The Nature of Yosemite: A Visual Journey

By Robb Hirsch and John Muir Laws

110 full-color and black-and-white photographs

Hardcover edition featured in Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, Publishers Weekly holiday book guides

Well-priced paperback edition, with luxe treatment (flaps, matte finish, embossed cover type)

Abundant, accessible natural history content distinguishes this title from other Yosemite photo books

Well-networked central Sierra Nevada-based author plus 14 highly regarded contributors

• Language: English
• Publisher: Yosemite Conservancy
• Release date: Sep 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781951179106

Robb Hirsch

Robb Hirsch studied biology and ecology and has worked for the California State Parks, USGS, and private biology firms. He publishes his nature images and leads photography workshops throughout the Sierra Nevada. Robb and his wife, Regina, own Mountain Sage, a gallery-café-plant nursery in the Yosemite gateway community of Groveland, CA, where he lives.

Book preview

FLOWERING MOUNTAIN DOGWOOD

INTRODUCTION

As I write this, Im in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, hunkered down during a rainstorm, typing on my phone, I watch for the sun, which I hope pops through the clouds before sunset. Despite the discomfort—and the low odds of success—there’s no place I’d rather be.

My training as a biologist and naturalist enhanced my deep appreciation of and fascination for the natural world and all its inhabitants, and I’m most content outdoors—exploring, learning, teaching. I would choose to be here even if I weren’t taking photos: I’m not in nature because I’m a photographer, I’m a photographer because I love being in nature. Whether my subjects are wildlife or landscapes, photography gives me opportunities to connect to the world at a sensory level.

Photography is a wilderness experience for me, and to feel the most present in my work, I usually go out alone. Without distractions, I observe more wildlife and become more creative with compositions. Most of the pictures included in this book were taken on solitary day or backpacking trips and often during storms so as to be on location when they clear. Usually, there are no other photographers in sight, which is why there are so few images from iconic locations.

I often use places that I’ve previously scouted; the physical and intellectual challenge of finding interesting viewpoints, predicting when and under what circumstances the scene will be most photogenic, and getting there when those conditions are present is extremely rewarding. Other times, I head into the field without preconceived notions—encountering the unknown and the unexpected fuels the excitement. In either situation, adjusting and adapting as light and conditions change is a thrilling part of the experience and I relish the entire journey.

WAPAMA FALLS RAINBOW, HETCH HETCHY

Photography is often humbling; a large investment of time and energy in scouting and waiting for interesting light (or scrambling around chasing it) doesn’t always pay off. More often than not, I fail photographically. But whether or not I’m able to capture a stellar image, being there (wherever there may be) is always a stellar moment.

Now, to the book in your hands. Giving natural history talks and slideshows on a variety of topics taught me that people are most likely to engage with a subject when the story is illustrated by appealing pictures. That concept—using attractive imagery to connect people to wilderness and share natural history information—was the model for this book.

Most of the photographs are accompanied by a story of some sort, either short captions based on my particular experience or essays covering topics specific to Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada, including general ecological concepts, geological history, and compelling species. I wrote the captions, and the essays were contributed by thirteen amazing individuals and experts—Karen Amstutz, Pete Devine, Brock Dolman, Rob Grasso, James McGrew, Kurt Menning, Tim Palmer, Beth Pratt, Adonia Ripple, Nate Stephenson, Greg Stock, Sarah Stock, and Dan Webster—whose work enhances the book immeasurably. It is truly an all-star cast, and I’m extremely grateful for their participation.

While the book’s intention is to reveal the sublime wonders of Yosemite, there is no way to cover a nearly 1,200-square-mile (3,100 km²) park in one volume. So, on these pages, you will find a sample of the park’s fascinatingly diverse plants, animals, habitats, and geographic areas. Yosemite is officially designated nearly 95 percent Wilderness; for the purposes of this book, wilderness areas are simply places that are more than 2 miles (3.2 km) from a road. I’ve considered anything else to fall under, as appropriate, valleys or high country. My hope is that the photographs and stories engage your mind, spark your curiosity, and encourage your own exploration and questions, whether in Yosemite or in a wild place closer to home. Nothing would make me happier than if, for example, while you were out with friends or family, a bald eagle were to swoop down and grab a fish and you were to describe the eagle’s amazing spicules!

Appreciating and understanding the natural world—from how birds of prey hunt to how ecosystems function—can lead to becoming a better steward of our lands (private and public). Volunteering time or contributing financially to organizations doing great work on behalf of wild places are also ways to make a difference. The best way to start is to go outside and discover for yourself nature’s infinite opportunities for intrigue. Until then, join me on this visual journey through Yosemite.

To those interested in the technical details …

Photographers are often asked about their equipment, though I think this is the least important question. Photography is all about composition, light, apertures, and shutter speeds, and high-quality images can be made with a variety of cameras. I use Canon gear, and the photographs included in this book were captured with an assortment of bodies (5D Mark II, 7D, EOS 1N) and lenses (17-40mm f/3.5, 28-70mm f/2.8,70-200mm f/4,100mm f/2.8, 400mm