Halfway To Heaven by Stephen Oachs

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.

www.ApertureAcademy.com

24 Comments

Muggy Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 1:35 am
nice colors!
Katherine Lee Strassburg Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 1:49 am
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 Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Nice shot. It looks like at dawn time. Beautiful clouds. I went there a couple of years ago and took some photos.
Jim Atkin Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 3:07 am
I have taken a number of photographs of Half Dome but nothing comes close to this beautiful shot. My Congratulations.
Shirley Fendley Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 5:57 am
I love your beatiful pictures, I Save many
0f them.
Kevin McNeal Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 8:38 am
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 Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 9:05 am
This is a lovely shot; was it taken at the height of summer as there is no snow on the top?
Malta Photography Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 9:45 am
wow must have been a long way up to reach this state nice shot clean and crisp.
Su Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Another spectacular shot just wonderful,
Su Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Just noticed you had one the same day last year, well done!
Catrin Hinrichs Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Grandiose !
planet lover Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
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 Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Very nice Stephen. Wonderful shot!
Grete Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
This one is an incredible photography. Your web site and your history like photographer, is superb!!! Congrats Stephen from Argentine.
Marie Dunphy Harding Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
Nov.17/08 you had the Beginning, Today Halfway to Heaven …
Looking forward to 2010 !
Renee Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Incredible shot! really wonderful colors!
Renee Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Also excellent title!
Nico De Pasquale Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
what an amazing capture!!
Dianne Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
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 Says:
November 17th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Great capture As always
mike Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Whast a view from up there. Nice to be in the clouds.
David Richter Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 2:00 am
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 Says:
November 18th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Very unusual as the color cast in the valley below hides the foliage and makes it look uncharaqcteristically barren!
Great Shot.
photo buffet Says:
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
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?