Smyrna Methodist Church

Smyrna Methodist Church is a cute small white frame church sitting at a quiet country crossroads in rural Arkansas. Dating back to 1856, it is the oldest documented church building in the state, and has been carefully restored to look like it did a century ago. The plain white weatherboards, a steep gable trimmed with delicate cut woodwork, and little porch roofed with diamond shingles are just begging to be photographed. An old cemetery sits right beside it, so you can work historic headstones into the foreground or frame the church through the trees for something more peaceful feeling. Soft, low light early or late in the day suits the white boards best, while an overcast sky keeps everything clean and even if you are trying to create a calmer, more historical feel. You can shoot it straight on to show the symmetry, or move off to one side to set the bell tower against open countryside highlighting the rural feel. The church stands out in the open and is easy to photograph from all over the grounds.Unfortunately it is no longer an active parish so it may not be possible to access the inside. (Searcy, Arkansas, USA)