Granite Arch, Merced River, Yosemite Valley, California

When I created this image, I truly felt as though, " I got it". That "it" being Yosemite. After many visits to this amazing National Park, this image seamed to come easily to my eye. As I walked out toward the Merced River through a snowy meadow, numerous photographers soon followed. My large bellows cameras always attract people. it looks as though I must know what I'm doing. Well, as I set up my composition, I observed at least six other photographers (incliding three professionals) scough at my scene and move on to a poorly lit cliche image of Yosemite Falls. I exposed one piece of 4x5 inch film just before the sun illuminated the rock face. When it's right, it's right. I knew I had something special. And yes, this is a color photograph.