Yosemite Black and White Photography

While the park is obviously beautiful in color, there’s something so dramatic and classic about seeing it in monochrome. The light blue skies darken, creating striking contrast with the fluffy, passing clouds. Below, I’ve hand picked some of my favorite Yosemite black and white photos to share with you…

El Capitan from “Valley View Yosemite”

Storm clouds engulfing El Capitan at Valley View Yosemite Black and White — Storm clouds engulfing El Capitan at Valley View Yosemite (B&W)

Although Valley View Yosemite is always a worthwhile roadside attraction, the view this December day was particularly brooding. As you can see, El Capitan is being swallowed up by incoming storm clouds. Meanwhile, light flowing Bridalveil Fall appears clear as day right across the frame.

El Capitan lit up, with patchy clouds and lone pine tree

Here’s another photo from the same series. I love the way the way El Capitan is illuminated, and how the light clouds in the background draw your attention to this majestic pine tree.

Contrast of Yosemite Falls and Striking, Puffy Clouds - Yosemite Black and White Photography — Contrast of Yosemite Falls and Striking, Puffy Clouds

As a matter of fact, I generally only visit the park on partly cloudy days. For example, I give you this image of Yosemite Falls. As the master (you know who) taught us many decades ago…just the right amount of light + clouds makes for stunning black and white photography.

Fog Illuminated Through The Forest Trees - Clearing Storm on the Valley Floor — Fog Illuminated Through The Forest Trees

This shot of creeping valley fog and Bridalveil Fall was taken zoomed in from Tunnel View.

Low clouds overtaking the valley near Bridalveil - telephoto from Tunnel View — Low clouds overtaking the valley near Bridalveil

With some nice telephoto reach and plenty of time to kill, I can spend all day getting countless, varied shots – and from one location alone. Yosemite really is a haven for lovers of high contrast / monochromatic photography.

Yosemite Black and White – Half Dome

Valley Fog and Half Dome View, Black and White Portrait — Valley Fog and Half Dome View

Unsurprisingly, Half Dome is an excellent subject as well. Above, you’ll see snow covered peaks, with valley fog creeping though the trees below.

Sheer Face of Half Dome Rock Formation - B&W Closeup — Sheer Face of Half Dome Rock Formation

Here is an extreme closeup of Half Dome, highlighting the “lip” at the top of it’s granite face. Pretty incredible to realize that passing glaciers are responsible for carving much of Yosemite Valley’s beauty.

Half Dome View Between Boulders near Glacier Point - Yosemite Black and White — Half Dome View Between Boulders near Glacier Point (B&W)

Finally, I present this unique view of Half Dome, situated between two giant boulders near Glacier Point. This was a particularly cloudy day in August, when monsoon thunderstorms rolled into the valley. Quite a treat!

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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).

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– 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.