Untitled photo

2010

While living and working in San Francisco I headed out to photograph this amazing state most of the weekends. I made several camping trips to Yosemite Valley as well backpacked in the high Sierra. On many of the trips I had amazing conditions to work with but the most memorable day of them all was in Del Norte Redwoods State Park where I had foggy atmosphere and sun beaming through it. It created an absolutely incredible experience, one that I wish every one could see once in their lifetime in this fairytale forest.


Gear: Canon 5D Mark II, EF 17-40L f/4, EF 70-200L f/4


Locations: Del Norte Redwoods State Park, Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, Point Lobos 


  • One of the most incredible sights I've ever laid my eyes on

  • A golden glow on beautiful Cathedral Peak in the highlands of the Sierra Nevada

  • The last rays of the sun hit the majestic El Capitan in Yosemite Valley

  • Strolling through the foggy Redwood forest is an experience like no other

  • Last light on Cathedral Peak in Yosemite high country

  • The arrival of the storm in Yosemite valley

  • Misty mountains and snowy trees in Yosemite Valley on a beautiful winter day

  • A wonderful display of snow and remaining fall colors photographed in Yosemite

  • Tufas basking in the last light of the day

  • This tree really stood out from the fog

  • A pastel abstract of the scattered leaves and Three Brothers of Yosemite

  • Rows of Redwoods as far as the eye can see

  • Awesome granite towers surrounded by the clouds in Yosemite Valley

  • Calcium-Carbonate formations at Mono Lake

  • Cathedral rock and spires glow in the morning sun after a snowstorm

  • Like straight out of John Muir's memoirs :D

  • A close up look of the life of a crane in California Coast

  • A canoe ride to explore the Tufas should leave an unforgettable memory on anyone

  • A dramatic rendition of the Tunnel View in Yosemite Valley

  • A window into the magical world of Redwood trees

  • Sun rises behind Cathedral Peak in Yosemite National Park

  • The moon rises over Yosemite Valley after a coating of fresh snow on the mountains

  • Draping trees from heavy snowfall the night before in Yosemite Valley

  • A beautiful alpenglow suits the scenery well for these Tufas

  • A fresh blanket of snow takes over Yosemite Valley in the late fall

  • California Coast fog and setting sun create an unreal moment

  • Layers of rock and water of Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park

  • Remaining fall colors accompanied with snow during the harsh mid-day light

  • The mountains protrude through the clouds in Yosemite Valley

  • The otherworldly Mono Lake that's over a million years old

  • Rhododendrons bloom among the amazing Redwood trees

  • A moody atmosphere compliments the rugged granite spires of Yosemite

  • Cranes building their nests on California Coast

  • A Marmot pops up to pose for a picture in the high Sierras while backpacking

  • Backpacking among granite peaks and wildflowers up in the highlands of Yosemite

  • The clouds give way to beautiful granite walls in Yosemite Valley

  • An amazing display of light on a Rhododendron bloom in Redwoods

  • Cathedral Peak in Yosemite illuminated by the twilight and later exposed for the milky way

  • The rising sun illuminates the tops of the trees and mountains on a beautiful morning in Yosemite Valley

  • A colorful tree embraces for another long winter ahead

  • An incredible display of light in the most beautiful forest in the world - Redwoods, California

  • Low level clouds swirl around the trees down in Yosemite Valley

© Jussi Ruottinen

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