Friday, February 12, 2010

Weekend Reflections - Texas Capitol

Time to head over to Newtown Area Photo for Weekend Reflections. This event is graciously hosted by James every week, and has links to some really outstanding photography.

This past weekend, cabin fever set in and we trekked into Austin for a little night shooting. It was COLD! But I took one for the team and came back with a couple of interesting shots.

This first is your standard Capitol at night shot, back view of the Texas State Capitol. There were few interesting reflections to be found, mainly due to the fact that this place is lit up like a football field on a Friday night in a Texas town! But notice that black "hump" in the foreground. It looks like a standard boxwood hedge, until you stand on the brick surround and look down...

If you do, you will be rewarded with this. This is looking down into a glass ceiling. The Capitol has numerous corridors and offices below street level, and they use alot of glass to let in light. Finally, a reflection! The focus is not great, had to shoot this handheld because I could not get the tripod over the little fence without putting it on the glass. I don't think the Texas State Troopers patrolling the grounds would have accepted the excuse that I was just trying to get a good shot for James!

If you ever get to Austin, make sure to tour our beautiful Capitol. The building and the grounds are magnificent - no brag, just fact!

Thanks James for hosting this fun event.

46 comments:

My name is Riet said...

What a beautiful building and the reflection looks great

Suburban Girl said...

Cool shot.

Regina said...

Great one!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Impressive building and it certainly makes a great reflection!

Rune Eide said...

Nice one.

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Beautiful shots, Kat! Thanks for braving teh cold to get them! And you know I love the name of your capitol city! lol Happy Friday!...hugs...Debbie

Tania said...

Cool!:-)

Diane AZ said...

Both pictures are breathtaking!

Icy BC said...

This is great reflection!

Anonymous said...

Nice surprise. Both images are very well thought out.

Anonymous said...

Kewl capture ... nifty reflection!
Hugs and blessings,

Lew said...

A tough shot to get but worth the effort!

Maria said...

Nice image of the building and cool reflection. Thanks for stopping by.

James said...

I've only been to a couple capitol buildings and this one is fantastic. I read that it's the best one and that's easy to believe. Your pictures are excellent. This reminds me that I need to find my Texas capitol pictures. Your post brought back some nice memories. Come to think of it I guess I'm still a Texan because I haven't gotten around to becoming a Pennsylvania citizen. I think that's going to change next week.

VP said...

A very curious reflection with an interesting comment.

Shellbelle said...

Magnificent! So interesting that they have offices underground and the insight to put in glass ceilings.

I wonder if there was a cleaning crew down there wondering what the heck you were up to! Love that the reflection so clearly shows the Dome. Kudos!

eileeninmd said...

Cool reflection and photo!

Kcalpesh said...

Really superb captures....

Pixellicious Photos

Lois said...

I love this shot! Glad you got it at night too. This really is a lovely building.

Woody said...

Austin Rocks! What a great place. I used to visit there all the time on business. It would be cool to get a reflection shot of the bats in the summer!

I think the reflection shot is really cool!

Michael said...

Nice try. Thanks for sharing.

Gattina said...

A beautiful capitol ! looks like a castle !

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Have I ever mentioned that I have NEVER been to Texas in my entire life? Hank has been a time or two but I never have.

Jientje said...

I love how you included the story how you got the picture in this post. Night shots are very hard to do without a tripod. The first one is perfect and the second one is very well composed!

Unknown said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I have been enjoying yours. I especially like the boats in the marina.

Maia T said...

Beautiful reflection photo, thanks for sharing.

Eden said...

Beautiful building and reflection.

Unknown said...

an impressive building...

RA said...

Beautiful reflection shots! I love to see the Capitol at night. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful week :).

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

This is a very unique reflection Kathy! Neat photo!

JunieRose2005 said...

Beautiful building and neat reflection!


Junie

Carletta said...

Lovely shot of your Capitol!
The glass ceiling is really cool.
Neat fractured reflection.

Irene said...

Cool shot. And thanks for visiting!

Crafty Green Poet said...

what a cool reflection shot!

Jenny said...

A glass ceiling. That is too cool. Wow. Awesome shot! Happy Valentines Day!

Bonnie said...

Gorgeous photos, love the look of the state capital. So regal.

Happy Valentine's Day, Bonnie

Amanda Moore said...

Oh yeah this was a real treat both shots were great but the reflection was awesome!

Unknown said...

If I ever get to Austin I'll be sure to check the Capitol building out!

Oh, by the way, I'm sure James would have posted bail for you. :)

diane b said...

That sure is one great building and a tricky reflection.

Lynette said...

I really need to get down to Texas and have you teach me how to take pictures - your's are always so stunning Kathy!

Thanks for the complimnets on the new makeover and all my "flea finds"! We had such a blast!

Enjoy your week friend -

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Beautiful capitol building photo - very majestic! Linda

Lynn said...

Beautiful photos! I have never been to Austin.

La Dolfina said...

Wow... breathtaking!
I've always heard that Austin was one great town. I'd love to visit one day!
Thanks for visiting my blog today and for your nice comment!
~xo always

Anonymous said...

Hi! I just discovered the Texas Blogging Gals network and signed up to be a part of it. I'm checking out the other members and hope to get to know you. I became a follower. You can come by and meet me at www.lonestarlifer.wordpress.com
Thanks!

Helen said...

Just wanted to say a quick thank you for your sweet comment ... very nice photo by the way!

The Muse said...

ok...you are going to have to be blogland's official photographer!

beautiful!