Overcoming Fear - Austin Texas Street Photography - Fuji X-T3, 16-55mm f2.8 and 35mm f1.4

Have you ever had one of those moments where you are on a tarmac stuck in a claustrophobic plane and you get absolutely overwhelmed with fear? In my case it was a fear of the unknown, being in a new state and city, not knowing anyone, not having even a glimpse of a plan, other then I seriously needed a wicked strong drink.

I was completely second guessing why I put myself on a plane to Austin but Street photography is not just my passion but as well a mental break, or therapy you could say, and I would come to find Austin to be a brilliant subject for getting lost in with my favorite gear, on the hunt for compositions.

Now you may be asking yourself, why no plan? That stemmed from my trip to Seattle and that I had planned out so many shots that I had researched that it no longer felt like an organic experience. It became more like work, of going down my list instead of finding compositions that inspire me in the moment as I explore the city. Now it’s not to say that some planning would not be good or that I didn't really have great moments with the comps I got in Seattle, but I wanted to give having no plan a try to see what that experience would bring.. Now this may change, but I think I'm leaning towards no plan after the Austin trip..

Austin is definitely one of the more intriguing cities I've been to, with the impressive state capital building being visible in the background of the downtown skyscraper skyline, and the many bridges extending out of the city over the beautiful Colorado River. I came to Austin with no plan and with some advice of the bar tender and some patrons at my hotel, I started my adventure on Congress Avenue and the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Two things to note about downtown Austin, first it has a lot of brilliant rooftop bars for getting a better vantage point of the city. One of my favorites was at the Edge Rooftop on top of the JW Marriott, Austin. The other thing to note, is that the Congress Avenue Bridge is where you can see the thousands of bats that live under the bridge and that seek out food about 10 minutes before sunset. You can view them at the Statesman Bat Observation Center area, which is along the Colorado River and the bridge.

I hope you enjoyed this Austin Texas street photography adventure and that it may inspire you to work past your own fears to get out and have your own photography adventure, whether street or otherwise.. Cheers! - Jade