Exclusive Yosemite Photos & High Sierra Prints

I’m Nathan Allen, a California photographer who spent years overlooking my home state while I traveled abroad. Afterward (to make up for it), I spent an entire year taking nothing but Yosemite photos. Specifically, I logged 50 incredible trips – through all four seasons.

Yosemite Valley landscape with El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls in May - by Nathan Allen — You never forget the first time you see the magic of Yosemite Valley (Click to Pin)

How did I do it? Basically, in 2018 I jumped at the chance to become caretaker of a property near the park. What followed was an unforgettable year living in the mountains, photographing Yosemite once or twice each week.

Hikers enjoying the view at the top of Upper Yosemite Falls Trail - Editorial Photo — Hikers resting at the top of Upper Yosemite Falls

Although my “work” in Yosemite will never be finished, below are some of my favorite scenes from America’s most iconic National Park. Keep scrolling for more photos, or use the categories listed below.

Waterfalls

Upper Yosemite Falls flowing in May - by Nathan Allen — Upper Yosemite Falls in May – (Click photo for more)

Yosemite landscapes are stunning through all seasons, but my personal favorites are spring and fall.

For instance, you see that photo above? That’s what 170% of average snow pack in the high country looks like…on a warm spring day when it melts and comes thundering down into the valley! Yosemite’s Waterfalls in late April and May are NOT TO BE MISSED.

Yosemite Valley Landscapes

Unique perspective of Yosemite Valley with dramatic lighting - Yosemite Photos by Nathan Allen — Unique perspective of Iconic Yosemite Valley – (Click photo for more)

You know it, you love it…but hopefully you’ve never seen Yosemite Valley landscapes quite like this. Due to the fact that my curiosity leads me off the beaten path, I often end up with angles and framing that are seldom seen.

Black and White Yosemite Photos

Mt Starr King, Gray Peak, Red Peak, and Merced Peak, B&W - Yosemite Photos by Nathan Allen — Snow covered Mt Starr King, Gray Peak and Red Peak – (Click photo for more)

I started exploring Yosemite in the Summer, and had no idea how much better my black and white photography would be during spring. For example, the puffy clouds over these snowy peaks are much more prevalent in April and May. Now that I think about it, the snow covered peaks are another reason! Later in the season, clouds are rare…and the snow has already melted.

Climbers and other “thin air junkies”…be sure to check out the Mountain Peaks page as well…

Fall Colors

Fall Color long exposure along the Merced River - Yosemite Photos by Nathan Allen — Yellow Autumn Leaves Along the Merced River – Long Exposure

Don’t get me wrong, Yosemite isn’t exactly known for its fall colors. However, “leaf peepers” will be handsomely rewarded by vibrant yellow, orange, and even pink leaves if they know when (and where) to look. I found the yellow Maple leaves along the Merced River to be particularly rewarding in October.

Storms & Clouds

Storm cloud creeping over Half Dome – (Click photo for more)

In late fall and winter, brooding cloud formations slowly creep over the valley, engulfing iconic granite features such as Half Dome and El Capitan. In addition to being fun to watch, the drama of clearing storms also lends itself nicely to Fine Art Photography.

Winter Snow

Yes, the December chill may coax the leaves off the trees, but on the other hand, there’s nothing like seeing the winter wonderland a fresh blanket of snow produces.

Editorial Yosemite Photos

Tourists looking at Bridalveil Falls on Sunny May Day - by Nathan Allen — Tour group admiring Bridalveil Falls in May – (Click photo for more)

I love to capture the joy on the faces of tourists passing through Yosemite – in fact, I think I’ve encountered people from just about every country!

My editorial photography has been featured in National Geographic Magazine and other media outlets around the world. It all started in Asia, when I realized that taking landscape photos without people in them was almost impossible. As a result, I started working people into my compositions, and even basing my shots around them.

Looking for lodging? Check out my Yosemite Hotels page.

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About My Photos

The images on this website are available for licensing and/or sale as framed prints. If you’d like to purchase them for a blog, news article, or gift, feel free to contact me with the specifics. This way you’re supporting photographers such as me directly (as opposed to buying from a faceless stock photo corporation).

Pinterest users: By all means, feel free to pin!

– Nathan Allen

About Me

I’m Nathan Allen, photographer / creator of YosemiteParkPhotos.com (Yosemite Photos) and international travel site I Dreamed Of This. In truth, I lived in San Francisco, New York, & Singapore…but nothing compares to life in the mountains. I share my experiences HERE.