I grew up in Dallas, and if you had asked me years ago if I ever wanted to live in the Lone Star State again, my answer would have been a swift and definitive no. But python-flat horizons and dry landscapes aside, Austin is a completely different world. If I ever do find myself moving back to Texas, it will be to Austin, 100%. During my trip from September 27 to 29, 2025, I fell in love with the stunning visual contrast of this city. It completely subverts the dusty, concrete expectation of Texas, making it a dream destination for professional austin travel photography. Instead of barren plains, you are met with a gleaming modern skyline framed beautifully by lush greenery, vibrant historic neighborhoods, and the winding paths of Lady Bird Lake.
10 Miles, One Camera, and a Solo Adventure
On my final day in town, I decided to lace up my sneakers, grab my camera gear, and head out on a solo walking adventure. Between 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM, I covered over 10 miles on foot.
While shooting in the middle of a bright, sunny day gives you harsh, high-contrast midday sunlight, the architecture and natural canopy of Austin handle it beautifully. Walking those miles allowed me to slow down and really see the city, capturing the sharp lines of towering skyscrapers reflecting the blue sky, contrasted against wild, untamed riverside foliage.
Where the Skyline Meets the River
The real magic of Austin photography is how seamlessly nature is woven into the urban environment. On my second day, I went on an afternoon kayaking trip on Lady Bird Lake. I couldn’t risk taking my professional camera gear out on the water, but I managed to capture some fun smartphone pictures from my vantage point on the lake.
The perspective from the water is incredible. You can paddle under a canopy of dense green trees, look across the water, and see a modern architectural marvel reaching into the clouds. It creates a beautiful layer of depth in a landscape photo that you don’t find in many major metropolitan areas.
Looking Down on History at the Texas State Capitol
I spent some time exploring both the interior and exterior of the Texas State Capitol building, and the architecture did not disappoint. The details inside the massive building are breathtaking. While I was exploring the upper levels of the Capitol Rotunda, I happened to look down and spot a couple having their wedding portraits taken two and three stories below. Capturing those unique, bird’s-eye views of their session inside that grand, historic space was an unexpected highlight of my architectural tour.
Cruising for the Elusive Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Of course, you cannot visit Austin without acknowledging its most famous seasonal residents. On my second night, I booked a riverboat bat-watching tour, fully prepared to witness the spectacular evening flight of the city’s urban bat colony from the water.
The bats decided not to put on a grand show for me while I was there, but that is the beautiful, unpredictable nature of wildlife photography! The cruise itself still offered a fantastic vantage point to capture the glowing evening skyline and the energy of the river below.
I got to enjoy another special Austin treat on that boat tour when crowds gathered on Austin’s James D. Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge at sunset for a session of “Scream Club ATX.” This is a local tradition similar to Austin’s famous lunar howling, where participants collectively release stress by screaming together into the void.
Quirky Shops and New Life Goals on South Congress (SoCo)
The cultural heartbeat of Austin is on full display along South Congress Avenue, and I absolutely loved exploring the quirky local shops and restaurants.
Two spots completely captured my imagination:
- Big Top Candy Shop and Soda Fountain: The vintage, circus-themed decor inside this place is absolutely remarkable and packed with nostalgic charm.
- Prima Dora: This shop is a treasure trove of unique local goods. While browsing their bookshelves, I officially decided on a new life goal: I want to write a book that gets featured on the shelves of Prima Dora in Austin, Texas!
A Foodie’s Paradise (Better Late Than Never!)
You cannot talk about Austin without talking about the food. I took plenty of phone pictures at the restaurants and treats I enjoyed along the way, and every single one was fantastic. If you are planning a trip, add these local gems to your culinary itinerary:
- Joann’s Fine Foods: The perfect retro diner vibe with incredible Tex-Mex flares.
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: The ultimate sweet treat to cool off after walking the city blocks.
- Magnolia Cafe South: A classic, welcoming Austin staple that delivers pure comfort food.
- De Nada Taco: Incredible, authentic tacos with a vibrant atmosphere. The desserts were fantastic!
- Home Slice Pizza: Legendary, authentic New York-style slices right in the heart of Texas.
Future Commutes: The Waymo Experience
As a final, tech-forward highlight to my trip, I was thoroughly intrigued and amused by the Waymo self-driving vehicles cruising around the city. Watching these fully autonomous cars navigate the busy downtown traffic like a real-life sci-fi movie was the perfect modern contrast to Austin’s natural river trails and historic spaces.
Of course, being a happy pedestrian myself, I still much preferred to photograph the amazing people of Austin rather than the self-driving cars.
Explore the Austin Travel Gallery
Every city has a unique rhythm, and capturing Austin’s green heart was an unforgettable experience for my portfolio. I have compiled my absolute favorite landscape, architectural, smartphone snaps, and nature shots from this trip into a dedicated travel folder.
Whether you are planning your own trip to the Lone Star State or just love a beautiful view, you can peruse and order prints of the full high-resolution collection right here: Austin, Texas Travel Photography.
As a final note, I’d like to give a shout out to the lovely Lacey Carroway and all of the amazing people who made me feel safe on the streets of Austin during my mastectomy tattoo reveal photos. I have shared these personal photos with many women contemplating their path forward after mastectomy, and hope they have cast some inspiration and light on other’s lives.
