A Stroll Through History: Capturing the Texas State Capitol
Framed by oak branches, the Texas State Capitol rises with timeless elegance—its copper dome and waving flags a proud symbol of Austin’s rich history.
During a recent visit to Austin, I made time to explore and photograph one of the city’s most iconic landmarks—the Texas State Capitol. Nestled at the north end of Congress Avenue, this architectural marvel is not just a government building—it's a symbol of pride, heritage, and Texas-sized grandeur.
Completed in 1888, the Texas State Capitol stands as a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. It was constructed from "sunset red" granite and remains one of the tallest capitol buildings in the United States. The design is a fine example of Renaissance Revival architecture, reflecting both elegance and strength.
What struck me first was the intricate detail of the dome, topped by the Goddess of Liberty holding a lone star high above the city. Shooting from below with a soft morning sky gave the statue a subtle glow—making for a dramatic composition with both the U.S. and Texas flags fluttering beneath it.
Approaching from the shaded pathway lined with live oaks, the grandeur of the building truly sets in. There’s something special about this view—the symmetry of the trees guiding you straight to the steps, where everyday life unfolds against a backdrop of classical design and Texas resilience.
Photographing the Capitol from different vantage points allowed me to highlight the way the structure blends into the landscape. The final frame, peeking through the branches, felt like a quiet moment of reverence—a reminder that history can be found in both the monumental and the intimate.
Closing Thought:
If you're ever in Austin with a camera in hand, the Capitol is a must-shoot. It’s a space where politics, artistry, and natural beauty converge—and where even a casual stroll can become a photo essay
Roads of Fire: Photographing Nevada’s Red Rock Desert
A sun-soaked welcome to Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park, where towering red rock formations and open desert landscapes set the tone for an unforgettable Southwest adventure.
The Valley of Fire State Park sign marks the gateway to Nevada’s oldest state park, surrounded by striking desert rock and endless adventure.
Just an hour northeast of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park feels like a different planet. Rust-colored cliffs, rippled sandstone formations, and narrow canyons stretch endlessly under a wide desert sky. I visited with my camera in hand, hoping to catch that golden-hour glow bouncing off the rock — and the park didn’t disappoint.
Towering red sandstone formations dominate the Valley of Fire landscape, their textures shaped by time and desert wind.
One of the most memorable moments came as I stood on a winding desert road, watching the light spill across the layered ridges. The road itself seemed to vanish into the heat, framed by jagged rock walls that looked like they were glowing. In that stillness, surrounded by nothing but rock and sky, I felt both small and incredibly alive— exactly the feeling I try to capture through my lens.
Golden hour lights up the desert as a winding road leads out of Valley of Fire, with storm clouds gathering in the distance.
Every turn in Valley of Fire offers something photogenic: twisted canyons, petroglyphs carved into rock, sudden arches, and the warm gradient of colors that shift from orange to deep crimson as the sun drops. The textures here are unreal — like fire frozen in time.
A rugged desert valley cuts through the rocky terrain of Valley of Fire State Park, showcasing the raw beauty of Nevada’s oldest state park under a clear desert sky.
This visit reminded me how powerful natural light can be in storytelling. Sometimes, all it takes is a road, a horizon, and the patience to stand still while the desert shows you something ancient.
A scenic drive into Valley of Fire State Park, where the road winds toward fiery red rock formations under a bright desert sky.