Lens-Artists Challenge #383:
Looking Back to #174 – Shapes and Designs
This week, we revisit the Lens-Artists Challenge #174: Shapes and Designs. The original entry was written by Patti. In our Looking Back series, Tina revisits the challenge. Please make sure to look at her beautiful post and Patti’s original challenge. I am truly enjoying this Looking Back series because it gives me a chance to participate in early challenges.
Of all the many things that came to mind for me showcase in this challenge, I decided to focus on the shapes and designs at the Texas State Capitol. I have several other photos from this majestic building in other posts. You can use the links at the end to view those if you’re interested in more images.
I love the building’s Renaissance Revival style. However, the building is the third Capitol sitting on that location. The previous building burned down in 1881, and this building was finished in 1888. Because of the Goddess of Liberty statue that sits on top of this building, the total Texas Capitol height is 302 feet (92 meters). This makes it 14 feet (4.25 meters) taller than the US Capitol in Washington, DC.
The Underground Extension shown above was completed in 1993 to accommodate the Capitol’s space needs. Instead of building a skyscraper, the State decided to do four stories underground. The open-air rotunda provides natural light to reach all underground floors.
The Senate Chamber, just like the whole building, is another architectural jewel. The walnut desks are the original 1888 desks. During sessions, the public can sit in the gallery surrounding the Senate Chamber floor. I love the space’s grandeur, including the ceiling and light fixtures.
Finally, the Dome can be appreciated from the ground-floor rotunda or from any other floor. In the very center of the dome, there is a Star of Texas.
Before closing, I want to thank each and every one for the comments and posts you submitted this past week about the Rejected challenge. I am glad I sparked your creativity to re-examine old photos. I learned some new tricks from the beautiful shots you shared.
When you join Tina’s challenge this week, please don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag in your posts to help people find your wonderful challenge entries.
Next week, Beth will feature the first challenge for February. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Austin, Cityscapes, Lens-Artists, Monochrome, State Capitol, Sunset, Texas. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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Leya
Absolutely fabulous, Egidio! Your editing is superb too. What a building – and so big! Thank you for introducing me to it.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks so much, Ann-Christine. I love editing just as much as I enjoy capturing those images.
Lindy Le Coq
Such a lovely tribute to a beautiful structure, Egídio. That the Capital is “14 feet (4.25 meters) taller than the US Capitol in Washington, DC,” is evidence that everything is bigger in Texas!
Egidio Leitao
Lindy, I am glad you caught that Texas trivia. Yes, Texans like to brag about everything in the state. Thanks for the feedback.
restlessjo
Tina is right, Egidio. These are fabulous photos of this building. I particularly love the underground extension. Such clever design, beautifully executed xx
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million. xx
Leanne Cole
These are incredible Egidio, I love them all.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Leanne.
philosophy through photography
Lovely capture, Egidio.
The building looks grand and full of history. The dome and star are beautiful.
The underground design is unique.
Love this Capitol’s Underground Extension click.
Felt nice reading the story behind these photos, my friend.
Thank you.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for your detailed feedback, Philo. Much appreciated.
philosophy through photography
Welcome, my friend, a pleasure always. 🙏
Steve Schwartzman
You did the Capitol justice, photographically speaking. I remember when the underground extension was built.
On our two recent trips we found the Capitols in Utah and Oklahoma to be fancier than the one here.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks very much, Steve. I don’t recall much about the OK Capitol — it probably did not impress me much. I’ve never been to Utah’s Capitol.
Steve Schwartzman
Both of those have lots of paintings and murals inside.
Here’s the one in Oklahoma:
https://tinyurl.com/24hv75fe
Egidio Leitao
So beautiful! Thanks for the link. The New Mexico Capitol has art inside.
Steve Schwartzman
Here’s the one in Utah:
https://tinyurl.com/595mh7t7
Egidio Leitao
Thanks.
aekshots
Fantastic series Egidio. Love the black & white shot of the capitol and underground extension. Those dome shots can be tricky sometimes but your captures are excellent. Well done!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much, Andy. The final dome shot was captured with me lying on the ground at the center of the rotunda. I wanted to make sure I had the camera stable (I rarely use tripods).
Pamela Zmija Photography
Wow Egidio those photos of the capital are incredible! I really like the first ones. Beautiful capture!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks a million, Pam.
Tina Schell
Egidio, this is extraordinary!! Your work on this one is so professional – if I were you I’d think seriously about sending it to someone at the Capitol for their use (including your signature of course!) Really impressive!!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Tina. The building is so photogenic. I need to go back and get new shots.
Toonsarah
That dome is stunning, and the underground extension such a clever solution to the need for more space!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Sarah. The state government did not want to obstruct the Capitol with high rises. The underground solution was the right choice.
photobyjohnbo
What a great response, Egidio! I’d have never thought to feature architectural designs in a single location! My favorite shot is of the dome through the underground skylight.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, John. By now, you probably know that my responses tend to focus on one topic only as much as possible. I need to revisit the Capitol. There’s always something nice to photograph there.
Teresa
What an amazing architecture., Egidio. We thought of the same thing.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Teresa. I’m curious to check out your post now. I’ll see it soon.
Steve Hyde
What an incredible building. Your images do it justice. I want to visit and take my own 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Steve. It’s a wonderful place to visit and photograph.
JohnRH
Wow. GREAT photos with lots of shapes and designs. I love that first photo of the capitol and sky, and actually like all of them. Superb.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, John. That building is a great place to go around shooting pics. Glad you liked the photos.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, these images could be used on a Texas travel page for the capital! I enjoyed reading about the history of the building. The architecture is beautiful and your captures are incredible.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Beth. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture.
Anne Sandler
This is a stand-out building Egidio. Its architecture is beautiful.
Egidio Leitao
I’m sure Texans would love your remarks even more than I did. Thank you so much.
Brad Volz
Fabulous photos Egidio. I really like how you focused the angles for dramatic effects.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Brad. I’m glad you liked the photos.