Stunning Time-Lapse Photography of Yosemite

An amazing time-lapse photography video of Yosemite National Park is bringing international attention for photographer Shawn Reeder of Bishop, California.

The two-year project, Yosemite Range of Light, uses nearly 7,000 high-resolution still photos to create an inspiring vision of light and granite, capturing rolling cloud formations and the rainbow-lit waterfalls of Yosemite.

Reeder first came to Yosemite after winning a local waiter contest where he grew up in Maryland. First prize was a trip to Napa Valley wine-country, but the 18-year-old convinced the prize committee to offer a change of venue. Choosing Yosemite as his destination instead, he brought along his best friend, who happened to have a camera. . . .

"I came out for a week and I did my first backpacking trip ever. We hiked to the top of Half Dome via the cables, which was an incredible experience. We hiked the whole South-Rim Trail from Glacier Point to Tunnel View. It totally changed my life; I knew that I had found my new home."

Reeder would spend the next 11 summers working in Tuolumne Meadows, meeting some of the world's premiere climbers and mountaineers, while honing both his own climbing skills and making a name for himself in the difficult field of climbing photography, a challenging art form we featured in High Art.

After undergoing knee surgery at 29, Reeder says, "I reached a turning point when I decided that it was time to focus on my art and turn this into a sustainable business." Over the next four years he would turn to wedding photography.

But two years ago, he discovered a new interest, time-lapse photography. Investing all his energy in mastering this new craft, he has entered an arena that will likely take him to destinations around the globe. "I stated very explicitly on my web page that I want to travel and if you have a project anywhere around the world, please be in touch."

He has already worked on the newly-released IMAX Timescapes and is negotiating potential jobs in Australia, Majorca, and Thailand.

Reeder also provides private mentoring and photo guiding and is currently developing workshops. "I love helping people hone their craft in outdoor photography and time-lapse. It's especially fun to introduce people to shooting at night, which is a whole new world for most people." 

His night photography is undeniably amazing, capturing the Milky Way spiraling through the cosmos and enough shooting stars for anyone to run out of wishes.

"Through the internet, it's amazing how you can connect with people who have like interests. It's nice to see Yosemite touch so many other people because it's so special."

   

SEE MORE VIDEOS:

Experience Human Flight with Birdmen

The Camera: Kevin Gallagher's Appalachian Trail 

Horror Filmmaker Takes His Camera to the Desert

--By Cyndy Patrick/photo by Dustin Kykuk

Cyndy Patrick is a life-long animal-lover who opened her own pet salon and commenced to giving doggie hairdos (and bathing some pretty unhappy cats). She hung up her clippers to pursue a career as an environmental journalist and photographer. She is a student at San Jose State, loves to swim in the ocean and sleep under the stars.