Photo Essay
Oct 22, 2024
Boone Hays House
Nestled in the rolling hills of Defiance, Missouri, the Boone Hays House stands as a timeless testament to frontier resilience, where history lingers in its weathered beams and stones. If you're looking for a place to ignite your creativity, this charming property is a must-visit—especially for photographers seeking inspiration and stunning compositions.
As you make your way to Matson Hill Park, keep an eye out for the Boone Hays House on the left. It's a delightful sight, surrounded by thick trees and a gentle landscape that adds to its allure. The setting creates a natural canvas, inviting you to explore and capture its beauty from every angle.
One of the standout features of this property is the massive trees that frame the House. When I shoot here, I often use their limbs to create depth and structure in my images. On sunny days, those limbs cast deep shadows that form striking, contrasty lines across my compositions. It's amazing how natural elements can guide the viewer's eye and enhance the subject you’re trying to showcase.
Speaking of showcasing, I love to shoot wide when I’m at the Hays House. Using my 10-24mm lens lets me soak in the entire landscape, creating panoramic shots that tell a deeper and richer story. I find that including the surroundings allows viewers to appreciate not just the house itself, but the stunning backdrop that makes it special. Every shot is an opportunity to highlight the relationship between structure and its environment.
What keeps me coming back to the Hays House is the way it reveals something new with each visit. The property is undeniably compelling and charming—there's always a fresh angle or detail to discover. Whether it's the play of light through the leaves or the intricate textures of the house, each moment is an invitation to create. As photographers, our challenge is to capture these elements and create scenes that do justice to the beauty around us.
If you're in the St Louis area, the Boone Hays House is well worth the drive. Bring your camera, your creativity, and a sense of adventure. You’ll find endless photo opportunities that will inspire and invigorate your artistic juices. So pack your gear, and get ready to explore a piece of history that promises to ignite your passion for photography.
Location: Boone Hays House