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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.