The Sierra Nevada, by Gene Mezereny
NOTE: this exhibit appeared in October 1998. Click here to visit the current showcase.
All other exhibits: Click here to access
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Bear
Creek Spire Clark
Range Half
Dome Horsetail
Falls
Horsetail
Falls II Keeler
Needle Long
Valley Lost
Arrow
Mount
Muir
Rock
Creek Canyon Stormy
Sunrise Bubbs Creek
Canyon Tulainyo
Lake Yosemite
Falls Yosemite
Valley About the
Photographer:
Please click on
one of the following thumbnails to see a larger image. Use
the Back button in your browser to return to this screen and
select another image.
Little Lakes Valley is one of the most pleasant
diversions in the entire Sierra Nevada Range. The
canyon culminates abruptly as you reach the base of
13700 foot plus Bear Creek Spire. This "winter"
scene was taken on a late spring ski trip in May.
After a night of sub-zero temperatures and nearly a
foot of new snow we were treated to a clear and
crisp dawn with the promise of excellent skiing in
the amphitheaters below the peak.
Winter is one of my favorite times to travel to
Yosemite. Greatly diminished crowds most certainly
guarantee solitude and a restful retreat. This is
an easterly view from Glacier Point.
One of most mature (recognized) photo subjects in
the park Half Dome can still provide fresh and
unique portraits of the High Sierra. Timing (and
luck) is everything.
A direct view of the falls. The light can be quite
exquisite and film does not do this natural marvel
justice.
Described
by some as Yosemite's natural fire fall a short
time window each winter provides one of the best
photo opportunities in the Valley.
Along the mountaineer's route to Mount Whitney. The
hike is somewhat more difficult and far more
spectacular than hiking the Whitney Trail. Mount
Whitney may be the highest peak in the lower 48
states but this satellite to the south is a much
more impressive rampart.
North of Bishop, Long Valley provides gently
rolling terrain which is excellent for XC-skiing.
This can only be improved upon by the back drop of
the White Mountains a few air miles to the east
forming the western edge of the Great Basin.
A unique view of the Lost Arrow Spire and Yosemite
Point Buttress as a winter storm clears from the
Valley.
This rugged escarpment presents itself as you begin
the 100 switchbacks leading to Trail Crest on the
Mount Whitney Trail. The pyramid shaped high point
along this ridge is Mount Muir. The skyline ridge
in the far background is the East Ridge route on
Mount Russell.
Mid spring in the high country of Rock Creek. As
winter slowly recedes XC-skiers are quickly
replaced by fisherman, hikers, and climbers. There
is no off-season here.
The headwaters of Bubbs Creek lead the John Muir
Trail over Forester Pass. The monsoon season
arrived abruptly during the middle of this trip.
You can expect rain most afternoons. After waking
from a flapping tent I was greeted by this awesome
display of color as the sun cracked the horizon.
Yes it did rain that day.
The highest body of water in the United States. In
many the years the surface may never thaw. This
unusual view is looking north from the east ridge
of Mount Russell.
Another one the Valley's most photographed
attractions.
Between the base of Vernal Falls and the mouth of
Yosemite Valley the Merced River flows quietly and
peacefully with varying backdrops of forest and
meadow.
About the Exhibit:
The
Sierra Nevada provides a wide range of opportunities for the
photographer. The possibilities for new adventures are
boundless. I made a conscious choice to work with 35mm
equipment because of compact size and generally lighter
weight. Adding to already heavy packs while traveling in the
backcountry or climbing was not part of the equation. On
trips where climbing is involved I carry only two lenses a w
i d e angle and short telephoto, or a high end point and
shoot camera. Any more than that and you will likely miss
the opportunity or deposit an expensive piece of gear into
oblivion. Fiddling with too much camera gear while standing
on small ledges does not add to my mountain experience. When
weight or logistics are less of a concern a fast 50mm lens
finds its way into the pack too.
These images are a few selections from the past fifteen
years of some of my travels in and around the Sierra Nevada.
These images portray the most rugged and wild nature of the
Sierra yet access to these areas is surprisingly easy, even
in mid winter.
My
first experience in the mountains was when I about three
years old. Surprisingly I remember the trip to Sequoia
because it was so cold (Of course there are also 8mm movies
so that may have a bit to do with it). It's probably my
earliest childhood memory. During my formative years the
annual family road trip to somewhere in the west was
typically the highlight of year. We traveled extensively
throughout the western United States and Canada but my
favorite trips were always to Sequoia or Yosemite. My
parents were not hikers and my natural curiosity kept me
wondering what's around the bend? As I became old enough to
set out on my own I cut my hiking and backpacking teeth in
the San Gabriel Mountains. Somewhere along the way climbing
and skiing crept into the picture. Soon I was traipsing all
over the Sierra Nevada with various friends and coworkers.
More recently I "discovered" the Colorado Plateau.
The photography developed with the desire to seek out
adventure. Not long after that first trip I received my
first camera, a hand me, hand me down Brownie. When I
reached junior high one of my teachers further cultivated my
interests in photography by asking if I was interested in
shooting for the yearbook. I thought what a great way to get
out of class on a regular basis. That was my introduction to
35mm photography. Looking back I cringe every time I look at
those photos. Regardless, I soon owned my own Konica A1000
and went to town.
Initially the photography was more of the look at me see
what I've done genre. Over time producing images that evoked
the feelings of the environs became the priority. My main
goal these days is capturing moments that have meaning to me
and hopefully ignite curiosity in others, though I still get
immense satisfaction when I hear someone say wow under their
breath. I also look for images that supplement the written
word for my articles and soon to be completed second book.
My first book is a guide dealing with places to cross
country ski in Southern California.
My personal photo stock is wide ranging. Mountain sports
including hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking,
skiing, canoeing, white water rafting, and kayaking are all
subjects covered as activities within landscapes as well as
the natural world alone.
I also enjoy the discipline of photographing motor sports
because of the unique challenges it presents.
If you are curious about other images I have to offer please
contact me at mezereny@roadrunner.com
Find photos of
the Colorado Plateau in Land
of the Canyons,
the Photo Trip USA landscape photography guide book.