2021 in Photos

Revisit the photographs that caught our eye this year.

Our favorite photographs from 2021 helped us witness the wonders of Texas from within our own homes. They transported us to vibrant rainbows and introduced us to new faces. Here are the 22 photographs that best represent the year we’ve had, along with comments from photo editor Brandon Jakobeit on why the image was so impactful.

By TH Staff

January

"A Perseid Meteor Shower Under West Texas Dark Skies"

Photographer Jason Weingart captured the Perseid meteor shower over the Chihuahuan Desert near Big Bend National Park. It’s just a spectacular image.

"Cajun Culture Flourishes in Texas' Golden Triangle"

Dave Shafer did a great job on this portrait of Jude Moreau for our Cajun Culture article.

February

"The Most Unusual Rest Area in West Texas"

This image is like a time capsule of travel in Texas. Shot in 1970 by the late Texas Highways photographer Jack Lewis, this roadside rest stop still stands in the Big Bend Region.

"These Hot-Rods are Almost as Vibrant as the People who Love Them"

George Brainard’s photo of a 1951 Ford Deluxe is both beautiful and other-worldly. It was a perfect intro for his photo essay.

March

"The Healing Power of Wildflowers"

Theresa DiMenno's photo of wild onion blooms look more like a painting than a photo at times. The use of color and soft focus give this image an ethereal feel.

"How Lucha Libre's Mexican Style of Wrestling Unites Two Countries"

Christ Chavez's portrait of Cassandro at his home in El Paso captures him dressed up for the wrestling ring in a fun way.

April

"Forest Bathing Doesn't Require Soap or a Towel, Just an Open Mind

Tom McCarthy Jr.'s multiple-exposure portrait of writer Sarah Brid in her back yard is so much fun and unexpected, it’s hard to stop looking at.

"See the Beauty of Texas in a Kaleidoscope of Colors"

Thersea DiMenno’s photo of a summer rainstorm with a rainbow near Snyder just makes me feel good inside.

May

"The Refreshing Hill Country Oasis at Krause Springs"

Kenny Braun captured a perfect summer moment at Krause Springs. I think it beautifully represents the feel of summer in Texas.

"24 Hours in the Life of Buc-ee's, Texas' Beloved Gas Station"

Dave Shafer’s photo of a married couple stopping off at a Buc-ee’s prior to their honeymoon perfectly captures the quirkiness of what goes on in a Buc-ee’s.

June

"Resacas are the Natural Wonders of Texas' Rio Grande Valley"

Erich Schlegel’s photo of Olmito resaca is so striking and beautiful. With the silhouetted trees and horses, it's hard to believe a place like that really exists.

"Galveston's Resilient Spirit Sparks Another Renaissance"

Tom McCarthy Jr.'s photo perfectly captures the beauty and uniqueness of Galveston’s historic Victorian architecture.

July

"A Photographer Highlights the Multidimensional Beauty of El Paso"

Joel Salcido’s photo titled “Machismo Deconstructed” is just one of many sublime photos that explores Joel’s on identity growing up in El Paso and Juarez.

"Behold the Bounty of the Blanco"

Erich Schlegel's birds eye view of the Blanco river is a unique perspective of the river not often seen.

August

"Archer City Residents Paint the Town for a Purpose"

Dave Shafer's photo of Archer City’s sole traffic signal and welcome mural makes for a fun and unique view of the city.

"10 Small Texas Towns to Visit Now"

Christ Chavez's photo of the cutouts outside Valentine, a tribute to the movie Giant, are a fun roadside slice of Americana.

September

"How Texas Cowgirls Staked Their Claim in a Man's World"

Dave Shafer’s portrait of Maddie Ferguson on her horse Boonie just screams Texas pride. It makes you think about the history of the land and those that are the future stewards of our great state.

"Inside the Ring with Rodeo Clowns"

Dave Shafer’s photo of a rodeo clown and bull in action captures everything in one photo. You feel like you could be sitting in that crowd or maybe even in the shoes of the rodeo clown.

October

"Find Unexpected Adventures in the Rugged Canyonlands of the Texas Panhandle"

Kenny Braun’s photo of Palo Duro Canyon is a stunning landscape photograph that you can’t stop looking at. It captures a moment that I want to go out and seek for myself.