The familiar sounds of nature and a crisp autumn breeze greeted West Chicago Community High School’s AV Club during their recent visit to St. James Farm in Wheaton, Illinois, as part of their bi-weekly photography trips.

On Oct. 16, the AV Club traveled to the DuPage Forest Preserve’s St. James Farm, a property with historical significance as a former retreat for the McCormick family, inventors of the McCormick Reaper. The club explored the grounds, capturing its unique architecture and scenic landscapes during the afternoon session.

The visit began with the students stepping off their minibus to view the German-style barn architecture of St. James Farm, which served as a focal point for many photographs.

“It’s really good to be here, hangin’ out with friends, screwin’ around, taking pictures of whatever you can see,” senior Logan Reed said.

Nearby, a small forest preserve sign marked the farm’s boundaries against a backdrop of trees and foliage extending into the distance.

Soon after arriving, students dispersed to explore and photograph the site. Reed climbed aboard an old train car to frame a shot.

“AV Club is also just a great way of learning how to take pictures with a camera, learning from other people who have been in here longer,” Reed said.

Club members, including freshman Esme Villafuerte and seniors Diego Villafuerte and Danny Stoklasa, crossed a yellow bridge spanning a stream, an image that itself became a standout photo.

The farm’s yellow buildings, illuminated in the afternoon sun, provided striking visual elements for the students to capture.

“It was perfect for our trip because there was so much to explore and everyone could have a different experience with how big the whole place was,” senior Gilan Hosticka said.

Diego Villafuerte leaned against an expansive yellow wall on a barnhouse atop a hill, reviewing his recently taken shots on his camera.

Diego Villafuerte stands in a field of golden reeds among the farmland with his greatest asset as a photographer at the ready: his trusty camera. All AV members are given a Canon Rebel T6 to spend the session with, or if desired they can bring their own camera as well. After each meeting, adviser Dave Jennings uploads the photos to a hyperlinked Google Doc where the photographers can retrieve them.

Esme and Diego Villafuerte continued their exploration of the farm in search of creative opportunities. Given the guidelines “Most creative picture involving a leaf” assigned by Jennings at the start of the meeting, ‘Sibling Club’ members Diego and Esme Villafuerte contemplate their plan to beat out the competition.

A few of the club’s photographers examined their cameras, while Hosticka pointed towards a possible location across the pond for their next set of photos. 

Senior Danny Stoklasa walked ahead of the group, camera in hand, looking to realize some picture ideas, and hopefully scout out some more areas as well.

Senior Holden Kaiser stopped and enjoyed the sunshine for a moment while looking around for somewhere fun and unique to take photos of his own.

A trio of AV Club members posed for a quick photo among a grove of leafless trees, which made for a perfect foreground against the vivid green forest that surrounded the farmland.

An archway of golden-leaved trees sat hidden near the back of the farm, and acted as a stunning subject for photos and as a reminder that fall would soon be coming to an end. 

“The leaves changing color is so cool looking, and it’s really cozy while it lasts,” freshman Silas Gradl said.

Club sponsor Dave Jennings awaited the group’s return near St. James’ entrance, ready to inspect and compliment his photographers’ work.

As the trip concluded, students gathered by a wooden bench near a pond to reflect on their work and enjoy the sunset. The visit to St. James Farm offered the AV Club a chance to practice their photography skills while engaging with a setting rich in both history and natural beauty.