A wide-angle lens produces an interesting effect by lengthening the trunks' converging lines. Look for backgrounds that contrast. The vivid colors of a wildflower, for instance, will stand out more if the background is dark or shaded. Range of Light Lighting is the key to all good pictures. The best times for taking pictures are usually in early morning and late afternoon, when the low-angle sunlight is golden and shadows are long.
Shadows add realism and help define depth and texture in the rocky mountain landscapes.
The brightness of midday light often washes out the vivid color you're trying to capture. You may want to take sunrise or sunset pictures. Good places to shoot a sunrise are at Moro Rock in Giant Forest and at Panoramic Point in the Grant Grove area. Both offer panoramic vistas. Sunset Rock in Giant Forest is appropriately named.