# Yosemite Photographer's Guide — user reviews > 34 indexed App Store user reviews of Yosemite Photographer's Guide by Michael FRYE, rated 4.70/5 from 25 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yosemite-photographers-guide/id459969580/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yosemite-photographers-guide/id459969580.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 23 · 4★ 0 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 1 · 1★ 1 ## Newest reviews (18 of 34) ### 5/5 — Excellent for Yosemite Photography *2013-03-09, version 1.5.1* Michael has done it. If you get one guide to photographing Yosemite this is it. ### 5/5 — Put at the top of your Yosemite Planning List *2013-02-17, version 1.5.1* All I have to say is Wow! Anyone who is planning to do any photography in Yosemite who does not have this app in their pocket is simply going to miss something. A lot of somethings. And even if they find what they're looking for there' a good chance it will be the wrong time, wrong ;location or even wrong settings. I was amazed the degree of coverage I now have at my fingertips and completely confident it is delivered by someone who knows the park as well as anyone else on the planet. Just superb work! Thank you! ### 5/5 — Great app! *2013-01-12, version 1.5.1* A great app which covers Yosemite from a seasonal and time of day perspective. If visiting Yosemite it is a must! ### 5/5 — Fantastic!!! *2012-09-12, version 1.4* I just spent a week in Yosemite and this app was invaluable. Everything mentioned in it was spot on, you can tell the author knows the park inside and out. Also loved the helpful tips regarding the technological aspects of photography. It also has a filter to set for the time of year you visit the park, which saved me from hiking to places which may have very little to offer in the fall. I wish there were more apps as helpful as this one! ### 5/5 — A must have, for visiting Yosemite *2012-06-16, version 1.4* I recently returned from a week long visit to Yosemite, along with Michael's book I had this app on my phone. This is an invaluable tool for helping to find the right place at the right time of day to view Yosemite in all it's glory and hopefully capture it with your camera. As other's have mentioned the features I will simply say thank you Michael for sharing your wealth of knowledge in a very well designed and functional app.! ### 5/5 — Terrific Guide for photographers *2012-05-14, version 1.4* This app was indispensable on my visit to Yosemite. I had a short visit and wanted to make every photographic moment meaningful. This app did just that. I could position my camera such that the sun or moon rose or set exactly where I wanted it in the photo. The location guide put me in exactly the right place to capture the perfect image. ### 5/5 — This Is The App You Need! *2012-03-01, version 1.4* In the not so distant past an all day photo or video shoot in Yosemite National Park required schlepping around a bunch of maps, location notes, ephemeris times ... etc. You also needed to calculate the DOF and focal lengths for your shoot, unless you really enjoy carrying all those extra lenses when hiking the Mist Trail to your location. XD Then along came hand held GPS and wireless broadband devices, and apps. Ever try to get a cell signal in the Yosemite area?  GOOD LUCK!!! Michael Frye just made our lives a whole lot easier by creating this excellent app of his book "The Photographer's Guide To Yosemite". The app features numerous locations in Yosemite, Wawona, Glacier Point, Mono Lake, and all points in between. Michael's tips include photos of and directions to locations, the best shooting times (even seasonal best times), maps, DOF Calculator, an ephemeris tool... By the way ... Did I mention that this app is fully functional without a wireless broadband connection? Are you planning a shoot in Yosemite, and trying to figure out which app will best suit your needs? Well look no further, because this is the app you need... not another one ... THIS IS THE ONE! Paolo Nadeau Smoky Cat Productions Jacksonville, FL ### 5/5 — Excellent "must have" *2012-02-13, version 1.4* If you're planning on visiting Yosemite, get this app. Even if you're not a photographer. You'll get so much more from your visit to the magical & inspirational National Park. If you are a photographer, then this is your "must have" resource as you attempt to capture the many personalities of Yosemite. ### 5/5 — Photographing Yosemite on an autopilot *2012-01-16, version 1.4* Michael Frye is a wonderful photographer and expositor who is well known for his Yosemite photographs. The app is based on his book on photographing Yosemite that was very useful in itself but the app really shines. It is very well thought out, very easy to use, and has a wealth of information presented in a very clear style typical of Michael. In a sense, the app gives you sufficient tools to create gorgeous photographs of Yosemite that will fool people into thinking you know what you are doing with the camera. The most basic use is to provide the date and general area of Yosemnite, and the app tells you where the light should be special at sunrise and sunset, with a detailed map, and what to look for in each location. Yosemite beauty takes care of the rest. Your photographs may not end up as beautiful and individual as what Michael himself does, but they are essentially guaranteed to be very decent, and you can not ask more from an iPhone app. The rest is up to you, Michael did all he could to help you. ### 5/5 — The Best Photographic Guide to Yosemite. *2011-12-27, version 1.4* If you own a camera and plan to visit Yosemite National Park this should be the first thing you pack. This applies to all photographers... Seasoned Professionals, Serious Amateurs, Wannabe Photographers or tourists who wish to visit once and obtain a credible record of their