MY FAV OUTDOOR PHOTO SPOTS IN ROC
I've been wanting to make a post about this for so long (and honestly its taken forever to write and put together)! I always have clients asking where they should go to take photos. There are so many wonderful areas around Rochester-both indoor and out. In this post I will be showing some of my favorite go-to places--starting with outdoor (my fav) any time of year!
HEMLOCK LAKE
One of my all time favorite spots. I got married here after all! I know all of the perfect areas within the park--from the boat launch to the northern shore. There are tons of trees, paths, creeks and of course the beautiful lake. Any time of the year is great and at any time of day!
MENDON PONDS PARK
Mendon Ponds is so versatile. There are ponds, forestry, large artsy trees, trails and so much more. There are perfect views of the sunset from some of my favorite areas within the park. Any time of day is great for photos at this park.
KERSHAW PARK
Kershaw Park has so many beautiful spots. Between the willow trees, docks, rocky coastline and the boat houses--its the perfect place for diverse images. The best time to take photos is morning or golden hour (the sun sets perfect over the park from the docks).
CORBETTS GLEN
Corbetts Glen is such a hidden gem in Rochester. It has a huge tunnel, smaller waterfalls, fields and trails. It's the perfect photo spot for High School seniors, couples and families. The best time is any time of day (because of the higher tree line).
HAMLIN BEACH STATE PARK
Hamlin Beach has the perfect mix of sandy beaches, trees and rocky coastlines. Its a huge park, but I know the best spots for sandy beaches, trees and playing in the water! The best times of day are early morning or golden hour.
WEBSTER PIER
The pier is nothing short of amazing at sunset! With the lovely views of the water and the pier itself, you cant go wrong! It can be super windy in this location but I learn to embrace the wind. In my opinion, the morning and evening are the best times for lighting. Perfect for seniors, engagements and family!
SUNKEN GARDENS
I love the Sunken Gardens. It can be perfect for senior photos, families and engagement photos. The stonework and castle are so beautiful, not to mention the florals in the gardens. Another gorgeous part of Rochester--and its right across from Highland Park.
HIGHLAND PARK
Highland Park has so many options for photos. Some of my favorite areas are near the Lamberton Conservatory. It can be a beautiful any season throughout the year. It can be especially busy during the Lilac Festival, so I don't advise booking photos then. But the spring blossoms are my absolute favorite time at Highland.
LETCHWORTH STATE PARK
Letchworth is one of the wonders of the world. The gorgeous waterfalls, the beautiful foliage and endless trails are so amazing. It truly is a one-of-a-kind destination. It can be busy (especially during the fall season). The admission fee is $10+
TWIN SILOS
Twin Silos is owned by the sweetest family. It has fields (for days), a beautiful pond, an amazing sunset, trees and the gorgeous barn. We just have to get permission to use the grounds (on weekdays) as they have weddings on the weekend. It's a great little spot thats one of my favorites!
SONNENBERG GARDENS
What a beautiful spot in the heart of Canandaigua. It does cost a fee to enter, but the vast beautiful florals in the gardens and stunning architecture make it worth it. There are different themes within the gardens--Japanese garden, Rock Garden, Venetian Garden and so much more. They also have limited hours as well.
TINKER PARK
Tinker Park is full of so many surprises! From bridges, trails, ponds and gardens--this place has it all. And is such a cute park. The only downside is it does not allow pups. But its great for any time of day and is super family friendly!
EASTMAN HOUSE GARDENS
The famous Eastman House and all its beautiful wonders! I absolutely love the gardens and all of the architecture. It's so timeless. There are so many different areas within the gardens to take photos. Any time of day here is perfect. However, there are some instances where you will need to make arrangements and costs a fee (wedding parties, events, etc).
VITALE PARK
Vitale Park has been one of my favorites since I can remember. It sits right on Conesus Lake and has a beautiful bridge and lovely colorful gardens. It has lots of nice willow trees and of course the sparkling water. Its perfect for high school seniors, maternity, engagement and families! Any time of day is great here.
HIGH FALLS
High Falls is more of an urban feel--with more architectural elements. It has the famous browns race bridge, streets, lights and tons of buildings. And just a few steps away across the bridge is a tiny walking park so you can get some greenery along with your urban Rochester skyline!
WEBSTER ARBORETUM
The Webster Arboretum is such a beautiful little area within the heart of Webster. It offers lots of trees, florals, a pond and a few pretty bridges. It does host weddings on the weekend, so its always good to check ahead of time to see if there is an event. It's perfect any time of day!
MY FAV INDOOR PHOTO SPOTS IN ROC & BEYOND
If the weather is inclement or its just too chilly outside, there are some great spots around Rochester! Some are free and others cost a small fee in order to reserve a certain time slot. Sometimes we might have to get permission to access the indoor locations.
MY STUDIO
It may be small, but my studio is one of my favorite places to be. It's so light, bright, airy and versatile. I have tons of greenery and with the white walls, light furniture and neutral floors--it can be anything you want it to! Anything from family, maternity, newborn and everything in between. It's so perfect for the lifestyle images of your dreams!
LAMBERTON CONSERVATORY
The conservatory is such a hidden (indoor) gem in the Rochester area. It does require a fee to book a time slot, but in my opinion it's well worth it. There are so many beautiful plants, cactus and lights. It's a super great place if the weather is rainy or too cold. It just has to be booked ahead of time and they only have certain times available.
YOUR HOME
There's just nothing like your own home, especially for a photo session. You don't have to get packed up into the car, just stay nice and cozy! I am always willing to come to your home for a family or newborn session. And it can always be a backup plan if the weather is too chilly or rainy.
AIR BNB
There are so many gorgeous properties around the Rochester area. Whether you have a large extended family, are eloping or just want to rent a place to getaway--your airBNB just might be the best place to take photos! We can even incorporate both indoor and out. Its always a great option!
YOUR SPECIAL SPOT
The most special thing is being at your favorite spot with your favorite person (people). Say it's a place you love to eat or a place you visited together and it's just where you feel at home and happy. I love visiting your favorite spots and taking your portraits!
A RESTAURANT/BREWERY/BAR
Whats better than grabbing a glass of wine or beer and then taking your engagement photos? It could be a destination where the two of you met or you just enjoy going together. Either way I love incorporating both the indoor and out of different bars!
MONROE COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
What a historic and beautiful space! The amazing elaborate staircases and the stunning architectural details are perfect for indoor bridal portraits or engagement photos. It does cost a fee to book a certain time slot, and they only book on the weekends.
COMBINATION OF BOTH INDOOR/OUTDOOR
Looking for something with a little bit of both? My studio and property hold so much beauty--right here in Livonia NY! If the weather is awful we can start or end in the studio. My backyard offers tons of trees, a field and wonderful sunsets! It's the best of both worlds :)
IN MY STUDIO
It may be small, but my studio is one of my favorite places to be. It's so light, bright, airy and versatile. I have tons of greenery and with the white walls, light furniture and neutral floors--it can be anything you want it to! It's so perfect for the lifestyle images of your dreams! And if you want outdoor images we can step right outside and into my backyard and field!
IN MY BACKYARD
My backyard offers an array of forestry and a lovely field! It can be perfect if you want to incorporate both the studio and outdoor shots (all without having to leave the premises). The best of both worlds! And we have a perfect view of the sunset!
