Black Oak tree (Quercus kelloggii) towers over a snow covered granite bolder in Yosemite National Park, California.

I was walking along a meadow in the Yosemite Valley when I saw this wonderful oak tree in front of a larger granite boulder.  While I’m sure countless photographers had seen the same tree and boulder from the road over the years (and a few maybe even photographed them), it wasn’t until I walked around the boulder into the shadow that I saw the image that had pulled me toward the spot.  The afternoon sun highlighting the oak tree and a low perspective position allowing the top of the tree to peer over the boulder.

It’s moments like this that help to reinforce the habit of fully scoping a location before dropping the tripod down. Many times the initial view point you have isn’t always the best (or the most unique). Take the time to fully explore a location is a great habit to build.

(This photo is part of my Yosemite gallery where it can be purchased as an Art Print or licensed for stock usage.)