Kennard is a small town in the heart of Indiana, which surprises with wide avenues and historic brick buildings. The mix of rural idyll and surprisingly modern street style makes it an underestimated photo motif. I like Kennard, because people still have room for a calm shooting – no crowd, lots of light. For photographers who like to work off the tourist trails, this is a real plus point.
I plan to snap the picture when the city is just awake – this is the Civil Twilight. There the first lights begin to glow, and the soft blue leaves buildings almost shimmering. For the warm, contrasting light I set on the Golden Hour. Just search for “Kennard Golden Hour” in the map tool by poi‐travel.de, which shows you the position of the sun and the azimuth.
The Sunset over the few high-rise buildings on the outskirts provides dramatic silhouettes. Shortly after that follows Blue Hour, ideal for long-term exposures of illuminated facades and the river. The same tool shows you by line where the sun stands – practical if you need the exact angle for your composition.
The City Park is the green heart of the city, with a small lake, old oaks and a historic carousel. The water reflects the evening light, especially in the Blue Hour looks impressive. Opening hours: daily 6 am to 2 pm, free admission. Best early in the morning or shortly after sunset to be there – the light is then the softest. Insider tip: The small wooden ridge on the northern bank offers a perfect foreground for reflections.
The museum is located in a restored brick building from 1892 and shows original artefacts from the founding period. The façade with its high windows is a classic for architectural photography, especially when the light from the Golden Hour on the side. Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.–17 p.m., admission 5 USD. Visit the late afternoon, when the light falls through the windows, creates warm light strips inside. Insider tip: The small annex behind the museum has a rustic wooden board that is rarely photographed.
Along the main street there are several large-format murals that address local history and nature. The colours shine especially in Civil Twilightwhen the city light illuminates the works of art. No entrance fee, available 24/7. For the best picture put the camera on a tripod and capture the reflections in the wet asphalt after a rain. Insider tip: The Murale at the corner of 3rd & Maple has a hidden detail – a small squirrel that becomes visible only with oblique light.
The path follows the small river that flows through Kennard and offers wide lines of view of the skyline. Especially at sunset, the water throws golden stripes that mix with the silhouettes of the old factory chores. The trail is free and open 24 hours. For long-term exposures in Blue Hour a stable tripod and an ND filter recommended. Insider tip: The old wooden ridge at the southern end is less frequented and provides clear reflections.
The neo-Gothic church of red brick is the most striking building in the city. The high towers and the colourful glass windows provide strong lines that Golden Hour** in particular. Opening hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–17 p.m., free admission, donations desired. The interior is accessible to photographers from 3 pm when the light falls through the glass. Insider tip: The cemetery behind the church has old tombstones, which in the case of fog give a atmospheric motive.
The closed mill on the river is a popular spot for rustic recordings. The brick building with the large water wheel is particularly impressive when the water glistens at sunset. Free entrance, the area is open 24 hours. The best time is just before Blue Hour, if the water is still reflected, but the environment is already darker. Insider tip: The small wooden shed on the right of the wheel has an old shield that is well suited for detail shots.
Kennard combines historical architecture, open green spaces and a relaxed city life that gives photographers a lot of space. Whether you are looking for the perfect sunset, quiet morning light or nightly lights – here you will find everything without crowded tourist crowds. Pack your camera, use the map tool for the solar position and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes every image a bit special.
With the map tool, you can plan the ideal location for a photo online in advance – taking into account the sun's path and the surroundings.
Here's how it works:
Advantage:
You can assess light, perspective and location before visiting the site – ideal for photography, sunrises and sunsets.
To find the exact point where the sun disappears behind the skyline, use the azimuth display on poi-travel.de. In Kennard, the sun travels further northwest below the horizon in summer, while in winter it takes a more southwesterly angle. With the embedded line on the map, you can determine your tripod position down to the metre.
| Phase | Characteristics | Top Attractions in Kennard |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Hour | Warm, soft light with long shade; ideal for lateral lighting of facades. | Kennard Historical Museum, St. Mary’s Church |
| Sunset | Dramatic silhouettes and golden reflections on water surfaces. | Riverfront Trail, Old Mill |
| Civil Twilight | Gentle blue, city lights begin to shine; good color saturation. | Main Street Murals |
| Blue Hour | Cool, deep blue; ideal for long-term exposures and reflections. | City Park, Riverfront Trail, Old Mill |
| Photos | Settings (ISO/Blende/Zeit) | Professional tip |
|---|---|---|
| City Park | ISO 200 / f/8 / 1/125 s (Blue Hour: ISO 400 / f/5.6 / 10‐30 s) | Use the wooden bridge on the north bank for reflections; Tripod for long term. |
| Kennard Historical Museum | ISO 400 / f/4 / 1/60 s (Golden Hour) | Position laterally to capture light strips through the windows. |
| Main Street Murals | ISO 800 / f/5.6 / 1/30 s (Civil Twilight) | Tripod after rain for wet asphalt seals; respect the squirrel detail. |
| Riverfront Trail | ISO 200 / f/11 / 1/250 s (sunset) – ISO 400 / f/8 / 15‐30 s (Blue Hour) | Use the southern wooden web for clear reflections; ND filters for long term. |
| St. Mary’s Church | ISO 100 / f/5.6 / 1/200 s (Golden Hour) | photograph the towers against the warm light; Interior shots after 15 o'clock for glass light. |
| Old Mill | ISO 200 / f/8 / 1/125 s (sunset) – ISO 400 / f/5.6 / 10‐20 s (Blue Hour) | Focus the water wheel; the small wood shed provides interesting details. |
New Castle is just a bit south. The old railway hall has a rough brick feeling, which is really banging with counterlight. On the marketplace there are a few graffiti walls that are well suited for street shots.
However, Knightstown is not only the “Betty-Roo” village from the movie. The main road has a few well-preserved Victorian façades, and the small wooden bridge over the creek looks almost like from another time – perfect for detail shots.
Portland on the White River has a narrow waterway, where old red brick warehouses almost mirror in the evening light. When the water is calm, interesting reflections arise there, which can easily be caught with a tripod.
Nevertheless, a trip to Richmond is worth it. There are a few Art Deco buildings that spray a little retro charm with their geometric shapes and yellowed plaster. The small cafés on the corner also offer nice people portraits if you have a little patience.
In short, Muncie has more to offer than just the university. Ball State's campus has a few modern concrete structures that almost seem like sculptures in opposite light. The nearby “Muncie-River” also offers quiet water areas for long-term exposures.
Anderson's a little rough. The former steelworks are still halved, and the light falling through the rusty windows creates an almost filmic flair. Who likes to play with contrasts finds enough material here.
A short trip to Brown County State Park is worthwhile if you like forest and light games. In autumn, the tree crowns form a dense leaf roof that breaks the sunlight into strips – a dream for landscape photographers.
Turkey Run State Park is a bit further, but the sandstone rock formations and the narrow river run provide dramatic lines. With light fog there is an almost mystical look that you don't see every day.
Villages, towns, districts, places and Vacation destinations you should visit.
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