My name is Darrell DeVantier, I am a Professional Architectural, Real Estate and Landscape Photographer. I enjoy capturing magnificent scenes with my camera and sharing my images with others.
During a photoshoot in El Paso, Texas. I was visiting some of my dear friends and learned of their desire to obtain a unique photo of the Iconic El Paso Star on the side of Mt Franklin. The challenge was on!
The El Paso Star, also known as the "Star on the Mountain," is a notable landmark on the south side of the Franklin Mountains in El Paso, Texas. Its history began in 1940 when the El Paso Electric Company constructed the first star. Initially, it was only 50 feet wide and barely visible from the Carlsbad Highway. Unfortunately, this first version did not last long due to a storm that damaged most of its bulbs. A subsequent, more resilient version was built soon after utilizing 300 lights. In 1946 further improvements were made to the star, increasing its length and width and utilizing 459 light bulbs.
Initially, the star was only lit during the Christmas season, becoming a festive tradition in El Paso. However, there were exceptions, such as during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979 when the star was lit for 444 nights in solidarity with the hostages, and again during the Gulf War from December 1990 until August 21, 1991, to support U.S. troops. By 1993, a joint effort between the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce and the El Paso Electric Company led to the star being lit every night. The star has remained the same up until December 14, 2023 when receiving a major upgrade utilizing computer-controlled LED lights that can now shine in many different colors for all to enjoy.
A few months after my initial visit, I returned to photograph the El Paso Star. Earlier in the day I scouted locations in which to launch my drone and find the best composition. Once that was determined, I headed off for my sunset photoshoot. Upon arriving at my drone launch location, I noticed that the sky conditions were beautiful but the star was not yet lit! Oh no, there was no star shining on the mountain. Apparently, the timing on the lighting of the star was not set to be lit for another hour. Which was too late for the best lighting conditions. Back to the “Drawing Board”.
Two months later I returned hoping that the sunset and lighting of the Star would be in sync with each other. As I arrived to my done launch location the Star lit up! The timing was perfect. I launched my drone and began my photoshoot. While shooting one composition caught my eye. In it there was the Mountain, the Star, and an extra bonus, the iconic Mt. Cristo Rey in the background. A great composition!
Today, the star is a symbol of pride for El Paso, known as the "Star City" in the Lone Star State, and continues to shine brightly each night, visible from miles away. This photo is now displayed in my friend’s El Paso restaurant, “Great American Steakburger” located on the westside of El Paso for all to enjoy!
