Yosemite National Park is such a breathtaking place and it has a ton of spots throughout the park to have a photo session. As a Yosemite photographer, I have shot sessions all throughout the park! When you hire me to be their Yosemite photographer, I guide them through the best location spots. Yosemite National Park is one of my all-time favorite destinations for visiting, exploring, and having fun. You can be confident you’re receiving the best location recommendations! Here are my favorite Yosemite photo locations!
My Favorite Yosemite Photo Locations
Taft Point
This location is so incredibly breathtaking and overlooks Yosemite Valley. The pictures honestly speak for themselves! It is located west of Glacier Point. To get there you drive down Glacier Point road for about 6 miles and the trail is on the left! Hiking there is only 2.2 miles there and back! It is a fairly easy hike. Taft Point doesn’t have any guardrails which is great for photos but if you are bringing your kids along it can be dangerous for small children!
Glacier Point
This is a very popular spot to in Yosemite! You can drive up to Glacier Point so no hiking is required! If you’re thinking about eloping in Glacier point this is a great spot! The park also allows you to have up to 50 people during your ceremony. If you are having multiple family members of all ages at your Yosemite elopement, or family photos then this spot will be perfect! You can get to Glacier Point by heading down Wawona Road and after traveling about 13 miles, turn on to the Glacier Point Road at the Chinquapin intersection.
Tunnel View
Tunnel View showcases the best views of Yosemite Valley! April is the perfect time to capture the stunning sunrise at Tunnel View. Unlike the period from October to early April when the sun rises around 2-3 hours later, from mid-April to September, you can witness the sun peeking just after sunrise, offering a breathtaking sight. It’s an exciting opportunity for photographers to be able to capture stunning photos! It is located at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along the Wawona Road. Additionally, you can drive up to this spot and walk up to the beautiful vista!
Swinging Bridge Meadow
This location is popular and it has gorgeous scenic views. You can actually see Yosemite Falls in the backdrop. To get here start at the Wawona store and Yosemite History Center and follow the paved Forest Drive for two miles to the Seventh Day Adventist Camp. From there, turn left onto a dirt road and continue a half-mile to Swinging Bridge.
Yosemite Falls
This backdrop is like no other and features a beautiful waterfall! To get to the waterfall From Yosemite Village, walk half a mile west to the trailhead. The hike there is not difficult, however it is a very popular spot for tourists, so a sunrise session is ideal! Also remember you will most likely get wet, depending on how close you are to the waterfall!
Valley View
This is such a great spot for catching the sunrise and sunset in your photos! It is located on Northside Drive, near the west end of Yosemite Valley! It also has a parking lot so you are able to just drive up to it! There is not a lot exploring to do in this area but it is a great backdrop with the scenic views for your Yosemite photos.
Half Dome Meadow
This meadow offers stunning views of the iconic Half Dome, a granite rock formation! The best time to take photos here is during sunrise and sunset when the lighting creates dramatic effects on the granite. To get here head to Yosemite Valley, once you are there look for parking near Yosemite Village or Half Dome Village!
Cooks Meadow
If you want a background with lush greenery then consider Cooks Meadow! The best season for Cooks Meadow is definitely spring and summer since the grass is super green! The walk to Cooks Meadow is short and easy and has beautiful views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock! The trail’s in Yosemite Valley! Once you’re in the valley, follow Southside Drive east until you see the sign for the Swinging Bridge!
El Cap Meadow
This meadow is surrounded by mountains which serve as a great backdrop! You can usually see cliff hangers on the granite mountains from this meadow. It is a great place to see the sunrise and sunset and for photos. El Capitan Meadow is located on Northside Drive near the west end of Yosemite Valley.
The Yosemite Chapel
If you’re wanting to get married in a chapel, or have it as a background for your Yosemite photos then you should consider the Yosemite Chapel! It is historic and known as a great spot for an elopement! It is a great place to start and explore the areas near the chapel for some great photos! The Yosemite Chapel is located on Southside Drive, in eastern Yosemite Valley!
Ready for your Yosemite Photo Session? Needing a Photographer?
Yosemite National Park offers so many stunning locations for photos! As an experienced Yosemite photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing many special moments at these locations! I absolutely love helping my couple’s find the best Yosemite photo locations for them. You can check out my Yosemite packages here and see more of my work here! If you think we are a great fit then fill out a contact form! I can’t wait to hear from you!
