Visiting San Antonio, TX week of Sept. 8 - What to photograph?

[magic823]

I'll be in San Antonio, TX the week of Sept. 8 on a business trip. I'll have from about 4pm on available each day for photography (after I get done teaching at USAA). I know the missions are not to be missed, but anything else? Which missions should I concentrate on, given my limited time.

Due to travel, I'll probably just bring my hassy and digital (I know, bad word) and leave the LF at home.

I'll be arriving sometime Sunday afternoon and leaving Friday evening.

Steve

 

[Glenn M]

All the Missions are must-sees and all offer ample opportunities for outstanding scenes. Honestly... and this may sound unusual, but... if you have to forego photographing any of them... skip The Alamo. It's right downtown and crawling with tourists. The Mission San Jose was a favorite. Keep in mind most of these Missions are still in operation, with services held... and San Jose also has an active monastery.

At Mission Conception last year a ranger gave us (was with brother) a hard time because he assumed we were professional photographers due to the size of cameras and the use of tripods... but after assuring him we weren't he left us alone. [We asked him if he was a fisherman... he said yes... we asked him if owning a boat made him a professional fisherman... the same concept he applied to us for using big cameras]. None of the other Missions gave us any notice at all.

Other places to see... the Riverwalk downtown, if you like architectural or street photography.

 

[jpeets]

Having visited a couple of times, I agree that the Alamo is very busy.

I really enjoyed photographing the scenery just outside of town. I found very nice rolling hills, and the live oaks made for scenery quite different from home.

Another option might be to look for small towns with period architecture. I visited Fredericksburg, found it interesting (but not amazing, and a bit far).

 

[wclavey]

Right in downtown SA is the cathedral which has some interesting architecturel, La Villita (a small art center built into the rennovated historical area of town - - a few interesting shots and shops) and the Old Spanish Governor's Mansion, which is not at all what it may sound like. I have shot MF there (Bronica S2A) with a monopod and it is very interesting. It is an old adobe home that was once the home of the Spanish Governor... but not what we would usually call, by today's standards, a mansion... I love it.

I make a circuit of the missions every 5 years or so, and I agree with the comments above, they all offer interesting and unique opportunities. I have not had any run-ins with the rangers, but I have heard of others that have... but when I shot last at most of them, I used a Mamiya TLR, which does not necessarily scream "professional" - - no big glass...

And I agree, too, on taking a pass at the Alamo, unless you have little time and nothing else to do... perhaps it has historical value but your photo opportunities will be better served elswhere

 

[Glenn M]

If you haven't seen this website, it provides a general overview of the five missions of San Antonio:

Dead Link Removed

 

[David Brown]

I really enjoyed photographing the scenery just outside of town. I found very nice rolling hills, and the live oaks made for scenery quite different from home.

Another option might be to look for small towns with period architecture. I visited Fredericksburg, found it interesting (but not amazing, and a bit far).

The rolling hills and live oaks are practically anywhere north and west of town. For a small town with interesting buildings a lot closer, try Castroville, 30 minutes due west of downtown SA on US Hwy 90.

Almost anyplace downtown is good for people. If you like zoo pictures, SA has one of the best in the country. Venture into the West Side and you can find some spectacular color murals on the sides of buildings. Just south of downtown is the King William District, full of the mansions where the local industrialists and merchants lived in the 19th Century. Think "Mary Poppins" type Victorians.

Downtown has things already mentioned, like the Riverwalk and La Villita, but don't overlook the old Hemisfair park, where the convention center is now and the Tower of the Americas still stands. You can't miss the tower. (You can probably see it from USAA) This is directly across the street from La Villita and on an extention of the riverwalk. Near the south portion of the area is a row of victorian houses that survived all the urban renewal and were actually restored and incorporated into the Hemisfair park in 1968. They're still there and are offices and shops, so they are maintained. Downtown also has 2 or 3 notable and restored old movie palaces. Two old train stations. At least 3 churches built in the 19th Century. The San Fernando Cathedral (mentioned above) is 18th Century. Etc, etc.

The Institute of Texas Cultures, the McNay Museum, the Witte Museum ...

San Antonio is a great town. Zillions of tourists don't go there just for Sea World ...

One downside: this time of year will still be blazing hot!

Oh, and eat some fajitas!

 

[wclavey]

Oh, and eat some fajitas!

Go down to the Riverwalk and eat most anything! Avoid any restaurant you know to be a chain, go in, and have a great meal.

The best thing about living on the far west side of Houston is that San Antonio is only 2 hours away... we often leave here at lunch time headed for SA, walk around and see something, have dinner on the Riverwalk (or one of our other favorite places) and then drive back... it is a nice trip for dinner.

 

[David Brown]

The best thing about living on the far west side of Houston is that San Antonio is only 2 hours away...

So is downtown Houston ...

 

[nsurit]

What is said about there being many tourist at the Alamo is true . . . and not a good reason to miss it. No cameras allowed inside, however in this Texan's view, a must see. You might find it to be an interesting place to photograph as it is getting dark.

You will need to eat sometime during your stay. One of my favorite San Antonio eateries, that you likely would not find on your own, is La Fogata on Vance Jackson : http://www.mindtruss.com/lafogata/index.html
Forgo the air conditioning inside and sit outside on the covered patio area. You will see a nice cross section of San Antonio residents and have some great Mexican food. Don't order the plate that is a little bit of everything unless you are really hungry or have a friend along to help you.

 

[jpeets]

What is said about there being many tourist at the Alamo is true . . . and not a good reason to miss it. No cameras allowed inside, however in this Texan's view, a must see

I agree that it is a must see - just not great for photos.

I found it extremely moving.

 

[Kino]

I always wanted to go to the Magic Lantern Castle in San Antonio

http://www.magiclanterns.org/

By appointment only, though...

http://www.magiclanterns.org/page2.htm

 

[wclavey]

So is downtown Houston ...

Tell me about it... at least I-10 will be finished soon...