11 Surreal Reflection Photos of Yosemite's Most Iconic Landmarks

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring attribute of Yosemite Valley is the Merced River. And I will always remember this trip as the time when I fell in love with it. It is truly a photographer's dream—a meandering mirror of water that snakes through the Valley and amplifies the already unmatched beauty of everything it touches, providing seemingly limitless opportunities to discover hidden natural symmetries and stumble upon little pots of photographic gold. 

During my five day visit it became somewhat of a treasure hunt as I scoured what felt like every inch of the Valley and its open riverbanks, searching for pockets of calm waters and still pools of glass that echoed the surrounding scenes. Vibrant fall colors acted as icing on the cake.

There's something quite powerful about the mental allure of these scenes, in addition to the obvious visual appeal. An unmatched, indescribable feeling of zen washes over me when I’m in the wilderness. Standing in front of a completely and utterly calm body of water only amplifies this feeling—it’s a high that I found myself chasing throughout this trip.

I remember reading about the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” and instantly recalling my time in Yosemite. Each time I look at one of these photos I’m reminded of the peace I felt when living and breathing in that rare and special space.