Photo story: A photographer's guide to Texas
From the geological wonders of Big Bend National Park to the scenic coastlines of Corpus Christi, Texas is a land of infinite variety—and endless photographic inspiration. On assignment, National Geographic photographer Tara Kerzhner set out to capture the spirit and soul of the Lone Star State through its dramatic landscapes, local characters, and hidden corners. What she found was a place full of adventures and breathtaking beauty at every turn.
Here, she shares some of her favorite images and the moments behind them. The last light outside Terlingua, Texas, signals the edge of Big Bend country—an endless stretch of desert, ridgelines, and open sky. I loved watching the shadows stretch across a landscape that feels both timeless and ancient. It was the kind of sunset you never forget. The Summit at Big Bend near Terlingua, Texas, offers some of the darkest skies in the country—no light pollution, no noise, just a breathtaking view of the stars. And no special equipment needed either; simply step outside your tent and look up. If you love stargazing, this incredible spot should be at the top of your list. Honestly, it's one of the coolest places I've ever slept! There's nothing like waking up early to catch the sunrise. The Lost Mine Trail—a 4.8-mile round-trip hike winding through the Chisos Mountains in Texas' Big Bend National Park—offers stunning, sweeping views from the top. It's the ideal way to begin your day and makes the early alarm completely worth it. From towering canyons to the tiniest textures along the riverbank, the Rio Grande in West Texas completely blew me away. Its beauty and scale are something you just have to experience to believe. Tim Gibbs, an archaeologist at Big Bend Ranch State Park, walked me through the ancient history of Texas' Big Bend region and showed me the skull of a mosasaur. I was fascinated to learn it was the apex predator of the Cretaceous inland sea—and a distant relative of today's Komodo dragons! A stay at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas, feels like stepping into a living piece of West Texas history. From the architecture to the curated art and thoughtful regional details, every corner tells a story. It's more than just a hotel—it's a window into the heritage, spirit, and culture of the region. My first night in Corpus Christi, I watched as boats rested perfectly still on the calm water. In that quiet moment, the coastal charm of the Texas Gulf wrapped around me like a soft breeze—pure peace, bathed in pastel light. The next morning at Mustang Island State Park began with a quiet walk along the shore, just as the first light broke over the Gulf. The sky shifted from deep blue to gold, and the only sounds were waves and seabirds. It was one of those moments that makes you pause, breathe, and just feel grateful to be there. I had one of those true 'pinch me' moments during a horseback ride at dawn with my guide January Goette on Mustang Island State Park. Riding along the Texas Gulf Coast—on an island named for the wild mustangs that once roamed its shores—felt like stepping into a quiet, timeless piece of history. In Corpus Christi, the gulf-to-table seafood is unbelievably fresh—every bite tastes like the ocean itself. At The Mariner, I had the chance to meet Chef Eric Morin, who served me a delicious red snapper dip, gigantic Gulf shrimp, and the freshest oysters I've ever tasted. They also craft fantastic specialty cocktails that perfectly complemented my meal. It was an experience to remember in a setting that truly captures the spirit of the Texas Gulf. After my meal, Chef Morin took me out on a sunset sail across the Gulf to show me where his seafood comes from. As we glided over the water, migratory birds swept across the sky in every direction, and we even spotted dolphins swimming alongside the boat. It was an unbelievable experience that brought the whole meal—and the Gulf—to life. Getting to experience a place by water is truly unforgettable. On our sunset sail in Corpus Christi Bay, I soaked in Texas' coastal views, pastel skies, and endless horizons. It was a moment of pure magic and a beautiful close to my day.
