We have a number of Lutheran churches on the Blackland Prairie. Two I enjoy seeing are Zion Lutheran Church, in Sandoval, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, in Wuthrich Hill. Zion is presented in the first three, Prince of Peace in the others. As the daylight hours grow shorter, I’m enjoying the elegant evening light. These are from tonight.
After Sundown Along a Dirt Road
Dirt roads are subjects that draw me in. This is one I’ve offered a few times in various forms. The light was warm and serene a few minutes after sunset this week. That’s about all it takes to click the shutter. I get these inspirations, friends.
Pumpkins
After taking a few photographs near the truss bridge spanning the San Gabriel River this week, a young man asked if I had time to make a photograph of him and his friend. Normally, I’d mosey on, but when he mentioned pumpkins, I was intrigued. After taking some photos for them with his phone, I made a few with my camera. They’d dressed to the nines, toting pumpkins they’d carved for the occasion. It’s nice to find folks who appreciate these historic places. And to find a bit of whimsey, too.
Autumn Tree Light
When using the phrase “autumn light,” I’m not referring to fall colors, but rather to the crispness that comes with late-day light at this time of year. This is a grove of trees photographed a few times over the years. It’s close to home, not far from the San Gabriel River. For me, it’s a very quiet place. Ongoing drought has taken some trees, but a few remain. In the midst of the ongoing noise that digs into our psyche right now, this is a respite.
Windmill Reflections
Quite possibly my favorite windmill to photograph is offered tonight. Its home is a friend’s farm near Walburg, Texas. I could snap photos of this one until the cows come home.
Good Company at Day’s End
This was taken in recent days. When looking up dove-hunting season in Central Texas this morning, I discovered that this is its final day until December. The immense pleasure of each other’s company near day’s end was reason enough to post. Lizzie and her human are well-bonded. The landscape here isn’t shabby, either.
The Williamson County Fair Rodeo
The Williamson County Fair Rodeo continues tonight at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor. Offered here are photographs taken during Friday night’s session. The light inside the arena is challenging, but we do what we can. Mutton Bustin’ is (of course) included. Three of the cowboys competing last evening are Australians currently living in Texas to further their studies. I always cringe a little when watching the bull riding events. Those athletes wear helmets and heavily-padded vests. Bulls can be testy.
Daily Walk Photos For This Week
A few things seen during my daily walks in Taylor, including this morning. When possible, I’ll try to post a little grouping each week. All photographs were taken with a feather-light Olympus camera.
Three Barns
A continuation of barns that occasionally get my interest. The metal barn in the opening photograph, in the Granger area, can look nice at certain times of day. Mostly, I just drive on by, but this one, taken about 15 minutes after sunset, merited a stop. The second barn, east of Thrall, seems to be disintegrating a bit more each time I see it. The last one is a barn in Coupland that always gets the attention of photographers, this one, too. Although that skeleton is there year-round, it’s the right season for another peek.
Scenes from the 2024 Williamson County Fair
County fairs don’t really need too much information, do they? Presented here are photographs taken on Wednesday evening, the opening day of the Williamson County Fair & Rodeo, held at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor. I’m planning to photograph the rodeo on Friday evening. Rodeo is among my favorite things to photograph, but also the most mentally and physically taxing because of keeping up with names of contestants. It’s nightmarish at times.