Austin is nothing if not photogenic. Rolling hills, colorful public artwork and a growing skyline create iconic backdrops for your photographs, whether it’s family, friends or a creatively-cropped landscape image.
But what to do with those photos? Post it to Facebook and Instagram? Sure. But these backgrounds speak to what Austin is — a place full of big ideas, eclectic art and natural beauty.
So consider how those images might compliment your home. Perhaps a series of these famous — or semi-famous — locations could form a very Austin-esque family photo mosaic. Or maybe the landscapes alone could be framed nicely in your entryway, showing off local knowledge, photography skills and city pride.
Some vendors have turned these iconic scenes into coasters, keychains and coffee mugs. But you can go beyond that with your own unique perspectives and projects.
Whatever your use, a visit to these locations can provide interesting outings that help further your appreciation for the city.
Mount Bonnell
The long staircase leading to the top may give you a little workout. But the view is worth the strides. The miniature mountain overlooks Lake Austin and the sprawling luxury homes of Mount Bonnell Shores.
Texas State Capitol
The nation’s largest state capitol can be seen from miles. Check out long views from South Congress. Get close up to capture the architecture. And some of its most photogenic features lie within — such as the rotunda.
UT Tower
The tower is a symbol of The University of Texas. Consider the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and University Avenue as a starting point. But the 307-foot tower can be captured from miles away, capturing the bustling context it exists in. Capture its different lighting configurations after the Longhorns win a game.
“Hi, How Are You”
Visit the strange and seemingly happy frog at the intersection of Guadalupe and West 21st Street. The simple mural, painted by Daniel Johnston in 1992, has served as one of the most iconic backdrops for quick photos in Austin. If you go during South By Southwest, you may have to wait for others to get their photos in. But it’s a great place to wait, with dozens of shops and restaurants lining The Drag of Guadalupe next to the University of Texas.
Auditorium Shores, Pfluger Bridge and Stevie Ray Vaughan
It’s tough to beat Auditorium Shores and the Pfluger Bridge (a pedestrian crossing just east of Lamar) if you’re looking to capture people in the foreground and Austin’s skyline in the background. Make a little trip of it by taking shots from the pedestrian bridge. Then, continue on into Auditorium shores for different angles before reaching the bronze Stevie Ray Vaughan statue, a can’t miss spot for many musicians.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Add a bunch of color to your portraits with a stop at Zilker Botanical Garden, which is full of quaint spots for engagement or wedding photos. Located at 2220 Barton Springs Road, it provides pretty, natural backdrops without venturing far from downtown. The Zilker neighborhood has several other photogenic locations, as well.
Graffiti Wall
The lively, ever-changing graffiti wall is an opportunity to inject some urban attitude as well as art into your photo collection. And, if you have the right shoes and balance to climb around, this site also doubles as place to capture great images of downtown.