Tuesday, 17th November 2009
Halfway To Heaven
by Stephen Oachs
Timelessly standing as silent sentry above the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in California, this majestic granite behemoth towers over 4,737 feet above the two glacier-carved valleys surrounding it.
Once considered inaccessible to humans, Half Dome, originally called "Tis-sa-ack" ("Cleft Rock") by local Native Americans, is now a major hiking and photographer's attraction. Immortalized by the famous Ansel Adams, Half Dome continues to be a mecca for photographers, including Aperture Academy workshop students.
Taken from Glacier Point, 7,214 feet above sea level, this photograph captures an ethereal perspective of Half Dome. It showcases the light and elevation, revealing the rarified atmosphere that truly makes it appear as if the view is "Halfway to Heaven."
Equipment: Canon 1D Mark III
Stephen Oachs
Stephen W. Oachs is an award-winning photographer, successful entrepreneur and technology veteran who began his journey in photography the moment he picked up his first camera.
Completely self-taught, Stephen's unique and distinctive style has earned him recognition as one of today's finest nature photographers. He was recognized in 2007 as wildlife photographer of the year by the National Wildlife Federation and was awarded best nature photographer in 2008 by National Geographic.
Stephen has received many other awards and achievements. His work has graced the pages of such notable publications such as National Geographic, Popular Photography, Outdoor Photographer, National Wildlife Magazine and many others.
In 2009 Stephen founded The Aperture Academy, a unique combination of fine art photography gallery in conjunction with classroom and workshop instruction. Students of the Aperture Academy recieve hands on instruction designed for their individual skill level which includes everything from learning to shoot in the field to digital post processing techniques.
Whether trekking through the wilds of Alaska, enduring the raw challenges of nature or experiencing the thrill of life on the edge, Stephen captures rare and breathtaking moments of light and time. His exceptional eye is filtered only by his passion for life, deep affinity with nature and love of adventure.
Website: www.ApertureAcademy.com
Halfway To Heaven by Stephen Oachs was photo of the day on Tuesday, 17th November 2009. It is tagged USA, Valley, Yosemite. You can leave a comment below.
25 Comments
Muggy
nice colors!
Katherine Lee Strassburg
Any time I’m in Yosemite, I’m absolutely in heaven–no half-way about it! Magnificent shot, Stephen. How lucky to have such a clear day to be able to focus on Half-Done and on the valley floor. WONDERFUL!
Taiji Guo
Nice shot. It looks like at dawn time. Beautiful clouds. I went there a couple of years ago and took some photos.
Jim Atkin
I have taken a number of photographs of Half Dome but nothing comes close to this beautiful shot. My Congratulations.
Shirley Fendley
I love your beatiful pictures, I Save many
0f them.
Kevin McNeal
Stephen,
I am really liking the pink pastels in the sky and what is being reflected onto the rocks. This is for sure the best image I have seen from this area
Pauline Jones
This is a lovely shot; was it taken at the height of summer as there is no snow on the top?
Malta Photography
wow must have been a long way up to reach this state
nice shot clean and crisp.
Su
Another spectacular shot just wonderful,
Su
Just noticed you had one the same day last year, well done!
Catrin Hinrichs
Grandiose !
planet lover
Superb work, as usual. The photo is extraordinary and the accompanying text very informative and helpful to those of us who have yet to visit Yosemite.
Rajib Singha
Very nice Stephen. Wonderful shot!
Grete
This one is an incredible photography. Your web site and your history like photographer, is superb!!! Congrats Stephen from Argentine.
Marie Dunphy Harding
Nov.17/08 you had the Beginning, Today Halfway to Heaven …
Looking forward to 2010 !
Renee
Incredible shot! really wonderful colors!
Renee
Also excellent title!
Nico De Pasquale
what an amazing capture!!
Dianne
Stephen….Like mounting up with the eye of an eagle, you seem to soar. Can almost smell the crispness of the air. Your photography tells a story, your eye captures the essense of your message, and we benefit. Thank you.
Photos by Nik
Great capture As always
mike
Whast a view from up there. Nice to be in the clouds.
David Richter
By far the most stunning picture ever taken from Glacier Point lookout. I am still a little sad that I missed this miraculous sunset. I almost start to believe such incidents come with the workshops… great work Stephen!!!
Anurag
Very unusual as the color cast in the valley below hides the foliage and makes it look uncharaqcteristically barren!
Great Shot.
photo buffet
I photographed Half Dome from down below. Seeing it from this vantage point is such a treat. I love the timing of your shot, with those beautiful colors. Was this taken at daybreak?
Rod
I came to California in 1978, and chose Half Dome to help me overcome my fear of hights, I crawled out on the overhang and took a shot looking half a mile straight down. I was terrified, I did not overcome my fear of heights! This year I took an art course, my final piece of work was a book about the journey to Half Dome. This is a very special photograph of a very special place, well done.