Ride To Amarillo

I was recently tasked with a trip to Amarillo, TX, to photograph a few properties. The drive is roughly six hours, and I have to admit, I wasn't thrilled about trading the mountains for the flatlands. That said, I managed to find some interesting subjects along the way—and a few genuine surprises. The first highlights were the Highway of Legends in Colorado and the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field: Capulin Volcano. However, the priority was simply getting to Amarillo. Once you cross into Texas, the landscape levels out into endless stretches of farm and cattle country. It was a monotonous drive, yet some of the towns were surprisingly interesting, defined by a distinct, laid-back agricultural rhythm.

Even if my description sounds a bit bleak, we did find some compelling structures—weathered buildings and small towns that, while not "vacation destinations," are interesting in their own right. It is a bit of a puzzle trying to imagine what the local kids do for entertainment; many of these towns seem to lack parks or much of anything in the way of activity. It’s an unusual environment for photography also, but after looking around, I managed to find a few solid candidates.

Ultimately, these photos serve as a record of a landscape that doesn't offer much to the casual observer. There is a distinct, desolate character to this region—an emptiness that isn't particularly welcoming, but is nonetheless worth documenting. These images aren't about finding hidden charm; they are simply a look at the reality of a drive where the main attraction is the vast, unchanging space between one point and the next. At any rate, I’ve put together a a few photos of vast West Texas landscapes that I think you’ll enjoy.

West Texas Silos

Three Trees and Blue Skies

West Texas Mini Mesas