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National Geographic
2 days ago
- National Geographic
Felix Baumgartner, adventurer who once jumped to Earth from edge of space, dies at 56
Felix Baumgartner, the world-renowned Austrian pilot who was named National Geographic's 2013 People's Choice Adventurer of the Year for his fearless aerial feats, has died in Italy. According to local media reports, the pilot died after crashing into a hotel pool while paragliding on the Adriatic coast, injuring another person in the accident. National Geographic has reached out to Baumgartner's representatives. According to the Associated Press, the city's mayor confirmed Baumgartner's death in a social media post. 'Our community is deeply affected by the tragic disappearance of Felix Baumgartner, a figure of global prominence, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight,' Mayor Massimiliano Ciarpella said. Baumgartner leaves behind a soaring legacy, setting a world record for jumping to Earth from the edge of space in a freefall that broke the sound barrier. (See Felix Baumgartner's record-breaking freefall jump from the stratosphere) Into thin air The BASE jumper got his start on solid ground in his birthplace of Salzburg, Austria. But he was called to the sky from a young age, drawing a picture of himself equipped with parachutes and dreaming of life in thin air. By 16 he had made his first skydive, and he became an exhibition skydiver for Red Bull, then a nascent brand, in 1988. Soon, Baumgartner expanded his aerial repertoire with BASE jumping, in which a parachuted jumper leaps from a fixed object or landform. Fourteen world records followed as Baumgartner became known for BASE jumping off cliffs, airplanes, and even from the top of the cultural icons. 'I know that I can die undertaking the kinds of jumps that I do,' he told National Geographic in 2010. 'When I was ready to BASE jump from the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, only 95 feet from the ground, it crossed my mind that in less than three seconds I could cease to exist. But I don't have a death wish. I wouldn't even say that I'm a thrill seeker or adrenaline junkie. I'm a person who likes a challenge.' Felix Baumgartner, who goes by the code name 'Base 502,' prepares to jump from the arm of the Christ the Redeemer statue on December 1, 1999. It was the first-ever known base-jump made from the site. Photograph By Reuters/Redux The edge of space By 2012, Baumgartner was in his forties and ready for a new challenge: setting a world record by jumping to Earth from the edge of space and becoming the world's fastest falling human in the process. The Red Bull STRATOS project took Baumgartner 24 miles to the edge of Earth's atmosphere in a capsule attached to a helium balloon the size of 33 football fields. On October 14, 2012, as millions watched via livestream, Baumgartner, clad in a special suit, jumped from the capsule into the highest freefall of all time. His 24.2-mile fall broke the sound barrier, thrusting him downward at a top speed of 844 miles an hour. Austrian base-jumper Felix Baumgartner glides through the air past Brazil's Dois Irmaos mountain on January 8, 2002. Baumgartner specialized in BASE jumping from man-made or natural objects. Photograph By Spoettel Bernhard/SNI/Reuters/Redux The next year, more than 55,000 voters cast votes for National Geographic's 2013 People's Choice Adventurer of the Year. They chose Baumgartner. 'Adventure is life,' he told NatGeo's Mary Anne Potts that year. 'It's how we learn…it's exploration.' Far from being an adrenaline junkie, Baumgartner again said that his feats were accomplished only with diligent planning, teamwork, and the discipline to learn from each new adventure. (Read how exploration changed Baumgartner's life from our 2013 interview.) Always looking for the next challenge After his freefall from space, Baumgartner focused on charity helicopter flights and fundraising for humanitarian projects. He also participated in other sports like racecar driving and motorcycle riding. 'If I am not in the air but still need some wind around my neck this is the way to go,' he wrote of his KTM Superduke 990 R motorcycle. 'Once I've reached a goal I'm always looking for the next challenge,' Baumgartner said in 2013. 'It was a great moment. But I want more.' In more recent years, Baumgartner stirred controversy with political statements criticizing European refugee policies and endorsing the concept of a 'moderate dictatorship.'
