From a simple “what sound does a cow make?” to a song about an old man named McDonald, children face no shortage of farm references while growing up.

In the real world, the Grant’s Farm has goats, chickens and other animals you typically might expect on a farm.

For children, there is a novel excitement in seeing – and sometimes being able to touch – animals which you would not typically think of as “pets.”

For nature-loving photographers, farms can offer just as much wonder – especially in the spring. Imagine a baby sheep laying next to its mother. A classic red barn standing starkly against the vivid green grass. Ducklings trailing after their mother in a shimmering pond.

The vibrant life found on farms, paired with the ingrained nostalgia, make them a perfect setting for nearly any art form. The classic children’s book “Charlotte’s Web,” which was written by E.B. White, further highlights the bright and cheerful imagery you might encounter at a farm.

In the story, Charlotte says, “When I say ‘salutations,’ it’s just my fancy way of saying hello or good morning.”

If you are a photographer who thinks a real-life farm could be a perfect place for pictures, offer a warm salutation to Susuon Park.

Suson Park is located at 6073 Wells Road, Saint Louis, MO 63128. Unlike the Zoo or Grants Farm – which are both great photo spots in their own right – Suson offers the type of farm you might picture when closing your eyes.

The classic red barns. The pigs rolling around in the mud. The horses grazing in a field. Everything.

If pigs rolling in the mud is not your ideal photo, there are many opportunities for portrait and abstract photography. The park boasts a playground, multiple ponds and bridges and covered picnic areas to explore.

Just like with any great photo spot, there are things to keep in mind before say hello to Suson Park.

• The park is open from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes after sunset, but the barn is open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
• The park asks visitors to social distance and stay home if you are feeling ill.
• Some of the grating on the animal enclosures (especially in the long cow barn) is very tight. Taking pictures may be difficult to impossible, so check your images to make sure they turned out.

• There are areas by the pond(s) that are wonderful for portraits, but they are also surrounded by trees. Especially in the fall and spring, check to make sure the exposure is correct.
• The park asks that you do not bring pets.

With these things in mind, any photographer can offer a wave of salutation to Suson Park!