There’s something uniquely captivating about experiencing Yosemite National Park through the lens of black-and-white photography, especially when it’s your first visit. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to see Yosemite for the first time, and what made it even more special was sharing the experience with my family. Together, we explored its breathtaking landscapes, and as I captured the scenes in black and white, I found myself connecting to the park—and to my family—in profound and unexpected ways.
From the moment we entered Yosemite, the grandeur of the towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and endless valleys was overwhelming. Sharing that initial awe with my family made it even more meaningful. Each of us pointed out details—the light hitting El Capitan, the mist rising from Bridalveil Fall—that added to the wonder of the experience. It felt like every moment was a story waiting to be told, and capturing it in black and white allowed me to distill those stories into something timeless and universal.
In black and white, Yosemite’s dramatic landscapes became even more striking. The interplay of light and shadow added a sense of depth and texture that seemed to leap off the images. El Capitan, Half Dome, and Glacier Point, already monumental in scale, felt even more commanding when stripped of color.
I remember standing with my family by the base of Yosemite Falls, the roar of the water echoing through the valley. The waterfall, brilliant white in the sunlight, stood in stark contrast to the shadowed rock face behind it. As I took the photo, my kids marveled at how the spray seemed to glow. Without color, the focus shifted to the power of the moment—the force of the falls and the stillness of our shared awe.
Black and white photography has a way of revealing the finer details of nature, and Yosemite is full of them. My family and I spent time exploring the giant sequoias, their ancient bark textured with intricate grooves and patterns. I captured close-ups of their massive trunks, the details enhanced in monochrome, making these towering trees look like timeless sentinels of the forest.
The Merced River, with its gentle ripples and reflective surface, became another subject of fascination. As my family skipped stones and laughed by the riverbank, I framed a shot of the river mirroring the cliffs above, the stillness of the water broken only by the faint rings of ripples. It was a simple moment, but one that captured the essence of our shared experience—peaceful, connected, and alive.
Photographing Yosemite in black and white also felt like paying homage to its storied past. As a photographer, I’ve always admired Ansel Adams, who famously captured the park’s iconic beauty in monochrome. Standing in the same places where Adams once stood, now with my family by my side, gave me a sense of continuity and inspiration. It was as if I could see the park through my own eyes and the lens of history.
What stood out most during this trip wasn’t just the incredible views but the way Yosemite brought us closer as a family. Whether we were hiking to Bridalveil Fall, marveling at Half Dome, or sharing a picnic in the shadow of Glacier Point, every moment felt meaningful. Capturing these scenes in black and white allowed me to focus on the emotion of those moments—the laughter, the awe, the quiet gratitude for being together in such a remarkable place.
As our trip came to an end, I reflected on how seeing Yosemite for the first time—through black-and-white photography and through the eyes of my family—had changed me. The park’s beauty is undeniable, but it was the shared experience that made it unforgettable. The photos I took during this trip aren’t just images of Yosemite; they’re memories of our journey together, preserved in timeless black-and-white.
Yosemite is a masterpiece of nature, but seeing it in black and white, especially for the first time and with loved ones, reveals a whole new dimension of its beauty. Stripping away color highlights the textures, contrasts, and emotions of the park, creating an experience that feels both timeless and deeply personal. For me, this trip wasn’t just about photographing Yosemite—it was about sharing its wonder with my family and creating memories we’ll treasure forever. If you’ve never seen Yosemite in black and white, I encourage you to try it, and if you can, share the journey with those who matter most.”
Happy Travels!
<3 Ann