Rural Missouri - May 2024 - 25

Pick Your Spot
There's no shortage of great photo opportunities in Missouri's
state parks, which are spread all around the ShowMe
State. Our judges are always looking for an intriguing
photo of a park, trail or detail that stands out in a crowded
field. Maybe it's a weekend stroll through beautiful Arrow
Rock or a horseback rider on an equestrian trail at Lake of
the Ozarks State Park. Don't forget about the history and
photo opportunities at the state historic sites as well.
Look High and Low
Most of us generally see the entire world from a similar
eye level. Our judges like to see new, different or intriguing
angles of state park sites, especially those that are popular
such as Ha Ha Tonka's castle ruins, the most entered
area in the contest annually. This could be done by simply
bending your knees or lying on your stomach for a lowangle
photo while swimming with your family at Sam A.
Baker State Park. You can also find an elevated position
to shoot down on a scene. If you own a drone, the options
are nearly limitless for the interesting perspectives you can
capture. Just remember, the photo still must be interesting
to be considered.
Watch the Clock
Some of the best light in Missouri's state parks - and everywhere
else - occurs in the few hours after sunrise and
before sunset. Early morning sunrises can produce long,
beautiful shadows on dew-soaked grass. Depending on the
weather, the skies may fill up with red hues or serve as
bright yellow or orange backgrounds in the evening, especially
as a backdrop over Table Rock Lake State Park. Set
your alarm early or stay a little later in the day and you'll
be on your way to taking a gorgeous photo.
Mark Your Calendar
The beauty inside Missouri's state parks can change dramatically
throughout the year, depending on the season.
Roaring River State Park in Cassville looks much different
on March 1 for the opening day of trout season than it
does as the trees change colors along the hiking trails in
the fall. Think about when the best time of year would be
to visit the park for the photo you want and plan accordingly.
If we get an early snowfall before the Nov. 15 deadline,
our judges love to see the wintery scenes of the parks.
Don't Get Disqualified
Scores of photos aren't considered every year due to not
conforming with contest rules. The biggest faux pas that
gets entries immediately discarded is submitting photos
that show someone not adhering to Missouri State Parks
rules and regulations. The most frequent infractions
include straying off marked hiking paths, unleashed animals
and visiting outside of normal park operating hours.
Also, the photo must be taken at a park or historic site
maintained by Missouri State Parks. Photos from conservation
areas, city or county parks or those operated by the
National Park Service won't be considered. Additionally,
photos must be suitable to be printed in Rural Missouri.
Screenshots, low-resolution photos and those with watermarks
are instant outs.
Tony Cook arrived early to take advantage of the first rays of morning
sunlight at Missouri Mines State Historic Site.
Ron Lewis used his Nikon DSLR to make a 2 1/2-second exposure of
the opening day of trout season at Montauk State Park.
Caleb Roberts got up high for this photo at Onondaga Cave State Park.
MAY 2024 | RURALMISSOURI.COOP 25
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Rural Missouri - May 2024

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