Those many years ago, when I was last in Yosemite National Park, I remember the fog. It is still one of the signature elements of this location, at least in winter. Since I haven’t been in Yosemite in the months overrun by the “Madding Crowd,” I can’t speak to spring, summer, and fall, but in winter, the fog is wonderful. It is playful as it swirls around. It creates mood, subdues colors, and adds an ethereal effect to many scenes.

It is found along the Merced River, contrasting a sharp foreground with the misty trees in the background. You saw another example in an earlier blog on Yosemite.

It can add a dreamy mood to an old tree, branches cascading along the snowy ground.

When the sun streams down through the trees, it can create what I call ZOT light, those rays of light that take one back to the Hudson River School.

Some of you may remember my description of a coyote I saw many years ago. I was delighted to see two this trip, both hunting for small critters under the snow. The fog gave a gentle feeling to the hunter as she listened for her supper.

As the fog dances around the conifers, their subdued silhouettes can make a striking, monochromatic scene.

Even a brilliant sunset is tamed by the fog without losing its colors.

The next morning that you look out your window and see fog, don’t go back to sleep. Instead, grab your camera gear and go find interesting shapes to set it off. Use it to create moody, ethereal, or soft scenes that can be infinitely more interesting than those taken on a crystal-clear day with [ugh!] clear blue skies.

In the next blog, expect another series from Yosemite National Park. Meanwhile…

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