Dana Rae Photography

06/12/2026

Everything about this Yosemite elopement was perfect. Sunrise first look, a Glacier Point ceremony with family, portraits around the Valley, and a reception in the game room at Yosemite View Lodge that completely won me over.

My favorite moment wasn’t even photo related.

At the reception, the groom told me that when they first started looking for a photographer, he thought I was way too expensive.

Then he paused and said, “I get it now.”

I reminded him he hadn’t seen a single photo yet.

His response? “I don’t need to.”

Have I mentioned how much I love my job?

Congratulations again, S & J 💚

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Deciding to elope in Yosemite is the easy part. Figuring out how to actually do it is a whole other story.

If you're stuck on how to navigate park permits, find the right locations for your family, coordinate vendors, and beat the crowds, you don't have to figure it out alone. I help you plan your Elopement, I don’t just show up with my camera in one hand and good vibes in the other.

I handle the logistics so you don’t have to, I got married here myself and have helped dozens of couples do the same. Like it says on my website: I over-plan so you don't have to.

Reach out on my website to start planning your own Yosemite Elopement.

06/02/2026

Not a bad view for an editing day. Not a bad view at all.

Just finished up my sunrise proposal at Glacier Point and had time to get to work on some sneak peakss while I was still in Yosemite for the day.

I really do have the best job.

05/16/2026

I spent most of my life feeling invisible. This is the story of why I chose to spend the rest of it making sure you never do. It’s real, it’s personal, it’s my why.

05/08/2026

Glacier Point Road is opening for the season on Friday!!! So excited!

Exciting spring news! The Glacier Point Road will open to vehicles on Saturday, May 9 at 8 am. There will be no drinking water available at Glacier Point. Vault toilets will be available. Parking at Glacier Point and throughout the park is limited. Arrive early in the morning to avoid long delays and full parking lots. The Glacier Point Tour will be operating once the road opens and is available for a fee: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tours.htm.

There is no estimated opening date for Tioga Road, which is currently closed to both vehicle and bicycle traffic. Updates will be posted at: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm

Additionally, the shuttle is now operating daily between the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias from 8 am to 7 pm. Mariposa Grove Road is only open to shuttles and vehicles displaying a disability placard. Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mg.htm.

05/01/2026

I take my job seriously, but I take my carbs seriously-er. A baguette is a baguette, right?

To be fair, I DID buy a baguette the day before and it was delicious.



😂 Congrats to this gorgeous couple!

04/22/2026

And I get to work here?

Girl! Girl…

04/19/2026

An intimate sunrise proposal, quiet morning portraits, and a charcuterie picnic brunch to follow.

S reached out just one week before he planned to propose. Tight timeline, thoughtful plan. He added 35mm film and a private picnic to make it personal.

After the proposal, we convinced B to head back to their room at the The Ahwahnee to change outfits. While they were gone, my assistant and I set up the brunch on the grounds.

She came back to a second surprise.
It was hard to tell what meant more to her in that moment, the proposal or everything S had planned around it.

And of course, she said “Yes”!