Country of Texas, Rodeo Austin – Austin, Texas

I frequently joke that I live in the Country of Texas. It’s just one of fifty states in America, but Texas has maintained and actively markets their identity. It’s rather interesting really and everything starts with the state flag which flies everywhere in this giant state. It’s particularly visible at the entrance to Rodeo Austin.

I made a similar photo two years ago, but I like this better. It’s a simpler composition and in my now preferred black and white for these kinds of street photographs.

This is quintessentially Texas for another reason. Pickup trucks, which surrounds us in this picture, are the vehicles of choice for true Texans. There are cars of course, and SUVs but the mystique of the pickup truck runs deep. It’s all part of the state of mind which is Texas. Vast open land, ranches, cowboys, freedom, and big bold bets. Most places in the U.S. don’t have such a finely honed identity. Like many things that are marketed, there may be some exaggeration.

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