National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
See 100 years of New York City—through the lens of Nat Geo photographers
As New York City celebrates the 400th anniversary of its founding, National Geographic looks back on more than a century of covering the spirited metropolis. NOVEMBER 1957 A replica of the Mayflower sails into New York Harbor in July 1957 amid fanfare, escorted by planes, boats, and even a blimp. The vessel had crossed the Atlantic, following the route of the original ship to Plymouth, Massachusetts, where 17th-century English Puritan separatists started a colony. B. ANTHONY STEWART, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION In the summer of 1957, a replica of the Mayflower sailed into New York Harbor. Dubbed the Mayflower II, it had just finished retracing the Pilgrims' 1620 journey across the Atlantic to establish a colony in America. New York City celebrated its arrival with a ticker-tape parade. That November, National Geographic published an article written by the ship's captain about the Mayflower II's voyage, full of photos of its ocean journey and a victorious arrival in New York City (which was not a stop on the original ship's route to Plymouth, Massachusetts). As the city this year celebrates the 400th anniversary of its founding as the Dutch outpost New Amsterdam, National Geographic looked back on its coverage of the city over the last century. An early article highlighted its draws. 'It has more Irish and their sons and daughters than Dublin, more Italians and their children than Rome,' the author wrote. 'But New York's appeal is as much to the people of the United States as to those of the outer world ... New York is indeed the Niagara of American life ... so through this city passes the vast river of humanity that seeks the sea of opportunity in the world beyond.' (How to explore New York City's immigrant past through its food.) JULY 1918 Throngs fill the streets at an area then known as Newspaper Row, near a station that deposited commuters in Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge. EDWIN LEVICK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION National Geographic often has showed readers parts of the world they might never visit—and in the magazine's early days that included not just distant lands but the vibrant metropolis of New York City. 'Most people didn't get the opportunity to travel a lot or to travel really far,' says Cathy Hunter, senior archivist at the National Geographic Society. In a sense, Hunter says, the magazine did 'the legwork for you and showing you the most famous sites.' Many of the magazine's first stories about the city focused on architecture, people, and culture—elements that lent the armchair travel experience. AUGUST 1998 Symbolizing prosperity and driving away evil, lion figures dance in the Lunar New Year parade. A 1998 article chronicled the growth of New York's Chinese community, which was 3 percent of the city's population at the time. CHIEN-CHI CHANG, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION SEPTEMBER 1990 Underneath Broadway Street, off-duty Santas wait at the subway station. JODI COBB, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION 'Go up on any high hotel roof after sunset and watch the city come to life,' wrote the author of the 1930 article 'This Giant That Is New York.' 'By electric moons, rainbows, and fixed comets you see Manhattan blaze from dusk into gorgeous theatrical illumination.' The editorial focus shifted over time as the magazine began to cover more relevant angles: environmental issues like water pollution and landfills, and later, how the September 11 terrorist attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the city. Yet one of the constants in National Geographic coverage, which spans over a century, is change. In a 2015 article called 'New New York,' writer Pete Hamill reflected on the 80 years he'd lived in the city and the transformation of its skyline. 'We New Yorkers know that we live in a dynamic city,' he wrote, 'always changing, evolving, building.' AUGUST 2020 From a helicopter, photographer Stephen Wilkes peered at his hometown in the early days of the pandemic, including Central Park with its new field hospital (lower left). 'New York is like a river, always running with energy and motion,' he said. 'When you see New York empty, it doesn't make any sense.' STEPHEN WILKES, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION National Geographic published its first major article about New York City in the July 1918 issue. Called 'New York—The Metropolis of Mankind,' it gave readers a broad overview of the city just as it was rising to global prominence in the final months of World War I. 'A city which the Great War has made the Earth's international trading center and civilization's crowning metropolis,' the article proclaimed, 'Gotham now commands a new interest, arouses a new pride in its achievements, excites a new feeling of wonder, and stirs in every American breast a realization that it is a city of all the people, national in all its aspects.' (Explore New York City through the 700 languages spoken on its streets.) 