Yosemite Valley Adventure Session
It is so crazy that this month marks two years of being in business. I’ve never worked harder for something and in so many unexpected ways. And I’ve never felt more grateful. I have so much growing to do but the last two years have really blown my mind. I remember the first time I saw a post about The Adventurers Workshop, a workshop built for photographers wanting to pursue adventurous weddings and elopements.
For photographers that wanted to serve clients who deeply value the outdoors and wanted to celebrate their day surrounded by natural beauty in all different corners of this world. Everything just clicked at that moment.
I had so many passions and I didn’t know how to use them together - or even if I could. Or even that other people had the same desires. Attending that workshop, investing in what I wanted, being surrounded by people that had the same vision, and expert leaders, (Maddie Mae of Adventure Instead and Abbi Hearn of The Hearnes) who were showing us the path, changed everything.
The workshop took place in Yosemite Valley, a place that was always on my bucket list (but really, isn’t it on everyone’s list?!). Driving into the valley is like nothing else when you make that first bend and see the granite WALL towering above you. El Capitan is immediately breathtaking and being in the valley felt like another world. We lucked out in February with warm weather and the icing on the cake was the styled shoots we got to be a part of.
Feeling reminiscent, I thought it was about time to share this sweet adventure session of a real couple who live out of their sprinter van and travel the U.S.
Of course, I HAD to extend my trip beyond the workshop to explore some more. And so of course my all-time favorite travel companion had to join.
Momma Ellis came for a few days after the workshop. In a previous journal post about how I decided on this path of adventure wedding photography, I talk all about Momma Ellis and how her love of travel forever impacted my life. We spent days hiking, making sandwiches in the car, and got lucky enough to see the valley covered in snow for a day. February is certainly not peak season and required every layer imaginable and tire chains for snow but it wasn’t crowded and that was the best part.
Perks of visiting Yosemite Valley National Park in the Off-Season
Fewer People. (Which is, even more, of a win if you are thinking of eloping here.) When I visited in February there were still plenty of people in the valley, I can’t imagine what it is like during peak summer months. I think it would certainly take away some of the magic if it was full of people. Nearly 75% of the millions of visitors come during May-October, averaging about 400,000-500,00 people a MONTH. That would be quite a different experience than the 100,000 some that visit during February.
Cheaper Lodging. For our first few days, we stayed outside of the Valley in the city of Mariposa to cut costs. It was quite a drive to the valley and we enjoyed a couple of days we got to stay in the valley at the Yosemite Valley Lodge much more. Accommodations are already pretty pricey and skyrocket during the summer. Not to mention there is significantly less available and you have to book very far in advance.
Seeing the Valley Covered in Snow. Now, this can make things a bit difficult logistically but seeing the valley covered in snow is magical. It was quite warm when we visited but we did glimpse a few inches and it was like nothing else. You can also enjoy the winter actives in the park-like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and more. Plus if you’re staying in the valley, you can easily travel on foot and don’t have to worry as much about snowfall and road conditions.
If you do plan to visit in the winter, be sure to pay attention to road conditions/closures and carry tire chains with you. Regardless of when you visit, be prepared to get a parking pass. And if you are planning your elopement or ceremony in the park be sure to get your special use permit and pay the $150 fee.
