Pro Photographer Dream Destination Series: Texas
Professional photographers have a lot to love about Texas. From its distinctive architecture to its vibrant cities, there are so many photogenic locations across the Lonestar state. In fact, with all its natural beauty, you might find it difficult to choose where you want to shoot in Texas. So, to help you get started, we’ve compiled this list of our favorite must-photograph spots in Texas.
The San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is one of the most iconic places in Texas to photograph. This popular attraction and shopping district is also one of the most photographed places in all of Texas and is a popular spot for professional photographers throughout the year.
The River Walk is especially photogenic in the spring and fall, as the spring bloom and fall colors provide incredible and vibrant backdrops for your photos. To get the best shots during these times, be sure to visit during the early morning or late evening hours when there are fewer crowds, and the light is at its most beautiful.
Downtown Fort Worth
If you’re looking for an interesting spot to photograph in Texas, then downtown Fort Worth at night is a great choice. Downtown Fort Worth offers a wide range of opportunities for photographers looking to get creative with their shots, thanks to the many vibrant and colorful buildings in the area.
A must-see photograph location in Fort Worth is the Stockyards National Historic District. You will feel like you have traveled back in time with the historic charm. A visit to Fort Worth is not complete without watching a cattle drive, twice daily cattle marches through the center of downtown creating a great opportunity to snap photos. There are also a wide range of buildings in downtown Fort Worth that feature unique architectural elements, like the Fort Worth City Hall and the Omni Hotel.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is home to some of the most scenic landscapes in Texas. This massive park is located along the border between Texas and Mexico and is one of the most remote areas in the state. The most iconic location in the park is The Window, a massive crevice in the ground that’s surrounded by desert cacti.
Another spot worth photographing near The Window is The Rio Grande. The Rio Grande is the border waterway between the United States and Mexico and is flanked by desert canyons on both sides. During the blue hour, the canyons are illuminated with a vibrant pink or orange glow, making them perfect for photos.
The Alamo
The Alamo is one of the most famous landmarks in Texas, and therefore an obvious addition to this list. There are several museums in the Alamo complex, including the Alamo chapel, which is the center of attention for most visitors. The site was originally built as a mission in 1718 and later transformed into a fort by the Texan army during the Texas Revolution.
It’s important to note that the Alamo was a very different building back then, with a dirt floor and adobe walls. The current building, the one you’ll photograph, was built in the 1930s and modeled after the original facade. While you can’t photograph the inside of the Alamo, you can still capture its stunning architecture while framing the building’s exterior.
Blue Bonnet Trails in the Hill Country
The Blue Bonnet Trails in the Hill Country are a series of scenic drives that take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Texas. The trails are especially stunning during bluebonnet season in spring when the fields are filled with wildflowers. Although there are a few trails to choose from, one of the most photogenic spots is the Bluebonnet Meadows trail.
Bluebonnet Meadows is a short trail that leads you through a valley filled with bluebonnets and wildflowers. This is one of the most popular trails in the Blue Bonnet Trails, so do your best to get here early if you want to avoid crowds. And if you’re interested in photographing bluebonnets, keep in mind that they only bloom for a few weeks each spring.
Austin
If you’re visiting Austin, the downtown scene is a great place to start. Snap photos of Auditorium Shores, a park along the shores of Lady Bird Lake. South Congress Avenue is a top destination with all of the city murals that create great photo opportunities.
One of the most iconic views of the city is of the skyline from Mount Bonnell. To get the best shots of the Austin skyline from Mount Bonnell, visit late in the day when the sun is slowly setting behind the skyline. This will allow you to get some incredible shots of the skyline with a beautiful golden glow to it.
Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool is a stunning pool located just outside of Austin. This is one of the most popular swimming spots in Texas and is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of wildlife. Although there are plenty of places to photograph near the pool, the most photogenic spot is the nearby waterfall.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and makes the perfect backdrop for any photo. One important thing to note about Hamilton Pool is that it’s a protected nature park, so you can’t get too close to the waterfall. However, there are plenty of spots near the pool that are perfect for photography.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a portrait photographer or a landscape photographer, there are plenty of stunning spots in Texas to photograph. So, now that you’ve read all about these epic locations, it’s time to get out there and put your camera to good use. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling across the state or you’re living nearby and just want to explore, either way, these spots are a must-see for any professional photographer in Texas.
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