Photographing Austin

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Another freelance article about the best photo ops in Austin…but this one got rejected.
So, f you. I’m putting it up on my blog.
(If you find this post boring, I don’t blame you. I was bored writing it. Taking the pictures was fun though! I will have new material up this week, I think? I HOPE!)

Let the cheese begin…

Mount Bonnell
Location: 3800 Mount Bonnell Drive Austin, TX 78731

Why not say “I love you” with a breathtaking panoramic view of Austin? Mount Bonnell, located roughly fifteen minutes from downtown Austin, is the spot that lovebirds have been flocking to since the 1800’s. It’s secluded location and beautiful views of Lake Austin make it a great place to get a little ol’ fashion necking in or take snapshots with your honey. Due to it’s expansive and scenic backdrop, the park has also been a popular destination spot for photographing marriage proposals. If the sights don’t win your girl over, just point to any of the multi-million dollar homes in the area and promise her one of those. Mount Bonnell is located in the upscale neighborhood of West Austin and the best way to get there is via car and GPS. Parking and entry is free and open year round. The best time and place to take photographs is at dusk looking north towards the 360 Bridge.

Daniel Johnston’s “Hi, How Are You?” mural
Location: 21st and Guadalupe Austin, TX 78705

Eccentric singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston is popular for many reasons- his lo-fi folk/alt music, his bi-polar disorder, his mental breakdowns- but may be arguably most famous for his Jeremiah the Innocent drawing featured on his 1983 album, Hi, How Are You?”. Johnston was a struggling musician in Austin, Texas for many years before garnering popularity when Kurt Cobain was spotted wearing a t-shirt with Johnston’s Jeremiah sketch. In 1993, Johnston was commissioned by a local business owner in Austin, Texas to draw the iconic image on the side of his store located at 21st and Guadalupe near the University of Texas. When ownership changed over the years, the mural ran the risk of being demolished. However, with much protest and news coverage the mural was saved and fans can still get their photo taken in front their favorite mentally unstable musician’s masterpiece. The mural is located on the side of Crave Thai and Sushi Bar and is accessible from the sidewalk. The best way to get there is to street park and then walk up and snap a photo in front of Mr. Jeremiah.

Barton Springs Pool
Location: 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78746

Austin is full of exciting attractions for the family, but nothing compares to the accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and good ol’ fashion fun of Barton Springs Pool. Located in beautiful Zilker Park, this man-made, spring-fed pool as been the go-to place for adventurous families since the 1940’s! The pool acts as the perfect day-trip to beat the summer heat and offers a shallow end for the little ones as well as a deep end for adults to stretch their legs. Between the rustic-looking watering hole filled with plants and fish and the sprawling lawn adorned with sunbathing patrons, this location makes for the perfect photo op! The best spot to take photos is at either end of the pool or in front of daring swimmers jumping back flips off of the diving board. Entry to Barton Springs is $3 for adults, $2 for children between the ages of 12-17, and $1 for children under the age of 11 and parking is $3. The pool is open daily from 5AM-10PM. Check the website for more details http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm

Skyline from Town Lake Park
Location: Auditorium Shores on Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX 78704

Though it’s no Manhattan skyline, much is to be said for Austin’s ever-changing urban landscape. Where only a few tall buildings stood a few decades ago, now stands numerous business towers, condos, and hotels. So where is the best place to get the perfect shot of Austin’s new skyline? Auditorium Shores. Located on the south side of Lady Bird Lake, this scenic park boasts a dog park, hike & bike trail, and lush, green lawn perfect for any picnic. However, the best feature the park has to offer is the perfect photo op of downtown Austin. Climb the grassy knoll at Butler Park to get the best shot, and then look behind you to snap photos of the park’s pond and jumping fountain. The best time to take photos is during the day when the hustle and bustle of the city is most prominent. Auditorium Shores and Butler Park are free and open to the public year round. There is plenty of free public parking and the best way to navigate the park is on bike and foot.

Texas Capitol Building
Location: 11th and Congress, Austin, TX 78701

In the midst of downtown Austin lies the heart of Texas politics- The Texas Capitol Building. Completed in 1888, the structure is the largest state capitol building in the country and keeps tourists coming back year after year. The ornate architecture and central location of the building makes for the perfect photo op and one will find visitors lining the well-manicured lawn taking photos in front of the attractive Italian Renaissance Revival structure. Entry to the building is free and during tours, visitors are welcome to snap photos in the chambers where Texas legislation goes down. However, one of the best photo ops is front of or underneath the impressive circular dome. The Texas Capitol is open to the public Mon-Fri from 7AM-10PM and Sat-Sun 9AM-8PM and the Visitors Center is open Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM and Sun 12PM-5PM. Visitor parking is located at 1201 San Jacinto Ave and is free for the first two hours.