Bridalveil Falls Rainbow | Yosemite National Park Photography | Scenic Waterfall Art, fine art print, national park art, rainbow waterfall

Standing at the entrance of Yosemite National Park, I felt a familiar thrill of excitement. This park, with its awe-inspiring granite cathedrals and lush valleys, had always been my favorite. My goal was to capture its many natural wonders, from the massive rock formations to the beautiful valley below. I was particularly eager to photograph Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls. But this adventure had its challenges. Late May still brought crowds, and the bright, sunny weather created sharp contrasts between the rocky walls and the shaded valley floor. To complicate matters, Glacier Point Road was closed for repairs, cutting off access to some of the sites I wanted to explore.

Determined to make the most of my time, I immersed myself in the sensory splendor of Yosemite. The scent of pine mingled with the smoky aroma of campfires. The soft sounds of the wind whispered through the towering pines, accompanied by the laughter of kids and adults playing along the trails. I marveled at the wildlife: a cinnamon-colored black bear strolled past a growing crowd, and deer, elk, and a myriad of birds and squirrels darted through the underbrush. The unique smells of the California mountains filled the air, grounding me in this magnificent place.

With parts of the park off-limits, I spent more time exploring the valley. I visited the base of Yosemite Falls, feeling the mist on my face as the powerful water cascaded down. I hiked a few ridgelines, always searching for that perfect shot, and observed the curious bear from a safe distance, his coat gleaming in the dappled sunlight.

As the afternoon wore on, I decided to head to the Tunnel Viewpoint, hoping to capture the iconic view of Yosemite Valley. Emerging from the tunnel, I was greeted by a sizable crowd, all gazing in awe at the breathtaking panorama. Off to my right, I spotted Bridalveil Falls. I eased my way to the front of the crowd and perched on the stone wall above the valley.
As I began taking photos, something magical happened. The falls started to take on the look of a rainbow, not just a streak but the entire waterfall. The wind blew the falls across the cliff face, spreading the water into wispy tendrils that refracted the sunlight into a spectrum of colors. From the deep violet at the base to the red splash at the top, the full ROYGBIV rainbow was on display. It was mesmerizing.

I concentrated on the falls with my large EF70-200 Canon lens, capturing this natural wonder with each shot. Every image was different, depending on the power of the wind as it swept across the falls. The experience was exhilarating. I shot until the colors began to fade, the rainbow dissipating as the sun lowered in the sky.

Looking at the images on my camera, I realized how lucky I had been to witness and capture this phenomenon. I later learned that it happens fairly often, but it was new to me. Satisfied with the results, I called it an evening. Despite the challenges of the day—the crowds, the bright sun, and the closed road—I had stumbled upon a beautiful moment by accident. Thanks to a natural phenomenon and a stroke of luck, I had captured a shot that would become a treasured addition to my collection.

Materials: Premium Glossy Paper,Giclée Canvas,Gallery Wrap,Acrylic,White Gloss Metal,Silver Aluminum,matching aluminum back,black aluminum mount,Canon Cameras and lenses