San Antonio: more than anywhere else - photographic opportunities

PSA Journal, Feb, 1991 by Lia E. Munson

SAN ANTONIO More than anywhere else.

Question: Where can you hop on a street car, pay just 10 cents and ride through exotic, scenic areas? Where can you take a "river taxi" and float dreamily past lush tropical foliage while listening to mariachi singers? Where can you walk a short distance and find yourself in another world amidst the greatest variety of photogenic subjects you have ever seen concentrated in one spot?

Answer: You can do al of this and much more at out 53rd International Conference of Photography, September 2-7 at the Hilton Palacio del Rio in San Antonio, Texas--The Lone Star State, the Friendship State.

Located in the Texas Hill Country, a region of spring-fed lakes, strams and blue bonnet flowers, San Antonio is the ninth largest city in the U.S. It has a colorful history spanning more than 270 years. With an average annual temperature of 68.8 degrees fahrenheit and 300 days a year of clear blue skies it is a haven for photographers.

The San Antonio River meanders through the heart of downtown, past our hotel, and the famous River Walk, also called Paseo del Rio. It provides a unique setting for a variety of photographic subject matter. Located below street level and shaded by giant cypress, palm and flowering shrubs the River Walk follows the river for more than two miles past gleaming high-rise hotels, boutiques and European sytle sidewalk cafes. Here you can sample the finest Tex-Mex delicacies, sizzling Texas steaks, creole cooking, Italian cuisine or dine aboard open-air candlelit barges as they float along the scenic waterway.

Directly across from our conference hotel is HemisFair Plaza, home of the 1968 World's Fair. The Tower of the Americas stands 750 feet high and provides a breath-taking view of the city and surrounding countryside. Open daily, it has two sky-high dining areas. At its base are parks, amusement rides, restaurants, streams and rushing waterfalls. Also located here are the Mexican Cultural Institute and the Institute of Texas Cultures with a free multimedia show three times daily. Open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Originally established as a mission by the Spanish in 1718, the San Antonio de Valero or Alamo as we know it, is located in the downtown area and stands as a tribute to the heroic Texas battle for Independence.

Rebelling against repressions of Mexico's self proclaimed dictator, Santa Anna, a band of 189 Texas volunteers defied a Mexican army of thousands for 12 days in 1936. On the 13th day all was lost, including men who were legends in their own time such as Davy Crokett, Jim Bowie and William Travis. An undying battle cry was born, "Remember the Alamo!" The Alamo is open Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Except for the Alamo, the four other local missions are all active parish churches in the San Antonio Missions' National Historical Park. Their form and detail challenge the photographer to study light and shadows.

Mission San Jose is probably the most beautiful. Its famous Rosa's Window is considered to be one of the finest pieces of Spanish Colonial ornamentation in the country. An inspiring mariachi mass is held there each Sunday.

Mission Concepcion, with its massive twin towers is one of the oldest unrestored stone churches in the U.S.

Mission San Juan Capistrano serves as a museum of early day artifacts. Most of the original compound is preserved within its walls giving us an authentic picture of the Spanish Colonial Mission plan. Outside is a nature trail that parallels a section of the original San Antonio River channel in an agrarian setting very similar to earlier centuries.

Mission Espada, founded in 1690 but rebuilt in 1884, still retains its Moorish-styled arched doorways which date from about 1780. There is no admission at any of the missions although donations are accepted.

Other photographic opportunities include Brackenridge Park with its lovely Japanese garden, 60 foot waterfall and aerial skyride. The park is located next to the internationally famous San Antonio Zoo, just five minutes from the River Walk and the Alamo.

This outstanding zoo covers 70 acres of limestone cliffs, moats, towering oaks, cypress and pecan trees. More than three thousand animals are displayed in natural settings, including one of the world's largest African antelope collection. Also to be found are rare and colorful birds--even a whooping crane and cuddly koalas. There is also an elephant ride for the venturesome and a Safari tour bus that is wheel-chair accessible.

Sea World of Texas, the newest and largest marine zoological park in the world, is situated on 250 acres. A m oving walkway takes visitors past the penguin habitat and other polar birds. Smiling dolphins, lumering walrus, sea lions and the undisputed star of the show, world famous killer whale Shamu and Baby Shamu, entertain guest. Kodak sponsors a thrilling water ski show on the 12 acre lake. Huge aquariums are filled with coral reefs, sharks and fish of every description including brillian tropical fish. Exotic waterfowl can be photographed throughout the park. Cypress Gardens West, a botanical wonderland is also located here. Beautiful doncellas (Spanish for maidens) dressed in colorful and elaborate Spanish gowns and head-dresses great visitors and pose for photographers against a backdrop of stunning flower beds and waterways.