Almost twenty three thousand runners & walkers hit the streets this year for the Capitol 10k. A decade or so ago my son & I started running the 10k, then when his unit at Texas A&M started running it, I became their ‘official’ photographer. Although Matt graduated a couple of years ago, I still get the privilege of photographing the Aggies from his unit during their traditional run. This year I was fortunate to be able to photograph the runners as they made their way up Congress Ave from the Austonian building. Can you imagine being able to actually wake up every morning with this view of the Austin skyline out your window? Amazing.
The Frost bank building in Austin Texas looks pretty tall until you view it from the top of the new Austonian. A resident of the Austonian that recently acquired one of my Austin art images was kind enough to allow me into his home to see my art displayed in these amazing surroundings. While I was visiting he also arranged a tour for me to scout locations for a future Austin skyline image. Now I’m just waiting for the scaffolding to be removed from the Capitol building so I can shoot a series of new Austin skyline photographs that show off the views afforded the fortunate residents of this amazing space.
This is another image from my photowalk I did with my sister during SXSW in Austin last week. Austin has a number of these 10′ Gibson GuitarTown guitars around the city. (Gee, you would think we were known for our music…) This one is in front of the Frost Bank building on Congress Avenue. You can see a few more of my images of the guitars here.
While few long time Austinites don’t long for the time not too long ago when Austin was a smaller place without the outrageous traffic and sprawling suburbs, I do like the emerging look of the ‘new’ downtown. The Austin Skyline is developing into quite a beauty.
As a side note, don’t try a multiple exposure HDR shot like this from the middle of a busy road without an assistant (that likes you) to warn of traffic coming from behind.
Austin Texas seems to have an ever changing skyline. I do a fair amount of Austin Stock photography sales so I am always looking for new images. Yesterday the clouds were looking interesting so I decided to do a little walking around downtown looking for photo opportunities. I parked my car on Congress Avenue (the main street in downtown Austin) and this wall was directly in front of me. I’m not sure why I had never noticed it before, but it was calling my name. I particularly like the juxtaposition of the ‘spear like’ Frost Bank building as though it’s providing an alternate answer to the message on the building.
It’s getting more & more difficult to find an ‘iconic’ image of Austin Texas. Not too long ago you would photograph the Austin skyline from any hill and be able to include the Texas Capitol & the UT Tower. Now unless you are shooting straight down Congress Avenue the Capitol is obscured by all the new construction. I had a fellow photographer tell me that the Frost Bank Tower (The tall building to the right of the Capitol) is the ‘new’ Austin icon. Me, I still like the old traditional Capitol.
I was shooting a portrait session recently in downtown Austin when I looked up & liked the way the clouds & light were framing the Frost Bank Building. It’s quite an interesting looking building. (You can also see it’s reflection in one of my HOG Rally photos & it’s in the background of another.)
This view Austin’s skyline was taken last week just a few feet from the Stevie Ray Vaughn Statue on the hike & bike trail. I’m looking forward to the day when the Austonian is finished next year so I can shoot a new ‘complete’ Austin skyline photo series.
If you find yourself in Austin Texas and feel like going out for a run walk or bike ride, check out the Town Lake hike & bike trail. It winds for about 10 miles along the Colorado River in downtown Austin. There are lots of access points so you can make your workout as short or long as you desire. With Austin’s plethora of musicians, often you will find a talented individual providing a little music for the hikers & their dogs. Another musician you will always find on the trail is Stevie Ray Vaughan. His statue stands silently with guitar in hand on Auditorium Shores watching the people pass by.
