Capturing the perfect moment often means waiting in less-than-ideal conditions and hoping for the light to turn. That’s exactly what happened during this trip to Yosemite National Park. In search of moody, winter-like weather, it became a waiting game against sunny skies and limited time.
Coming to you from Adrian Vila with aows, this reflective video chronicles a multi-day photography trip in Yosemite, where the goal was to capture dramatic, atmospheric landscapes. Vila discusses how he managed the ever-changing weather conditions and his efforts to avoid the crowds by planning his shoots during the early mornings and late afternoons. The video highlights the struggle to get shots of Half Dome and the surrounding scenery under rare stormy conditions. With rain turning into hail, and a brief moment of stunning light breaking through, Vila’s patience was tested.
The video shows the challenges of being at a popular location like Yosemite, where other visitors can impact your experience. Vila talks about the difficulty of finding solitude with his camera and tripod. He describes how people tend to gather around when they see someone setting up gear, which complicates the goal of creating a calm atmosphere in his shots. Despite this, he stayed focused, always scouting for new vantage points and hoping for the right mix of light and weather.
One key takeaway from Vila’s experience is the importance of persistence and preparation. He emphasizes that he visited Glacier Point multiple times, even when the weather seemed unfavorable, because he knew there was potential for a breakthrough. When the sun finally broke through after days of waiting, it was a reminder of how fleeting these perfect conditions can be. This sense of unpredictability is a recurring theme throughout the video. Vila shares how he almost gave up several times but pushed through, leading to a few breathtaking moments.
As the trip unfolded, Vila’s commentary shifts from frustration to elation. When the rainclouds cleared and Half Dome emerged, bathed in warm light, it was a scene worth all the effort. These were the kind of shots he had been envisioning for four days. The video serves as a reminder that landscape photography isn’t just about getting the right settings—it’s about being in the right place at the right time, even if it means enduring long stretches of waiting and uncertainty. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Vila.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
