Warning: Some photographs depict violence and death. This is a reenactment, all scenes are actor portrayals.

Most people are likely to recognize sayings such as “faster than a speeding bullet” or “does whatever a spider can.” When it comes to superheroes, people can discover a multitude with a handful of taps on a phone screen. Combined, DC and Marvel have created thousands of heroic characters, each with their own stories.

But what about the stories of real-life heroes? There are currently more than a million active-duty troops in the United States Military. Combined with those of the past, there are millions of true stories to tell.

It is difficult, even dangerous though, to take pictures of soldiers currently serving. It is not impossible, but this task is far from simple. For photographers looking to capture stories of real-life heroes closer to home, there are a couple of options.

As stated in A Journey Through Jefferson Barracks, photographers can highlight the memory of soldiers by capturing memorials left to them. Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery features both large memorials and small tributes to our nation’s heroes. A memorial, surrounded by red, white, and blue flowers is relatively simple to find.

But what if you want to do more than pay tribute to these heroes? What if you want to capture heroic stories the moment they are happening? If that is the case, I know of a great photo spot for you.

This location is found at Jefferson Barracks once more, but it is located in the park rather than the cemetery. The address for this location is 345 North Rd W, St. Louis, MO 63125, but it can be found easily if you decide to visit the Cemetery first.

Jefferson Barracks Park hosts a World War II reenactment every year roughly around the same time. The event is three days long (it normally goes from Friday to Sunday), and there are multiple war reenactments throughout this time.

These reenactments enable photographers to capture the stories of soldiers on the battlefield, without having to travel far or be in harm’s way. While this event is a reenactment, (and the stories captured do not highlight current real-life battles) photographers can capture the actions and emotions that soldiers face in reality.

Like any photo spots, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when shooting this event.

First, a date for next year’s reenactment has not been set yet, but the 2019 event happened April 26th-April 28th. Photographers hoping to shoot this event should keep an eye out for the event starting the beginning of April 2020.

Second, the event happens right across from the Pavilion at Lemay on an open field. The Pavilion is located at 305 Gregg Rd, Lemay, MO 63125, and works well for parking.

Third, the event tends to draw a rather large crowd. It would be best to get there at least 30 minutes ahead of the event to get a front-row seat. However, many veterans do attend the event. Be mindful of those who need to sit close to the front to see the event.

Fourth, the reenactments are loud. There is real gunfire, and tanks and motorcycles drive close to the rope dividing viewers from the reenactment (this is an easy one: stay on the viewer’s side for safety). To protect your hearing, it would be best to purchase earplugs ahead of the event.

Finally, this event is put on by 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion of St. Louis, a group that aims to preserve the memory of soldiers who fought for the United States. The tanks and other vehicles are not replicas. The group preserves even the machines used in past wars. Along with this, people participating in the event are camped not far from the battleground. After watching the reenactment, photographers can also capture the actors as realistic campsites.

Keeping all these things in mind, this location (and time) offers photographers a great photo spot!