visit. Even if you are not into cameras, but want to see all of the best features of Yosemite, this is your app as well. Without this app on your iPhone or iPad you are subject to the whims of luck. Luck will still be a factor, but if you bring the Photographer's Guide to Yosemite with you your good fortune will be enhanced dramatically by Michael Frye's vast multi-decades of experience gained by living next to the park. Photography is being at the right place at the right time and having a camera in your hands. This guide solves the issue of the right place at the right time. While planning your trip start with the magnificent and most powerful filtering system. It is located below the screen and just above the navigation buttons. This part of the application eliminates the guesswork in deciding where to go and what part of the day to go there. This filter alone can stretch a week long visit to the park into the equivalent of 2 weeks just by the time it saves by not having to scout around for great places to see or photograph. Say you plan to visit Yosemite in June. Of the 40 locations in this app there are 34 locations indicated to go see in June. Say you plan to visit in February. In February there are twelve locations. Each location has multiple directional views. Michael includes examples at each location for you to see in order to stimulate your imagination. Say you happen to like photographing wild flowers. There are multiple seasons and locations in and near Yosemite. This App can help you find them for the time of year you are there. Each location has the best times to go there and the best light (time of day). Also included are the directions to find each location and a simple outline of helpful photo advice for each location. The Maps are another special feature. Most importantly, the maps are embedded. There is no need for a cell or wireless connection. This is essential mostly because the Park is nearly devoid of such luxuries. What if you have seen a photograph of a place and you want to go see that location yourself but you don't know where to look for it. Press the Extras Navigation Button and then Press Slide Show to view all of the photographs from all of the locations. Once the photograph you are looking for comes into view just press "Go to Location" at the bottom of the screen and the app will take you directly to the location and to the map making it simple to find instantly. When first starting out with this app, go to the Extras section and press "Watch a video Demo of This App". This will stimulate many more ideas to use on this app than can be written in a review. Also highly informative are the little things in this App. When you have discovered a photographer you admire or whose photographs you like, it is nice to be able to meet the person and have them show you the "secrets" of their success. Photographers of note, like Michael, rarely share their secrets. If they do, it is at a cost. With this app Michael generously features "tips", "suggestions" and even has tutorial videos. This is a travel guide, photo guide, field trip(s) and video tutorial training classes all for $6.99. I have used this app on both iPhone and iPad. The iPad is best for study and planning. The iPhone is best for using in the field because of its pocket sized efficiency. I have used the predecessor product for years, the book version of A Photographer's Guide to Yosemite. Even though it was vastly outdated I continued to tape it up and press on. I secretly wished Michael would update his "film era" book. It never occurred to me that it could ever become an Application. The book was so comprehensive and complete I felt it could never be done without sacrificing the depth and quality of the book. I am humbled. Not only has it duplicated the original book version but it has taken us all beyond anything that one could comprehend at the time. Every person who has ever visited Yosemite, particularly photographers, owe Michael a debt of gratitude for his work on this application. It is simply a marvelous and essential tool. Jim Alexander ### 5/5 — Wow! *2011-11-23, version 1.4* Incredible resource. It's a workshop and field trip in one. Everything you need except the camera. Extras are a really nice bonus. ### 5/5 — Incredible App *2011-11-16, version 1.4* Michael's book has been a wonderful guide for trips to Yosemite, but this app makes his expertise even more valuable. It allows you to filter the time of year, time of day, locations, etc. You don't have to page through a book. The new update looks terrific on my iPad and it works on both an iPad and iPhone. The best feature is that you don't need 3G or wifi to use the app since Yosemite isn't known for good coverage! Thanks, Michael, for the free update, too! ### 5/5 — A app to help plan your shooting schedule in Yosemite *2011-10-12, version 1.1* Just returned from a 2-week trip to Yosemite and was fortunate to shoot fantastic images with the aid of this app. The information on all of the locations was extremely helpful as we planned each day’s shooting schedule. Since cell service is sketchy in the park, it was helpful that the maps are burned into the app. Using this app from my itouch was much easier than lugging around the book! I give this app a 2 thumbs up! Sign up for Michael's blog - it contains useful info and up to date leaf changing reports! ### 5/5 — Simply the Best App for Yosemite Photographers... *2011-09-29, version 1.1* Michael Frye knows Yosemite inside and out. His printed Photographer's Guide to Yosemite has been the standard reference source for some time now (mine is well worn). This app takes his fantastic guide book to a whole new level. It is simple to use and navigate around. It has clear, concise information about where to be to capture your iconic image, but best is Michael also tells you "when" is the best time of day and season for each