Photograph Yosemite: Capturing Waterfalls, Cliffs and Domes

Program Registration, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in Lyles Dining Hall to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. We'll enjoy our get-acquainted social hour that includes drinks and appetizers.

6:30 p.m. in Lyles Dining Hall.

7:30 p.m. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interactions with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. Field trips off site will be by shuttle. Field trips to and from Yosemite are around 35 miles each way on country roads. Classes will be held in Lower Lyles West or the chapel, a short walk from Lyles. Please note this is not an active outdoor program, however this and the field tip on Day 5 may include walks/hikes of varying lengths to enhance and illustrate the subjects being taught. If mobility is an issue, please contact the coordinator for further information. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We will then enjoy a short, award-winning video from the National Park Service about Yosemite National Park. The balance of the evening is left free to relax after our day's journey.

In Lyles Dining Hall.

We will enjoy class time with our instructor, a local professional photographer, who will appeal to all ability levels with hands-on training and leave us ready to capture the magnificent landscape of Yosemite.

In Lyles Dining Hall.

We will return to class. If weather permits, we'll take a photo walk around the campus, located on 160 forested acres and including a pond, alive with waterfowl. We’ll test our skills as we explore the grounds.

In Lyles Dining Hall.

We will enjoy an evening presentation from a local expert, which could range from a live animal presentation, living history performance, musical or artistic guests, or lectures on human and cultural history of the area.

In the dining hall. Each full day after breakfast, we will pack our own lunches from a variety of choices. Bring your own personal, reusable water bottle or the one provided at registration.

We will board the shuttle to explore Yosemite National Park (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min) with our expert instructor.

In Yosemite Valley, we'll have the sack lunches we packed this morning.

We’ll take advantage of our instructor's inside knowledge of famed views in Yosemite. Depending on conditions, we will be photographing past sunset to capture the unique colors cast in Sierra Nevada range.

At a sunset photo location, we’ll enjoy a boxed dinner provided by ECCO. Hot drinks are provided. We will return to ECCO following sunset shots (38 miles, 1 he. 30 min.).

After a late return to campus, we will enjoy an evening at leisure.

In the dining hall. Each full day after breakfast, we will pack our own lunches from a variety of choices. Bring your own personal, reusable water bottle or the one provided at registration.

We will board the shuttle for another day in Yosemite (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.).< br> Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

In Yosemite Valley, we'll have the sack lunches we packed this morning.

We will continue our free time in the Park. Take advantage of the free shuttle system to get to and from desired destinations within Yosemite Valley, tag-a-long on a scheduled Park Ranger walk or talk (if available), or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of Yosemite! < br> We will meet at a designated location and time for our return by shuttle to ECCO (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.).

Dining hall buffet.

We will enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.

Sack Breakfast Bar.

After grabbing our breakfasts, we will board the shuttle for Yosemite Valley (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.), departing an hour and a half before sunrise. We will stop at some of the most iconic destinations on earth. Additionally, our instructors will give us an insider-look of the valley to get unique shots. Bring your creativity!

At Basecamp Eatery at Yosemite Lodge near the base of Yosemite Falls, we will enjoy many hot options, with coffee, tea, water included.

We’ll continue our photographic exploration in Yosemite Valley on foot with our instructor. The shuttle departs for ECCO by 2:00 p.m (38 miles, 1 hr. 30 min.).

Dining hall buffet.

We will meet with our Group Leader to discuss the procedure for the following days’ field trips, then enjoy our evening presentation from a local expert.

In Lyles Dining Hall.

At our 9:00 a.m. class, we will have the opportunity to show each other the photos we've taken all week. Our instructor will critique our photos at request.

In Lyles Dining Hall. This concludes our program.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!