An Insider’s Guide to the Best Photo Ops in the Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE
An insider’s guide to the best photo ops in the Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE
Grace Coddington famously said, “Always keep your eyes open. Keep watching. Because whatever you see can inspire you.”
The iconic Vogue magazine alum had an eye for style and I’m often reminded of this quote as I walk around my neighborhood in the Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE. As founder and creative director of my namesake event design firm, I am constantly capturing images as ideas for future projects, and my backyard has become a favorite source for inspiration. Strolling throughout the property it’s easy to find reasons around every corner to grab a camera and snap a pic. In fact, I rarely step outside without encountering a tastemaker, a newly-engaged couple or furry friend posing for a picture with one of the many unique backdrops in the area.
Faces will light up this season when friends see your holiday message in neon lights. Cassandra King Polidori and daughter Aurelia are the picture-perfect duo in this year’s plaid and leopard trends.In Austin, fall’s arrival means the season for special occasions is upon us be that festivals, weddings or casual cool-weather gatherings. The perfect photo can help turn any moment into a memory and while Instagram “likes” may disappear, the eyes of Texas are always upon you. A stylish photo can help personalize everything from event invitations to holiday cards and social feeds.
Knowing your camera roll is about to be working overtime, I teamed up with Tribeza to create an insider’s guide to the best photo ops in the area. I channeled Coddington’s editorial point of view to bring you my Top 12 Must-Visit spots for snapshots, plus a few fashionable locals we encountered IRL.
Be sure to show us your favorite find from our list by tagging @tribeza in your posts!
1. The Yard Milkshake Bar
Put a cherry on top of life’s sweetest moments by visiting the Austin outpost of this popular southern dessert shop and customizing an Insta-worthy handcrafted milkshake. For a romantic scene, go for two straws, the secret recipe for an engagement photo that’s equal parts delightful and timeless.
Food and travel blogger Jane Ko’s feed always gives us major wanderlust. Here, Jane serves up ACL Festival fashion inspo amongst the wildflowers.2. Archer Hotel
Make your photos lit thanks to cheeky “Hey Baby” and “Que Paso” neon signs at the Archer Hotel. Venture further down the hall to discover the wildflower wall we’re crushing over, perfect for free spirit frocks and curating festival look inspo posts.
3. Suit Supply
There’s a reason the characters in the Wizard of Oz wanted to find the Emerald City – it’s a hidden gem for capturing life in technicolor! We suggest following the fashionable Domain Boulevard road to Suit Supply. You’ll surely look like a photo wiz next to their geometric emerald tile wall.
As founder and designer of Austin jewelry line Cassandra Collections, this golden gal has just the right accessories to make any photo pop.4. Anthropologie
No need to travel to Amangiri to get desert darling digs. Anthropologie’s terra cotta cubist wall brings influencer style without the travel price tag, leaving you with more shopping money for that new fall wardrobe.
5. Love is the Answer Mural
The Beatles’ lyrics taught us all about love and hidden next to Viva Day Spa you’ll find a mocha brick wall displaying John Lennon’s “Love is the Answer” quote, an ideal backdrop for engagement photos or a pic with your tribe.
A charming bistro setting gives workdays a certain je ne sais quoi at Bakery Lorraine, a favorite spot to fuel my creativity while designing clients’ events.6. Bakery Lorraine
Craving the Parisian patisserie look sans passport? Stop by Bakery Lorraine to grab an assortment of their freshly made macarons. The pastel colors are irresistible in photos and their charming French café tables will make any moment trés chic.
7. Apple + Ivy
Adjacent to Apple’s retail store is a gorgeous, lush ivy wall, a classic option for any style of photo with proximity to the latest in tech to keep your social media game on point.
Author of the new book, Koko’s Guide to Austin, Jane knows the best places to swing by for delicious food and a dash of fun.8. Wonderbar
Whether your style is stories, snaps, or TikTok, Wonderbar on Rock Rose is a photo op playground. There’s no shortage of multi-sensory delights to discover; we find the banana swings most appealing.
9. Flamingo Art Installation
Birds of a feather stick together and tucked away in the corridor between Everything But Water and LUSH is a large-scale flamingo art installation that you and your pals will definitely want to flock to.
Do it for the ‘gram. Boss babe and Social Media Strategist Lillyan Duck snaps a selfie in front of the cheerful Erin Condren wall on Rock Rose Avenue.10. Erin Condren
From graduates to ATX boss babes, anyone can celebrate achieving their goals with an obligatory jumping photo in front of the colorful logo wall at Erin Condren’s flagship store. The mix of bright colors and bold patterns makes us jump for joy every time!
11. Flower Child
If peace signs and flower crowns fill your feed and you’re looking for that organic, ethereal garden style, head to farm-to-table restaurant, Flower Child. Their lattice wall and green goddess vibes will shine through in your haute hippie photo.
Nordstrom Domain NORTHSIDE Store Manager Shannon Ricca delivers fall fashion street style in an of-the-moment zebra print dress while strolling with her pup, Tex.12. Domain Central Park
Iconic scenes from our favorite romcoms have shown us that park benches are meant to be shared with the ones you love. The charming benches throughout Domain Central Park set the scene for capturing a couple’s kiss or a portrait with your playful pup.