particular site. This app includes loads of tips that both the advanced and beginner digital photographer can gain from. It is a must have app if you plan on visiting Yosemite, whether you have been there before or not, you will gain new insight and come away with some beautiful images. ### 5/5 — A photog must have! *2011-09-24, version 1.0* If you're a frequent visitor to Yosemite, or are planning your first trip, this app is a must have. Michael has years of intimate experience photographing Yosemite & surrounding areas. Why not ensure that you'll walk away from your Yosemite adventure with great images. Michael takes the guess work out of where and when to shoot during your stay, be it Summer, Winter, or somewhere in between. Great information & functionality as well! ### 5/5 — Fantastic *2011-09-23, version 1.0* Well worth the money! On a recent trip to Yosemite it put me in the right spot at just the right time for a fantastic photo opportunity! I just need Michael's talent and I am good to go! Maybe for the next version he can add that feature. If you are going to Yosemite take a workshop with him otherwise this is your best option for seeing and photographing this amazing park. ### 5/5 — The Photographer's Guide To Yosemite *2011-09-20, version 1.0* I love this photographer's guide application. It's easy to use, informative, and the inclusion of maps, locations, directions, and the best time of day to photgraph the well known sites of Yosemite National Park are all outstanding features. Also, the application works anywhere. So you can refer to the App while you're at the photo-site location. ### 5/5 — S. *2011-09-19, version 1.0* So thorough and easy to use with extras that help with planning. Thank you Michael! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Please update the app. *2021-06-06, version 2.0.5* Too many bugs on the newest iPhone / OS. Needs an update as it’s nearly impossible to use. ### 2/5 — Version 2.0+ UX “improvements” are horrible *2018-03-07, version 2.0.5* The previous UX of the app worked well, the current edition is a big step backwards. And, it’s ugly. Another example of trying to “fix” something that wasn’t broken. ### 5/5 — Still the best! *2024-02-27* The information in this guide is invaluable to anyone going to Yosemite who wants to know where and when to get the best shots. I've been going to the park for 30 years, and I still enjoy getting a refresher from this book each time I go. Don't let the lack of updating deter you. This is still relevant and well worth the small price. ### 5/5 — Excellent app *2018-06-28, version 2.0.5* I was just at Yosemite and this app was totally what I needed! As a photographer, it was important to me to be at the right spots at the right time of day! The park is way bigger than you could imagine, and Michael’s wealth of information made it so helpful for choosing the right location at the right time of day! It did not disappoint!!! ### 5/5 — Wow! Wow! Wow! *2016-08-17, version 1.5.1* I am going to Yosemite for the first time, and I could not imagine a better photography helper app to bring along. This app has practical photography help at multiple levels, and an organization that empowers you to find what you need when you need it. We all like "free" apps, but this is worth every penny you'll spend for it! ### 5/5 — Only the best by a Master Photographer *2015-04-24, version 1.5.1* All the info in App one needs to make a photography trip to Yosemite a success. ### 5/5 — Great Planning Tool *2014-08-08, version 1.5.1* This is really a great tool from someone who really knows Yosemite. It made planning much easier. The only problem I ran into is that the app does not remember filter settings when you exit. If I've set my filter to winter months for a certain area, then leave the app to make note in another app, my filter is gone when I return. It's ok, I dug up an old pencil. It would be nice to have the settings remembered or better yet, a place within the app to make notes or bookmark a page. Don't let these comments deter you though. You should have this app if planning a trip toYosemite. ### 5/5 — The best App for Yosemite photography *2014-06-12, version 1.5.1* I LOVE this App. I regret not buying it earlier. Best $ you will ever spend. ### 5/5 — I’m a believer *2014-01-21, version 1.5.1* Rarely do I find an app with such great attention to detail. This intuitive and simple app is far more than just a guide to Yosemite - it’s loaded with useful tips and information for photographers. I was hesitant to do a review of this app because I knew I couldn’t do it justice. It's a shining example of an app done right. Thank You!!! ### 5/5 — Excellent Resource *2013-11-16, version 1.5.1* This is an extremely well thought out and useful app. Essential for anyone looking to make the most of their photographic time in Yosemite - buy this now! ## Most praised reviews (2 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Exactly what you need to max out your Yosemite trip *2013-08-22, version 1.5.1* This excellent app is ideal for use both before and while in Yosemite. It offers great organization and dead on advice by location, season and difficulty of terrain. Frye has a book by the same title and it too is very good, but when in the park, working to find as many opportunities as possible the app is the indispensable tool. It contains a great deal of park information but also a wealth of precise info on how, when and why to shoot particular spots at a given time. There is no other app like it and when combined with Google Earth you can really benefit from Frye's years of experience in the park to make the most of whatever time you have in any season. ### 5/5 — I love it *2013-06-30, version 1.5.1* The best 6 bucks I've spent on my trip to Yosemite. This app even covers Mono lake. I didn't expect that. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*