“Leaves dancing in the wind” and “wind whispering through the trees” are both examples of personification. Both examples highlight this idea: nature has an incredible story to share. These stories can be as loud as a “roaring waterfall” or as silent as a “dancing flower.”

 Whether the story is deafening or hushed, nature offers photographers a virtually endless supply of subjects. A tree in the fall holds spectacular colors, and it highlights the season of endings.

 Photographers will find it is nearly impossible to discover an area of nature untouched by humanity, but even these places have their own unique story to tell. An inviting bridge can connect the peace of nature to our busy world.

 This mixture of untouched perfection and designed beauty resides at Powder Valley Nature Center. Powder Valley is located on 11715 Cragwold Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122, right across the road from Laumeier Sculpture Park.

 Visitors can walk through the indoor nature center, which is open from 8 am-5 pm on Tuesday-Saturday. The center displays animals (both alive and taxidermized), and it offers guests an educational experience. Outside, visitors can traverse the center’s multiple trails any day of the week. Guests can choose from short, relatively flat trails and long, winding trails.

 The trails and outdoor areas at Powder Valley offer photographers an ideal place for nature photography. Behind the building birdfeeders, along with the relatively untouched terrain, attract many wild animals. This makes Powder Valley a good place for wildlife photographers as well. Finally, if you are looking for architecture to photograph, the bridges and building offer photographers a small array of subjects.

 Overall, this location is incredible for nature/wildlife photographers, but just like with any location, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind.

 First, the Nature Center is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The trails should still be open for both of these days, but there are many photo opportunities inside the building as well. Photographers should try to visit on a day the Nature Center is open. Even if you are unable to go when the center is open, though, the trails offer beautiful photo opportunities as well.

 Second, some of the terrain is more difficult to traverse. The pathways are paved, but there are a couple of trails which can be difficult. Make sure to read the signs posted outside, for these will tell you a little more about the trail you are preparing to follow.

 Third, on the trails (especially in the fall) lighting can be a little strange. Shadows from the tree branches can mess with the exposure. This, however, is not a large problem, and you can virtually eliminate the issue by checking each of your photos.

 By keeping each of these thoughts in mind, Powder Valley Nature Center offers nature/wildlife photographers a great photo shot.