22.2. Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
The two best locations for photographing the Three Brothers are Cathedral Beach Picnic Area (see A on the map) and the Merced River near valley marker V17 (see B on the map).
The best locations from which to photograph Three Brothers: (A) Cathedral Beach Picnic Area, (B) Merced River near valley marker V17. Other photo ops: (6) El Capitan, (10) Horsetail Fall.
22.2.1. Cathedral Beach Picnic Area
You can drive right down to a parking area close to the Merced River at Cathedral Beach Picnic Area and then walk to the river's edge. I find heading to the east from the parking area gives you the best view (as shown in figure 22.1). The biggest challenge getting a photograph from this location is getting the clearest view. The trees in this area are getting taller and making it more difficult to get a clear view. You will need to wander around a bit and look for the clearest vantage point in the spring and summer. In the winter, this is obviously not an issue.
Figure 22.1. Three Brothers as seen from Cathedral Beach Picnic Area on an autumn morning. Taken at ISO 100, f/18, 1/3 second with a 24-105mm zoom lens at 47mm.
22.2.2. Merced River near valley marker V17
Park on the left (west) end of the turnout at valley marker V17 and walk down the little ...
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