Photo Essay
Jan 7, 2025
Snowy Sunday in Belleville
A snowstorm this past weekend descended upon Belleville, Illinois - my new hometown - blanketing the city in pristine white. As a photographer, I couldn't resist the urge to venture out and capture it. Following Andrew Wyeth's words, "Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn't show," I set out into the snowy streets with camera in hand.
First, I ventured downtown and focused my lens on one of my favorite buildings on South Charles Street. The textures of the façade and windows, now dusted with snow, seemed to whisper stories of the past.
Next, I made my way to the historic district on Mascoutah Avenue. There, I finally had the chance to capture an old, rusted truck I'd seen parked next to a building many times before. The snow added to the scene, highlighting the truck's weathered beauty.
On my way out of town, I snapped a picture of a barn nestled behind a whitewashed house along with the white-fenced entrance to Brookglen Drive. The snow-covered landscape created a sense of tranquility, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle.
Traveling into the countryside was an adventure in itself. The snow-covered fields and the sight of my trusty GMC Canyon navigating the icy roads added a sense of ruggedness to the journey. I couldn't help but stop and capture a nearby tree, its branches laden with snow, twisted and mangled amidst the storm.
Finally, I headed back into town and headed to West Belleville. I spent some time capturing the city's colorful murals and buildings, including Meckfessel Tire & Auto, The Harp, and a classic old pinkish building that's currently up for rent. The snow added a touch of magic to the scene, enhancing the vibrant colors and architectural details.
It was a day well spent. The snowstorm, while inconvenient, had revealed a different side of Belleville, a side full of hidden beauty and untold stories. As Wyeth suggested, there was indeed something waiting beneath the snow, a story waiting to be discovered and captured through the lens of my camera.
Location: Belleville, Illinois
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