took me back to 1982 when I visited Yosemite with my wife. A stunning location that you captured brilliantly! Thanks for sharing.

[@justinrichardson3864]

Thank you for your comments on shooting iconic locations.

[@andym2869]

WOW!! 😲 Nothing else to say im speechless.

[@chuckhaaser884]

Michael Shainblum....you lucky bastard. I say that with all the respect in the world. I know you work hard to be in the right place at the right time, but boy, those are some amazing shots. I always compare my photography to my fishing...I get skunked regularly in my fishing and my photography. You just have to keep working at it it and trying and someday you might even get a beautiful shot of lightning landing at the Half Dome.

[@alexlaouri]

Its like a landscape within a landscape....You go to deep with no return 🙂 Inception style.

[@michaelj.1121]

Outstanding! You mastered the 3Ps of Professionalism, Persistence & Patience - thanks for sharing!!

[@ddki9094]

Thank you for putting up with the traffic to produce another amazing vlog. I can see why so many people flock to this spectacular place.

[@michaelbeckett159]

Fantastic shots, Michael. I was in Yosemite with my wife at the very end of May, beginning of June. The volume of water was amazing. When we were there the weather was very clear, but I was happy to get some nice reflection shots. I loved Cathedral Rocks, as they get light at both ends of the day. I love your different perspectives and will have to bear that in mind going forward. Heading to the Dolomites Friday 😊

[@bobfrechette1812]

Another winner. Thanks, Michael

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks Bob, I appreciate you watching!

[@jclothierphotography]

Your photos are INCREDIBLE! I've never been to Yosemite and now you've made it a bucket list spot!

[@silvere36]

Terrific images. Of the waterfall images, I like the one with black and gold rock back drop. The foggy images are surreal! 💯

[@ianperkins1360]

Fantastic video and great set of photos, Michael! That lightning shot at Tunnel View!! 👌 Loved the photos from after the storm (6:35 onwards). Would love to see how you processed those if you had any plans for a n editing video!

[@trout3212001]

Of the four images, I like the bottom left. I am drawn the the water flowing over the dark rook on the left.

[@paulfowler3416]

Tress in the rain we’re amazing

[@macimages4215]

Stunning images! That lightning shot was worth waiting through a 1000 rain storms. And you’re right, photographs don’t do that place justice.

[@ulftornert2855]

You have got to be kidding?! I'm totally blown away! BEAUTIFUL! ALL OF IT! 😀👍

[@yiannismanzo5018]

Magical... The scenes were worth being with the crowd!

[@jaycee6996]

I must have seen hundreds of images of Yosemite. The rainbow image and the lightning image are among the very, very best I have ever seen.

[@calmdown888]

I like the fact you didn't give up and quit when it rains like some photographers. I'll be watching alot more of your work. Good job.

[@NeilArthurs]

I think "wow" is the only real way I can express myself after watching this video! 😮 Absolutely exceptional images 👍 I very much would love to visit at some point in my life hopefully sooner rather than later. It really is a bucket list photography location and you have showcased it so magically!

[@vincentlamoureux422]

Tunnel View photos are both amazing!

[@eddiegutierrezjr6226]

Your work never ceases to amaze me. Truly one of if not thee most inspiring work.

[@larrysalaets7088]

Beautiful images! Yosemite is truly magical, and your use of the 100-400mm made it shine even more! It has been many years since I last visited Yosemite, and I need to return. I rented a small cabin years ago in Curry Village to capture autumn colors. I arrived on a Tuesday and stayed until Friday. School had restarted, so the park was nearly empty. I returned with my parents a couple of years later, again on a weekday, but this time in mid-summer. What a difference in regards to the amount of people there. I could have used a 100-400mm 😂

[@MichaelBandy]

Those tunnel view shots are admittedly amazing but those isolated misty peak shots are just pure bliss. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@mikkiscott9995]

Wow, you got some breath taking photos. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

[@Xo1ot1]

You keep churning out epic images wherever you go, I'm actually baffled.

[@fabiogosatti1167]

Wow... Mi viene da piangere...😢 Luoghi e spot da omg... Occhi del fotografo mai visto prima.. Sei tra i migliori al mondo... Sei da inspirazione per me e future generazioni... Lo dico col cuore ❤️ Grande continua così... Ogni video è una vera emozione ❤❤

[@CassidyHansen]

Great stuff as always! Also, that dude with the tailgate cooking system is the goat!

[@gayleruble6529]

I always love your creative eye shooting landscapes.

[@rafal_krakow]

Great video & pictures, Michael! So inspired

[@sonholee5769]

Yeah. Took my family on Tues, Wednesday.... Much better crowds, though the park is still full. This was in July. Inspiring work.

[@johnmullineux4872]

Thanks for another great video. So many of the shots you got were so captivating I had to pause the video and stare at my screen

[@thanko1]

Drop dead gorgeous photography, Michael.

[@cnna12392]

8:30 UNREAL

[@P.W.R.]

Bro! Those craggy outcrops in the fog were amazing! Like something straight out of The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings. Misty Mountains Cold comes to mind. Just when I thought nothing could top your wintery landscapes you shared a couple years ago, then here comes these! Bravo!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much. That video was definitely one of my favorites I have made with all the snow. I am so glad this one held up haha.

[@hikesaroundkyoto]

Breathtaking sceneries. I'm so impressed by your camera work. Great captures. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to your next video.

[@Moor3y]

Absolutely love your work Michael. You were one of the main inspirations for me to take up photography. Being in the the UK and never been to America (yet) Yosemite is top of my list of destinations when I do finally get there and seeing this just backs up why I want to visit so bad

[@romiemiller7876]

The lower right is my favorite of the four.

