TUOLUMNE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA -- Take only pictures, leave only footsteps. National Park workers and rangers repeat this mantra all over the U.S.

While most of us know how to walk, the vast majority of park visitors only know about photography from what they read in the instruction booklet that came with their camera. If they even read that.

This is where the Yosemite National Park's Ansel Adams Gallery Photography Walk Program comes in. It doesn't matter if you have a digital, 35mm or large format camera, or if you like slides, black and white or color pictures, there's a photography walk to meet your needs and every level of photographer will pick up some useful information and tips.

The two-hour walking photography tours take place four days a week during the summer and two days a week in the winter and will take you to some of Yosemite Valley's most scenic and photographed spots.

From F-stops to shutter speeds to composition and filters, this two hour session will show you, through dramatic illustrations and in-depth lecture, what it takes to shoot like a pro.

On our walk during the winter months, we strolled through Cook's Meadow for views of Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls and the Merced River. We then continued over Sentinel Bridge for one of the best views of Half Dome in the entire park. Our guide, professional photographer Sara Bateman, talked about Ansel Adams and his legacy, sharing insights into how he was able to get the spectacular shots that made him a legendary photographer. In the process we learned what separates true artists from wannabes.

As the tour progressed, Sara went on to explain how f-stops, shutter speed, film selection and composition all work together to bring a static image to life. Through the use of images she brought along, Sara showed us how little differences in camera angle or the use of filtration can dramatically change the way a photo turns out. Our group included several accomplished professional photographers, but even they gained some valuable information nuggets to help improve their craft.

I can think of no better way than the Ansel Adams photography tour to see one of nature's greatest creations while learning to take only pictures and leave only footsteps.

Practicalities

Tour Times
Summer walks are offered on Tuesday, Thursday Saturday and Sunday from 9-11AM. Winter (Jan. - March) walks are offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Reservations can be made up to 10 days in advance by calling the gallery at (209) 372-4413 or e-mailing photowalks@anseladems.com. Schedules are subject to change, so always call in advance.

You can learn more about visiting all the attractions in Tuolumne County by calling the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-446-1333 or 209-533-4420 or visit their website: www.tcvb.com.

Cheri Sicard, in addition to being the editor of FabulousTravel.com and its sister site, Fabulous Foods.com is the author of The Great American Handbook: What You Can Do For Your Country Today and Every Day and The Low Carb Restaurant Guide, and the co-author of US Citizenship for Dummies. To learn more about Cheri, click here.