The Ansel Adams Gallery — Attraction in Oakhurst

ANSEL ADAMS GALLERY--YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: My experience of this beautiful gallery will stay with me always. Apart from being located in one of the most beautiful locations in the whole world, the gallery's architecture is constructed with the environment in mind. It fits perfectly within its setting making for a very pleasing entrance into the world of Ansel Adams, complementing it rather than constraining it. Second. Once we enter inside we get what we all come here for: Ansel Adams Art. The Gallery may not be as large as those you would find on the world stage of London, San Francisco, or New York, but this wonderful man and his art deserve this beautiful setting--the perfect setting in the perfect gallery, right where he began. His photography not only hangs on the walls and is for sale, but has found its way into books for those of us who cannot afford the price of the art-quality photos to hang on our walls at home. Instead, we can read about Ansel and look at his beautiful images, albeit in a much smaller venue. In my photos, below, you can see shoppers perusing books as well as other memorabilia, again, of art quality design. Also here, the shopper may find nice pieces of jewelry, designed with the outdoors in mind. Any number of carvings and sundry art work reminiscent of Yosemite can be found in the gallery. But to me, the main reason to be here is the fine and beautiful art work of Ansel Adams. Since my family and I live about five hours away from Yosemite, we make the trip here, maybe two to three times per year. Even with so much to see, we always try to swing by the Ansel Adams gallery because looking at Ansel Adams photographs...

Visited Yosemite for the first time this past weekend and randomly found out about the Ansel Adams Gallery and the cool stuff they do there - ended up doing the In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams photo walk: it was well organized and well worth the price = $95 per person. Basically you go around with one of their resident photographers and they take you around to some of the famous spots Ansel Adams composed his shots of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls and others. They also take you through some of the compositional elements that make Adams’ photos so special and unique. I think my favorite stuff was the artistic and personal history of Ansel Adams himself - so good and inspiring. The walk isn’t too rigorous - each guide has their favorite “secret” spots and they definitely take into account the fitness of their guests in case it’s too off the beaten track. We had Mike Wise and he was excellent - really open and knowledgeable and didn’t at all patronize your level of photography. That was the best thing to be honest: the class really is for all levels of photography: my girl took the class along with me and she took along my old 5d and Mike spent a lot of time with her showing her tips and tricks in how to get the most out of the camera. That being said: I would modestly consider myself semi-professional and I still got loads out of the class - I would say that’s mostly a testament to Mike’s patience and knowledge. The Gist: do the class if ya can - well worth the $$ - fun and knowledgeable - great inside stories about Yosemite - try to do it in the off-season cuz I bet it’s annoying in the high season with all the...

Just visited Yosemite last week, and on a particularly lousy, rainy day, my wife and I spent a good amount of time in the Ansel Adams Gallery. Actually, we visit every time we're in the park, and every time it's a pleasure, and my wife always comes away with some artwork made by local artists. Beautiful art, cards, photographs (obviously!), jewelry, etc. What always gets my attention is the photography gear. If you're in the valley to do some photography, and forgot anything, there's a good chance the AAG will have it. My wife surprised me with the purchase of a MindShift backpack that I'd been eyeing. When I was off taking pics, she headed back and chatted with knowledgeable staff regarding the various packs. Got one for me that is amazing (BackLight 26L) that I know will make many return trips with me to the valley. And on the note of photography, on-staff photographers can help with questions, location-recommendations, and even one-on-one help (for a fee). Overall, just a great place, and a must-visit for anyone who enjoys the art of...