Where To Find The Best Photo Spot In Texas

The United States has plenty of attractive locations for the keen photographer, and the state of Texas is one of those places where you would definitely love spending a week or more. However, you should first apply for an ESTA to make sure no complications arise while you’re in the country. If everything is settled, read on because we’ve got a guide to show you the best photo spots in Texas.

The Texas State Capitol

You can find the State Capitol in the downtown area of Austin, along 1100 Congress Avenue. Take note: the Texas State Capitol is the 2nd biggest capitol building in the United States (only the U.S. Capitol building is bigger). The attractive interiors of the capitol building, as well as the grounds outside, offer plenty of opportunities to take gorgeous photographs. The décor of the building affords stunning close-up or wide shots, and the sprawling grounds outside provide impressive backdrops for casual or wedding pictures.

By the way, make sure you pay a visit to the Rotunda. It’s probably the most magnificent area of the entire building and a stunning location for avid photographers. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of several concerts that are regularly performed here as well.

Texas Hill Country

This location is loaded with breathtaking landscapes that look awesome whether you shoot at dawn or at sunset. The hills, rivers, and waterfalls, along with the greenery, will have you clicking your shutter for hours. It’s common for photographers to spend an entire day here and then come back the next day for more, so if you feel like staying a bit longer than what you expected, that’s perfectly okay.

The Pedernales Falls State Park is a must-see, and the Luckenbach outpost is a unique location in itself that can provide many interesting opportunities for photographers. Of course, don’t forget to visit Fredericksburg, where there are several beautiful photo spots for the taking. It’s an entire photo spot all by itself! Bring your camera as you experience one of the several events and activities always happening there.

The Austin SoCo District

If you’re tired of wandering around the trails and would love to experience a more urbanized atmosphere, we recommend the colorful and dynamic South Congress (SoCo) District at Austin. It’s chock-full of local stores and eateries, and chances are you’d be just in time for a musical performance, or three. If you’re an avid street photographer (or would like to try it), your camera will be very busy taking shot after shot.

The place is at its liveliest during the weekends, so set your schedules accordingly, bring a friend for company, and make sure your camera is locked and loaded. If you’re tired of walking, there are a few bike rental shops you can go to, but if the place is bustling, we don’t really recommend riding a bicycle.

The Homer Wilson Ranch

This 28,000-acre ranch was once one of the largest in the entire country but was abandoned in 1945. The house on the ranch may not be impressive in size, but it more than makes up for it in history and character. The materials used to build the house were sourced entirely from the local area, including the ceiling made of reeds, and the stone walls that were built from sand, gravel, and rocks found along the Blue Creek Canyon.

Aside from the house itself, the entire ranch provides a great backdrop for potentially any kind of photography you’re doing, and if you’re into night photography, you’re going to love spending a night or two at the Homer Wilson Ranch.

The Fort Worth Stockyards

This place is best visited during the fall season because that’s when the Fort Worth Stockyards district really comes alive. There is nowhere in the United States that truly personifies the country’s Western heritage better. Be there and get your camera ready for when longhorn cattle are being paraded along cobblestone streets, watch live gunfight duels being re-enacted, and end your evening at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo.

Of course, a plethora of stores selling authentic cowboy gear, vintage records, and other awesome souvenir items are open if you want to spend some of your loot. We’re pretty sure you’ll be getting hungry along the way, so feel free to stop by any of the several establishments serving up some of the best food you can get, whether you’re hankering for some barbecue, Tex-Mex, Italian, or good old American food.

Last Word Of Advice

If you’re going to Texas, make sure you have everything you need. That includes your USA ESTA. The ESTA Visa presently costs around US$14 if you make payments via their official website. Getting it means you can travel and stay anywhere in the United States for up to 90 days without having to carry a USA Visa.