One Day Big Bend
At the start of the new year, I had the opportunity to visit Big Bend National Park with two of my close friends and my brother. Although the trip was only one day long, it was more than enough time to remind me why I love combining travel and photography.
Every time I head outdoors, I treat it as an opportunity to grow creatively and document real experiences as they happen. Big Bend National Park is one of only two national parks in Texas and is located roughly seven hours from San Antonio. It is a long drive, and I am extremely thankful that my brother drove the entire way.
Because my brother is married and recently welcomed a newborn, we were limited on time. Even so, we made the most of it. We picked up great food, went on a hike to watch the sunset, and ended the night cooking steaks under the open sky. Big Bend is well known for its dark skies and incredible opportunities for astrophotography. While shooting that night, I realized I had forgotten a small piece of gear that would have allowed me to properly mount my camera on my tripod. Based on my experience photographing in low light environments, I adapted by placing my camera directly on the ground to stabilize it. Even with that challenge, I was able to capture images that reflected the moment.
Sleeping that night was not exactly comfortable. The temperatures dropped significantly, and sleeping in close quarters made for a rough night overall. Waking up the next morning took some effort, but the experience quickly became worth it once we hit the trail.
We hiked the Lost Mine Trail, where we encountered some of the coldest and windiest conditions I have ever photographed in. The wind was relentless, and it genuinely felt like Antarctica without the snow. Conditions like that can be challenging for both hiking and photography, but based on my experience, those moments often produce the most memorable images. Despite the harsh weather, I enjoyed every minute of it, especially because I was sharing the experience with people I love.
After the hike, we packed up and headed home. Even though the trip was short, it left a lasting impression on me. Experiences like this remind me how blessed we are and how important it is to document life as it happens.
One of my favorite parts of travel photography is capturing the people I am with in an honest and natural way. Photographing my friends as silhouettes in the distance, framed by the mountains and open landscape, reinforces why I love photography so much. Photography freezes moments in time. No matter the occasion, having a photographer allows those moments to be remembered exactly as they were.
If you are looking for a Bryan College Station photographer, or someone who specializes in Texas travel photography, national park photography, adventure photography, and candid storytelling, I would love to work with you. My name is Isaac Killgore, and I serve the Bryan College Station area and travel throughout Texas and beyond.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and Gig ’em.