[@257squadron]

Just proves the landscape photography shouldn't revolve around good weather! Cracking images.

[@stevejarvis186]

Nature is so beautiful and looking in as you did here Michael you found even more beauty by zooming in. Most visitors just wouldnt have seen what you're showing here, they'd just be blown away by the grandeur and miss so much.

[@billkipper3264]

Amazing photos. The lightning bolt image is just beautiful. Favorite photo of the four? Top right. Thanks.

[@stephennorgrove2924]

Yet another great video, Michael, you have a knack of capturing lightening

[@dhaval0007]

Just amazing !! Never seen Yosemite like this before. Loved the first close up of the waterfall.

[@dialac1]

The shots in this video are incredible

[@LasseKyed]

Holy Moly Michael! Iiiiiiincredible shots

[@MatthewRaifman]

What an extraordinary visit. Way to make the most of it. Heading there for 24 hrs and needed some inspiration. Thanks!

[@dychui]

I live near Yosemite and never saw the potential of an image like 2:30 - really loved this video good sir !

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Man the flow was insane and your shots incredible !! That lightening bolt needs to go on a wall !🤜🤛

[@nicksaunders106]

Michael, your photography blows me away. If only I could manage 5% of your talent. Thank you!

[@craiggillette4381]

I got up there the second week of June for a couple of days. I had nice clear weather. Which is good and bad :) . Most of my recent trips have been September or October so the June water volume was just stunning. As were the crowds. Beautiful work here.

[@rickhanger8225]

IMHO, one of your best. Your ability to tune into the limitless opportunities, that many of us wouldn’t see for various reasons, is truly admirable. 👏👏👏

[@louisburley1597]

These are just absolutely extraordinary. Thank you for being an inspiration Michael! Makes me want to go out and shoot every time. Cheers

[@xavierbeaudoux]

As usual, only stunning shots and perfect mood 🤩

[@DR-fy7qy]

Undeniably one of the best landscape photographer in the KZbin universe! This was mesmerizing to watch.

[@mikedodsonlabview]

I miss Yosemite. What amazing shots! Epic!

[@duncanwallace7760]

I love the fact that you waited for the birds. Many photographers would have photoshopped an ostrich flying across the scene.

[@kennymandalupa424]

this is super funny HAHAHAHa

[@ram07ish]

These shots are crazy

[@clausborner1705]

That`s CLASS ! I`ll watch it more than once.

[@octajon]

Thanks for sharing your photos and the vibes! Cozy! Love your eye for photos!

[@alanmorton1370]

That's it - I'm going back! Spent a couple of hectic days in April 23 after driving out frm San Francisco following a cruise to Hawaii. Felt like a kid in a toyshop - so much to see and so little time. We weren't even sure if we could get into the park, the snow had been so heavy the week before. Also captured the rainbow at the falls from Tunnel View. Went back the following day but no light. Your images are truly inspiring. Thank you for posting this,

[@georgemason2472]

Great video. My favorite was the lightning shot, followed closely by the rainbow but lots of great shots.

[@dfrohlich24]

Love the rainbow shot over half dome. Love taking image from tunnel view.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you so much!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Wow, what a trip! Reminds me that I have to get back there.

[@michelbigras]

Yes, we've seen a lot of photos from Yosemite ... but those are amazing, wow ! Thank you

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks Michel!

[@gregtowns549]

Fantastic Video. Love the close up waterfall shots. Was fortunate to be there early this summer. The waterfalls were amazing.

[@juanitakelly3082]

What a super video that was packed with amazing shots! It was worth dealing with the crowds and weather this time for sure!!

[@blivieriphoto]

Fantastic Michael! I’ve never been and kind of been avoiding it because of all the people but you’ve piqued my interest again. Thanks!

[@TheAndrewBen]

These photos are AMAZING. 10:30 If you want a crowd-free experience, go to the 4.4 mile Porcupine Creek Trail Head. This leads you to the top of North Dome and you get an over 200 degree view of the Yosemite valley floor. I think you can see it in the distance at 15:20

[@alexnail]

The Bridalveil rainbow and that starting footage are just absolutely incredible!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thank you so much for watching Alex, I really appreciate it. Hope all is well!

[@aharshephotography]

So many amazing shots, that I am speechless. I have been to Yosemite 3-4 times when I used to live in SoCal but never witnessed such magical rain. Winter was my most favourite time going to the Yosemite

[@Spectre_430]

Fantastic video of your breathtaking photography of such a jaw-dropping place! I didn't think I could be more excited for my own trip there next month, but I was wrong, as this video has me even more hyped to get there already. I had a smile from ear to ear watching this one, thank you for that.

[@user-ew2kb4ho2t]

These photographs are as wonderful as anything ever photographed at Yosemite. Absolutel Amazing !

[@1970travelguy]

Bloody awesome, one of the best shots from a trip ever.

[@garrydelday5816]

Simply beautiful image’s Michael, right place, right time and patience springs to mind 👌👍

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much!

[@robertmontgomery9602]

So gorgeous Michael! I'm planning my own trip there this fall and you've given me a ton of inspiration and ideas!

[@stoettingerphoto]

Your pictures are incredible! And the video is so inspiring, great Work Micheal!

[@rickbrowne519]

What amazing photographs! I'm headed to Yosemite in mid October; I can only hope I can create photographs even 1/10th as amazing as you've captured!

[@apdeshpande]

I was unable to visit Yosemite when I was in USA and that is why I simply love this video. Fantastic moments captured as always Michael. 👏👏