'The Metropolis of Mankind' came out at a time when National Geographic was becoming synonymous for publishing photos that held appeal for those armchair travelers, Hunter says. Readers could gaze in awe at the size of a crowd in front of the New York Stock Exchange, wonder at the length of a traffic jam of cars (and at least one horse) on 42nd Street, and take in a full view of the Woolworth Building—which, at nearly 242 meters, was then the tallest building in the world. A view of the intersection at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street—a traffic jam of cars, pedestrians, and horses all attempting to share the road. This issue came out at a time when National Geographic was becoming synonymous for photos that appealed to armchair travelers, KADEL & HERBERT, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION New York City streets looked quite a bit different a hundred years later in this aerial view of the Hudson River Greenway. The most heavily used bike path in the country, it stretches from Battery Park in the south to Dyckman Street in the north. George Steinmetz, National Geographic Image Collection And the buildings kept getting taller. The 1930 feature 'This Giant That Is New York' showed readers the new tallest building in the world, the 319-meter Chrysler Building, which had opened earlier that year. It also offered a glimpse of the ongoing construction of the Empire State Building, which promised to be even bigger. 'Tourist Manhattan' As National Geographic's popularity grew, it continued to serve as inspiration but also began to support real-life travelers in navigating the Big Apple. When New York City hosted its first World's Fair, in April 1939, that month's issue of the magazine came with a supplemental map called 'The Reaches of New York City.' The next time the World's Fair rolled around, in 1964, National Geographic sent subscribers a two-part map of 'Greater New York' and 'Tourist Manhattan.' (What was Manhattan like in the Roaring Twenties? See for yourself.) The magazine began to explore areas of New York City around this time. In 1959, the magazine ran a piece on the Staten Island Ferry, dubbing it New York's Seagoing Bus and highlighting its essential role for commuters from that borough. In 1977, it published a story about Harlem by Frank Hercules, a Trinidad-born writer who moved to the neighborhood in the 1940s. 'To live in Harlem,' he wrote, 'is sometimes to hear the siren song of success, often to be denied by heaven and disdained by hell, yet always to hope anew each morning, whatever yesterday's despair.' DECEMBER 1960 The casts of A Raisin in the Sun and My Fair Lady face off during a Broadway Show League softball game in Central Park during a 12-game season. BATES LITTLEHALES, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION MAY 1993 A lunch-hour napper rests in Central Park in the opening photo from an article about the sprawling 341-hectare oasis in the city. JOSÉ AZEL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION In both 1960 and 1993, the magazine featured stories on Central Park that countered the iconic park's reputation at the time as a crime haven—a myth that often turned tourists away from visiting the park. The '93 story blamed the media for its role in perpetuating this myth and instead described the park as an 'oasis in the city.' Modern coverage Starting around the 1970s, another trend emerged: amid an awakening environmental movement, the magazine began to cover more of the issues for which it's known today. Hunter says this reflected a changing editorial outlook. 'In the early days…the magazine did not do stories that were not pretty,' she says. SEPTEMBER 2002 New York City resident Lisa Adams holds photos she took from her terrace on September 11, 2001, near the former World Trade Center buildings. IRA BLOCK, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION In 1978 the article 'Hudson: 'That River's Alive'' focused on the high pollution levels from the 1960s that had led to state and federal efforts to clean the Hudson River and other U.S. waterways. By 1978, the Hudson River had rebounded and saw a proliferation of aquatic life, prompting fishermen interviewed for the article to comment, 'That river's alive.' A 1991 story about landfills addressed the growing problems posed by sites such as Staten Island's Fresh Kills. (Decades later, the city is redeveloping it into Freshkills Park, which promises to be three times the size of Central Park.) Other articles focused on a city whose residents were in crisis. A year after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, National Geographic ran a piece featuring first-person stories from two people who lived in zip code 10013, right next to the World Trade Center. Two decades later, in August 2020, the magazine published photos of a markedly less bustling New York City amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as both residents and tourists stayed home. In more than a century of coverage, National Geographic depicted a New York City that is not only a thrilling place to visit but a real place with real people who call it home. In Pete Hamill's 2015 reflection on his decades as a New Yorker, he described his first time visiting the interior of One World Trade Center—built on the former site of the Twin Towers, whose destruction he had witnessed in person. 'I moved closer to the windows and looked down,' he wrote. 'There it was, the Woolworth Building. My favorite. Still here. Changing color in the fading sun.' JULY 1918 A view of the Woolworth Building in New York City. At the time, it was the tallest building in the world, standing at nearly 242 meters—but would within decades be eclipsed by the rise of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. PAUL THOMPSON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC IMAGE COLLECTION
