Dallas, Texas, a city known for its booming economy and iconic landmarks, is getting a fresh perspective through the lens of Altered State Productions photographer, Rey Contreras.
The city of Dallas, with its deep-rooted history and outsized Texas charm, is defined by the eclectic places and people who inhabit it. The streets nest some of the coziest restaurants, bright city lights, and beautiful buildings teeming with history. People unfamiliar with the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex might be surprised to learn just how vibrant the city’s creative scene is.
Dallas native, Rey Contreras, captures the essence of the city in ways that make the familiar feel thrillingly new. A recent Dallas city photography campaign highlights Dallas photography, showcasing landmarks like Reunion Tower and the Dallas skyline through architecture photography, city photography, and street photography, making it ideal for city branding and tourism promotions.
Street Photography that Moves
Texas is on track to become the most populous state in the U.S. by 2026, driven by a significant migration from high-cost states. Over the past four years, more than 687,000 Californians have relocated to Texas, many settling in Dallas.
With its affordable cost of living, business-friendly climate, and cutting-edge infrastructure, Dallas has emerged as a prime destination for both residents and corporations. More than 300 major companies, including Toyota North America, CBRE, and McKesson, have moved their headquarters to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, reinforcing the city's status as a powerhouse of business and growth.
Street photography in Dallas captures the ground zero perspective of living in the Lone Star State—where the city’s clean streets, vibrant art, and iconic districts present a picture of modern urban development. Dallas is a city with layers of culture and opportunity, from the lively hotspot of Deep Ellum, with its murals and live music, to the polished luxury of Billionaire’s Row, headquarters to high-end retail giants like Rolex and presidential restaurants.
The influx of new residents to Dallas has a significant economic impact on Texas. In 2023 alone, Texas saw a population growth rate of 1.3%, adding over 400,000 new residents—many now living in Dallas. Each new resident brings an estimated $25,000 in annual spending on housing, goods, and services, contributing billions to the state's economy.
The growing population boosts demand for housing, retail, and infrastructure, driving job creation across multiple sectors. Street and event photography play an important role in marketing this appeal, visually connecting potential residents and businesses with the thriving culture, modern amenities, and progressive urban landscape that make Texas, and Dallas in particular, a top destination.
The Eye Behind the Camera
When capturing the raw energy of Dallas streets or the iconic local landmarks with a camera, getting the perfect shot can be tricky. Often, the image ends up too dark or grainy, or the colors appear dull. Somehow, the vibrant cityscape never looks as striking in photos as in real life. Whether it's an isolated street at night or a famous monument, the challenge remains the same.
Professional street photographers in Dallas obsess over these details as well, and they’re equipped to handle them. By understanding lighting, timing their shots perfectly, and spending hours editing in Photoshop, these artists capture the true vantage of Dallas.
Dallas photographer, Rey Contreras, captures the essence of the city’s raw, unfiltered appeal, from the neon-lit streets to the architectural marvels. Contreras' Dallas photo campaign places a focus on the DART light rail system as it moves through the heart of the city.
The photographer's advanced technique captures the motion of the train as it cuts through the surrounding skyscrapers, creating light trails that reflect the city’s progress and energy. The street photography by Contreras highlights Dallas' modern infrastructure and architectural beauty, presenting a city constantly evolving while retaining its core identity.
This type of creative marketing is perfect for promoting Dallas in a variety of targeted ways, driving economic growth and engaging new residents:
New Resident Welcome Packets: Encourage public transit subscriptions and local utility sign-ups.
Traditional displays throughout Dallas: Promote weekend cultural festivals, community events, and local entertainment options.
Retail and service promotions: Highlight farmers markets, dining hotspots, and shopping districts to drive foot traffic and boost local businesses.
City development websites and real estate marketing: Showcase upcoming real estate developments, premium properties, and walkable urban neighborhoods.
Digital marketing for local services: Promote toll tags, bike-share programs, and membership-based dining rewards for convenience and lifestyle enhancements.
The Role of Tourism Photography
Dallas is a must-visit destination, known for hosting large-scale events that draw tourists and locals alike. From major sports competitions to cultural landmarks like Fair Park and Six Flags Over Texas, photography of Dallas' key attractions plays a significant role in capturing the excitement and appeal of the city.
These creative assets are the bread and butter to market for tourism boards, corporate event planners, and local businesses looking to position Dallas as an entertainment capital.
Tourism photography has a direct impact on local economics. According to industry data, major attractions in Dallas can increase hotel occupancy by 30%, while driving local business sales by 15%. Tourists visiting Dallas for large-scale events like the Texas State Fair or to see iconic landmarks such as Reunion Tower contribute significantly to the city’s economy. These high-traffic attractions enhance Dallas’ appeal and support thousands of jobs in hospitality, dining, and entertainment.
Rey Contreras, a Dallas native, captures the city of Dallas in ways that make the familiar feel thrillingly new. His bold and loud photography transforms landmarks into vibrant works of art, showcasing Dallas in a surreal, electric light.
This type of tourism, attraction, and event photography is perfect for promoting Dallas while reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel.
Eventbrite and other event ticketing platforms: To promote large-scale events and ticket sales for concerts, festivals, and major gatherings happening in Dallas.
Visit Dallas websites and tourism apps: These photos can feature prominently on tourism websites and mobile apps, giving potential visitors a glimpse into the iconic landmarks and exciting attractions that Dallas has to offer and encouraging more visitors to plan their trips.
Out-of-home (OOH) displays in airports, train stations, and travel hubs: Photographs of Dallas landmarks like Reunion Tower, Fair Park, or sporting venues can be used in digital and print advertisements at major airports, train stations, and travel centers, enticing travelers to explore the city as soon as they arrive.
Social media campaigns for local businesses and tourism initiatives: These images can be shared across social media platforms to build engagement and reach broader audiences, inviting potential tourists to explore Dallas through visual storytelling.
Hotel and hospitality advertising materials: Dallas-based hotels, resorts, and travel accommodations can use these photographs in marketing campaigns that position their location as close to major city attractions, offering guests prime access to the heart of Dallas.
About Altered State Productions
Altered State Productions is a branding agency in Dallas that offers branding, photography, design, photo editing, graphic design, social media, and anything else you can creatively envision to market products and services. To explore Rey Contreras’ work and discover more about photography services, visit https://www.alteredstateprod.com/rey-contreras