Yosemite National Park is a magnificent natural wonderland that attracts millions of visitors every year. With its towering granite cliffs, lush forests, and meandering rivers, it offers an endless supply of photographic opportunities, including stunning time-lapse footage. If you're a photographer or videographer looking to capture the beauty of Yosemite in a time-lapse, here are some of the best places to shoot.
Discover the best places to create stunning time-lapse footage in Yosemite National Park. From iconic viewpoints like Tunnel View and Glacier Point to lesser-known spots like Olmsted Point and El Capitan Meadow, there are plenty of locations to capture the park's natural beauty. Whether you're shooting the sunrise, the sunset, or the stars, Yosemite's breathtaking landscapes offer endless opportunities for photographers and videographers alike.
Read on to learn more about the best places to create time-lapses in Yosemite National Park.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View is the quintessential Yosemite viewpoint, and for good reason. The sweeping vista of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall is one of the most iconic views in the world, and it's the perfect place to capture a time-lapse. Whether you want to shoot the sunrise or the sunset, Tunnel View offers unparalleled views of Yosemite's most famous landmarks.
Glacier Point
Another popular viewpoint in Yosemite, Glacier Point offers a similar but slightly different view to Tunnel View. From here, you can capture stunning views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley. This spot is especially great for sunset time-lapses, as the sun sets behind the mountains and casts a warm glow on the valley below.
Want to learn more about photographing at Glacier Point? Check out this full article on Photographing at Glacier Point
Sentinel Dome
Sentinel Dome is a relatively easy hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the surrounding mountains. The dome itself makes a great foreground element for your time-lapse, and you can capture the changing light as the sun sets behind Half Dome.
Taft Point
Taft Point is a dramatic overlook that offers views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding mountains. It's also a great spot to capture the Milky Way, as there's minimal light pollution here. If you're looking for a unique time-lapse, try shooting the stars as they move across the sky over Yosemite Valley.
Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows sits at 8,619 feet and is home to the Purple Webber lupin, a rare wildflower for California. This sub-alpine meadow is apart of Yosemite National Park and hosts ample climbing, hiking, and backpacking opportunities. Enjoy this sunset timelapse shot from the meadow.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America, and it's a popular spot for photographers and videographers alike. Whether you want to capture the falls in full flow or frozen in winter, Yosemite Falls is a great spot for a time-lapse.
Want to learn more about Yosemite Falls? Check out this full article on everything you need to know about Yosemite Falls
Olmsted Point
Olmsted Point is a lesser-known viewpoint in Yosemite, but it's no less beautiful than its more popular counterparts. From here, you can capture views of Tenaya Lake, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome. The changing light as the sun sets over the mountains makes for a great time-lapse.
El Capitan Meadow
El Capitan Meadow is a peaceful spot with stunning views of El Capitan and the surrounding mountains. It's a great place to capture the changing light as the sun sets behind the mountains, and you can also shoot the stars as they move across the sky.
Timelapse Gear
Creating a time-lapse requires a few essential pieces of gear to ensure you capture the best footage possible. Here's a list of recommended gear for creating a time-lapse:
Camera: Any camera that allows for manual controls can work for creating a time-lapse. However, a camera with interchangeable lenses and a high-resolution sensor will give you more flexibility in post-processing.
Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for keeping your camera steady and minimizing shake or vibrations. Look for a tripod with a ball head that allows for smooth and precise adjustments.
Intervalometer: An intervalometer is a device that allows you to set the time interval between each photo during a time-lapse sequence. Some cameras have this feature built-in, but if yours doesn't, you can purchase an intervalometer as a separate device.
ND Filters: Neutral density filters reduce the amount of light entering your camera and allow you to use slower shutter speeds, which is ideal for capturing motion blur in a time-lapse. They also help to prevent overexposure when shooting in bright light.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Creating a time-lapse can be a time-consuming process, and you don't want to run out of battery or storage space mid-shoot. Always bring extra batteries and memory cards with you.
Laptop and Editing Software: Once you've captured your time-lapse footage, you'll need a computer and editing software to stitch the images together and create the final video. Programs like Adobe Premiere Pro, LRTimelapse, and Final Cut Pro X are popular options for time-lapse editing.
Headlamp or Flashlight: Shooting a time-lapse can sometimes take hours, and it's important to have a light source to help you navigate in the dark, especially if you plan on capturing the Milky Way.
By having the right gear, you can create stunning time-lapse footage that showcases the beauty of Yosemite National Park.
Me soaking in the afternoon sun while on a winter trip in Yosemite to create time-lapses. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Yosemite National Park is an incredible destination for photographers and videographers, and these spots are some of the best places to capture stunning time-lapse footage. Whether you're shooting the sunrise, the sunset, or the stars, Yosemite's beauty will not disappoint. Just remember to check the weather and be prepared for changing conditions, and you're sure to capture some incredible footage.