National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
Photo story: A photographer's guide to Texas
Explore Texas through the lens of National Geographic photographer Tara Kerzhner and discover the state's captivating beauty and unforgettable adventures found in every frame. National Geographic photographer Tara Kerzhner set out on a journey through the Lone Star State, documenting the people, places, and stories that define the true spirit and soul of Texas. Photographs by Tara Kerzhner From the geological wonders of Big Bend National Park to the scenic coastlines of Corpus Christi, Texas is a land of infinite variety—and endless photographic inspiration. On assignment, National Geographic photographer Tara Kerzhner set out to capture the spirit and soul of the Lone Star State through its dramatic landscapes, local characters, and hidden corners. What she found was a place full of adventures and breathtaking beauty at every turn. Here, she shares some of her favorite images and the moments behind them. The last light outside Terlingua, Texas, signals the edge of Big Bend country—an endless stretch of desert, ridgelines, and open sky. I loved watching the shadows stretch across a landscape that feels both timeless and ancient. It was the kind of sunset you never forget. The Summit at Big Bend near Terlingua, Texas, offers some of the darkest skies in the country—no light pollution, no noise, just a breathtaking view of the stars. And no special equipment needed either; simply step outside your tent and look up. If you love stargazing, this incredible spot should be at the top of your list. Honestly, it's one of the coolest places I've ever slept! There's nothing like waking up early to catch the sunrise. The Lost Mine Trail—a 4.8-mile round-trip hike winding through the Chisos Mountains in Texas' Big Bend National Park—offers stunning, sweeping views from the top. It's the ideal way to begin your day and makes the early alarm completely worth it. From towering canyons to the tiniest textures along the riverbank, the Rio Grande in West Texas completely blew me away. Its beauty and scale are something you just have to experience to believe. Tim Gibbs, an archaeologist at Big Bend Ranch State Park, walked me through the ancient history of Texas' Big Bend region and showed me the skull of a mosasaur. I was fascinated to learn it was the apex predator of the Cretaceous inland sea—and a distant relative of today's Komodo dragons! A stay at the Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas, feels like stepping into a living piece of West Texas history. From the architecture to the curated art and thoughtful regional details, every corner tells a story. It's more than just a hotel—it's a window into the heritage, spirit, and culture of the region. My first night in Corpus Christi, I watched as boats rested perfectly still on the calm water. In that quiet moment, the coastal charm of the Texas Gulf wrapped around me like a soft breeze—pure peace, bathed in pastel light. The next morning at Mustang Island State Park began with a quiet walk along the shore, just as the first light broke over the Gulf. The sky shifted from deep blue to gold, and the only sounds were waves and seabirds. It was one of those moments that makes you pause, breathe, and just feel grateful to be there. I had one of those true 'pinch me' moments during a horseback ride at dawn with my guide January Goette on Mustang Island State Park. Riding along the Texas Gulf Coast—on an island named for the wild mustangs that once roamed its shores—felt like stepping into a quiet, timeless piece of history. In Corpus Christi, the gulf-to-table seafood is unbelievably fresh—every bite tastes like the ocean itself. At The Mariner, I had the chance to meet Chef Eric Morin, who served me a delicious red snapper dip, gigantic Gulf shrimp, and the freshest oysters I've ever tasted. They also craft fantastic specialty cocktails that perfectly complemented my meal. It was an experience to remember in a setting that truly captures the spirit of the Texas Gulf. After my meal, Chef Morin took me out on a sunset sail across the Gulf to show me where his seafood comes from. As we glided over the water, migratory birds swept across the sky in every direction, and we even spotted dolphins swimming alongside the boat. It was an unbelievable experience that brought the whole meal—and the Gulf—to life. Getting to experience a place by water is truly unforgettable. On our sunset sail in Corpus Christi Bay, I soaked in Texas' coastal views, pastel skies, and endless horizons. It was a moment of pure magic and a beautiful close to my day.
