RIVERBEND – Bethalto native LeRoy Taynor didn’t intend to become a wildlife photographer, but he has discovered a new passion.
Taynor explained that he was “always the one behind the camera” when his sons were growing up. When he retired in 2024, he bought a camera and started taking photos of the birds he saw in his backyard. But he wanted to be more active, which led to him walking along the river — and his photos have turned out to be even better than he could have imagined, while reminding him of a few important life lessons.
“This photography thing, it’s funner than I remember, to be honest with you,” he said. “I accidentally stumbled across it. But it’s worked out wonderfully for me.”
Taynor’s son joked that he was “too lazy to drive anywhere” as he focused on taking photos in his backyard. When his daughter-in-law suggested traveling to Ellis Island across the river in Missouri, he decided to give it a try.
Taynor walked 300 yards before turning around and going back to his truck because he was “exhausted.” This experience kicked him into gear. He wanted to get in shape so he could walk the 2-mile loop around the island.
Slowly but surely, Taynor began walking the pathway multiple times a week. He shoots photos when something catches his attention, but he’s careful not to put any pressure on it. He wants to simply enjoy the walk and the wildlife.
But even though his hobbyist photography is casual, it’s impressive. His kids, sisters and friends were delighted by Taynor’s ability. They’ve asked him if he plans to sell his photos, but he is honest; he feels he is “too old” to start a business. Instead, it’s about enjoying the time outdoors, with no expectations or demands from the wildlife he’s shooting.
“I really didn’t do it for [recognition],” he explained. “I did it to get me out of the house, because I knew that I needed some exercise. Honestly, that’s why. I thought, well, I like taking pictures, so let’s just combine the two. For me personally, I feel better than I have felt in over 10 years.”
One day, Taynor was at the pharmacy when his phone lit up, displaying his lockscreen of a photo he had taken. The pharmacist was impressed by the picture, and she asked if he had ever submitted his photos to RiverBender’s Photo of the Day.
The official RiverBender Facebook page posts a photo every morning that was submitted by a reader. These photos range in subject matter, but all of them share a glimpse into the Riverbend region’s beauty.
Taynor had never considered it. The pharmacist showed him how to access RiverBender on his phone, and he decided to give it a try. RiverBender has since featured several of his photos on the official Facebook page as part of the Photo of the Day coverage.
But Taynor is adamant that his love for photography goes beyond any recognition he might receive. The hobby has taught him patience, which is a lesson he tries to impart on his sons. He quotes John Lennon — “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” — and reminds his boys that life is about paying attention.
“You can’t rush things. They’ll happen in their own time,” Taynor said. “It’s so easy to forget because you’ve got things that you really want to do. That’s just human nature, and you get upset whenever you have these speed bumps that keep slowing you down…Just a little minor speed bump, what do you do? You slow down, you gather yourself, and you go on. There you go. Just as easy, just as simple as that.”
Taynor’s photography speaks to this philosophy. As he continues taking pictures, he can’t wait to share them with his community.
To submit a Photo of the Day to RiverBender, message the official Facebook page or email news@riverbender.com.
