Firefall 2023, Yosemite National Park

Tips and tricks for a successful and stress-free shooting experience

First off, what is the Firefall? It is a natural phenomenon that occurs in Yosemite National Park during a short window of time in February each year. The sun sets at just the right angle to create a fiery glow on the Horsetail Falls, giving the illusion of a river of fire.

It has been such a viral sensation in the last couple of years that I was really torn if I should drive up myself as I’m usually trying to find solitude and peace in my nature motives. But with a short window of perfect weather at the end of February, the only time it is possible to witness this event, I couldn’t resist. It took me a whole day of driving and waiting, as well as a lot of patience, to get the shot I wanted, but I’m really glad I made the journey.

The Firefall itself was more spectacular than I had imagined and I was really surprised about the friendliness of the crowd. There were hundreds of photographers around me, but rather than stressing out and fighting for the perfect spot, it seemed more like a group of like-minded people watching a natural phenomenon like say a lunar eclipse together. Overall a great experience and an amazing bucket list photo opportunity indeed.

I consider myself lucky as I was able to see this event relatively stress-free and in just one day. After I went for the first time during President’s Day Weekend in 2023, I wanted to share some tips and tricks to prepare and photograph the Firefall in Yosemite National Park:

Plan ahead: The Firefall occurs for only a few weeks in February, so plan ahead and make reservations early. Check the weather forecast, call the park to check on road conditions and arrive early to secure a good spot. I arrived around 1pm, spent about 2h in stop and go until I had entered the park. Be patient, reserve enough time, bring snacks and water. Take the earliest parking spot you can find and rely on the shuttle or hike to your chosen location. I can recommend El Capitan picnic area for its accessibility during winter time. If possible, try to have multiple evenings in a row to catch the Firefall, as all conditions need to be right to witness it fully.
Choose the right location: The best viewing spots are from El Capitan picnic area, Sentinel Beach picnic area, and the Yosemite Falls picnic area. Choose a spot with an unobstructed view of Horsetail Falls.
Get there early: Arrive at least two hours before sunset to secure a good spot. Many people come to see the Firefall, and parking can be difficult. On location, there will also be hundreds of people with their tripods set up already. Be prepared to be cozy.
Bring warm clothing and snacks: It can get cold in Yosemite in February, so bring warm clothing and snacks to keep you comfortable while waiting for the sunset.
Use a tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for taking sharp photos of the Firefall. It will help you keep your camera steady and avoid blur, especially during sunset.
Use a telephoto lens: A telephoto lens will help you zoom in and capture the details of the Firefall. A lens with a focal length of 100mm (that’s what I used on the photos on this page) or longer is recommended.
Use manual settings: Set your camera to manual mode and adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to capture the Firefall correctly. Experiment with different settings to find the best one for your camera.
Bracket your shots: Take multiple shots at different exposures to ensure you capture the colors and details of the Firefall. Important especially with really dark El Capitan against a very bright sky.
Be patient: The Firefall may not happen every night, and even if it does, the conditions may not be perfect. Be patient and wait for the right moment to capture the Firefall. As mentioned, being prepared to revisit several nights in a row should maximize your chances on getting the shot you want.
Respect the park: Yosemite National Park is a protected area, so respect the rules and regulations. Do not leave any trash behind, stay on designated trails, and be respectful of other visitors.