"The great rocks of Yosemite, expressing qualities of timeless, yet intimate grandeur, are the most compelling formations of their kind. We should not casually pass them by for they are the very heart of the earth speaking to us."

Ansel Adams,
Photographer

One of the greatest influences on my photography is the work of Ansel Adams. Adams is famous for his environmental photography which helped create an awareness of the importance of saving many of our natural surroundings. His work and that of others helped the U.S. Congress decide to preserve the great beauties of our country through the National Park System.

Adams is probably most famous for his photographs of Halfdome and Yosemite National Park in California. I dreamed for years of going there to see the magnificent scenery that inspired the photographer whose work I so greatly admired.

I was fortunate enough to go to Yosemite in 1989. While traveling through the park I recall yelling, "Stop the car, I see the perfect photograph!" A short hike through the field was all that was necessary for me to find the perfect framing by the trees. Another tree is perfectly centered in the foreground. If you look carefully, there is a tiny camper in the distance. This helps to show the enormous size of the mountain in the background.

I stare at this photograph frequently as it is prominently displayed in my home. I am intrigued by new images that appear to me now. Specifically, I see two faces in the mountain, one is a man in sunglasses watching me and the other is a profile of an older gentleman, much like the profile of Washington on the U.S. quarter. I have just noticed a few more faces etched in the mountain side as well.

This scan does not do the photograph justice. In person, is says so much more. It has not been manipulated by the computer at all.

This photograph is not available for sale. For personal sentimental reasons, only two have been enlarged which are in private collections.