Texas in Film: A family road trip through the Lone Star State
Over winter break, my family and I set off on a week-long trip through Texas — five cities in six days, spanning cowboy legends, modern art, presidential history, holiday lights, and even space exploration. I brought along my Nikon F3 and a roll of Kodak Portra 400 film to capture the journey in color and character. Here's a look back at the moments we shared, through the lens of film.
Dallas: Cowboys and Illusions
We landed at DFW and stayed three nights at the Omni Dallas Hotel. The city greeted us with warm lights and cold rain, but the spirit of Texas was alive everywhere.
On our first full day, we visited the Fort Worth Stockyards — it felt like stepping into an old Western movie, with longhorns, brick roads, and cowboy hats everywhere.
The next day was rainy, so we explored the Museum of Illusions in Dallas — a quirky and fun escape from the storm.
Before leaving Dallas, we drove past Pioneer Plaza, with its larger-than-life bronze cattle sculptures — an unforgettable tribute to the state’s frontier heritage.
Austin: Art, Archives, and Christmas Night
We drove from Dallas to Austin on Christmas Day, making a quick stop in Waco. We arrived in Austin just in time to catch the city glowing with holiday quiet.
We stayed one night at the JW Marriott Austin, with a beautiful view of the city skyline.
The next morning, we visited the LBJ Presidential Library, full of historical artifacts and echoes of the 1960s.
We also explored the Blanton Museum of Art, where I saw striking contemporary installations alongside classical works — all in the soft, natural light that film loves.
San Antonio: River Lights and The Alamo
On the 26th, we headed south to San Antonio and checked into the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk, right in the heart of the city's most iconic attraction.
That evening, we took a long walk along the San Antonio River Walk, which was glowing with dazzling holiday lights, reflections dancing in the water.
The next morning, we stepped back into history at The Alamo, quiet and powerful, surrounded by modern buildings but standing firm in time.
Houston: Shopping and Space
Our last stop was Houston, where we stayed at the JW Marriott by the Galleria.
We spent one day at the Galleria, the city’s biggest shopping mall — a contrast to the old-town charm of earlier days.
On our final day, we visited the NASA Johnson Space Center, which felt like walking on the edge of imagination — rockets, moon rocks, and the spirit of exploration everywhere.
Shooting with my Nikon F3 and Portra 400 brought out the warm tones of city lights, the soft colors of museum interiors, and the rich textures of historic streets. Film feels slower and more deliberate than digital — a way of remembering with intention.
I hope these photos and memories take you along with us.