I love covered bridges, but I’m still learning how to photograph them. So often, I remind people on this site that I would never claim to be a professional photographer. I’m just a good amateur, who is still growing in this field. My greatest goal is to take photos that touch someone’s heart in a way that they feel more relaxed or energized or creative. I think that is the reason why I try to post something every day—just to help my friends and those who “happen” on this site to step away from their daily worries and the normal grid of our world.

Well, enough of that. . . . In looking back to the day this photo was taken, I realized that Pennsylvania friends Denny and Joy like covered bridges as much as anyone. Whenever I’m in PA, Denny always magically finds one for us to photograph. This one is located in Lawrence County (southeast of New Wilmington) in western PA. It is the Banks Covered Bridge, and it’s 121 feet long. It was built in 1889 and renovated in 1999, and it spans the Neshannock Creek.

From what I have read, it is a Burr arch truss structure, which is not necessarily rare but certain one that was well used by farmers and travelers to this area. It is reinforced with steel and has stone foundations. In other words, there is no chance this bridge will suddenly drop into the river below. We drove up to it and got out, and I handed my camera to a friend and said, “You take this photo.” I smiled as I thought about someone else enjoying a few moments behind the camera’s lens.

But a few minutes later, I couldn’t stand the suspense any longer and had to venture down to see the scene. Without a doubt, I am never disappointed when frozen rivers and snow are involved. After a while, I retrieved my camera and . . . shot away.

Lots of bridges—wooden and steel—in this part of the state incorporates a Burr arch truss design. I can easily imagine the farmers in wagons who crossed this bridge many times during a week. In the distance is an old barn with a no longer used brick silo. In fact, it’s the barn in the photo below.

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