If you’ve ever been to Glacier point you just know its epic. Its one of those places that just feels special at any time of day any season.
San and Dan hired me for a portrait session the day before their wedding at Evergreen, already knowing they wanted something big, epic landscapes, open air, and that unmistakable Yosemite scale. They’d never been to the park before, but like many first-timers, they had heard one thing over and over again: Glacier Point is a must-see.
So we planned for Sunrise!
I woke my sleepy butt up at 3 am to make the drive to glacier point, when I got there it was still pretty dark and chilly, but quite like the rest of the world hadn’t woken up yet. Sab and Dan were there waiting for me. Since it was still pretty dark we decided to start with some lantern photos, these are always a challenge but so fun.
Glacier Point
As the sky slowly shifted, we moved across the overlook, photographing all over Glacier Point while waiting for the sun to crest and finally catch the face of Half Dome. And when it did, it didn’t rush it just slowly poured light into the valley, creating those unmistakable Yosemite sun rays that feel almost unreal when you’re standing in them.
Yosemite Valley
After sunrise, we made our way down into the valley. The contrast couldn’t have been more different where Glacier Point feels expansive and cinematic, the valley feels grounded and quiet, like it’s holding its breath between moments.
The light was soft the valley was green the birds were awake and singing.
We strolled through the valley hitting a handful of my favorite spots. Making sure Sab and Dan really got to take in the moment. We planned the morning in a way that they got to relax, enjoy the space and still take epic photos.
What stood out most about Sab and Dan’s session wasn’t just the views it was how naturally they fit into them. Yosemite doesn’t really need much direction. It asks you to slow down, pay attention, and let the scale of it shape the way you see things.
From lantern-lit moments at Glacier Point to quiet portraits in the valley, the day felt like a full arc starting in darkness and ending in soft, open light.
And that’s Yosemite. It never really gives you just one version of itself.
