Some of my favorite places to shoot for portraits, headshots, senior photos, family photos, and engagements in Rochester, NY are Highland Park, Sunken Gardens, High Falls, Durand Eastman Park, Ellison Park, Mount Hope Cemetery and Memorial Art Gallery.
#1 Highland Park
Highland Park is great for a portrait session. In the spring and summer there are all kinds of flowers and vegetation to use as backdrops. There is nice shade and cool looking trees all throughout the park. The Lilac Festival is a must in mid May.
Address: 180 Reservoir Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
#2 Sunken Gardens:
Sunken Gardens is a gem. The architecture, and flowers make this a magical place for senior photos, engagements and artsy shots. The only down side is that the light can be a little tricky because the sun sets behind the house/castle at the entrance to the property. It’s always a good idea to bring a flash or an assistant to help with the lighting conditions.
Address: 5 Castle Park, Rochester, NY 14620
#3 High Falls:
High Falls is a classic spot for senior photos. There are so many nooks and crannies all over that area with interesting textures and colors. It is also really fun to do night flash photography there.
Address: 104 Platt St, Rochester, NY 14614
#4 Durand Eastman Park:
Durand Eastman Park is another hidden treasure for senior photos. It is located on the shore of Lake Ontario in Irondequoit. There is a wetland trail (see photo), White Lady’s Castle, and nice places on the beach to capture some cool sunsets.
Address: 1200 Kings Hwy N, Rochester, NY 14617
#5 Ellison Park:
Ellison Park is another awesome place for portraits. There is a rustic log cabin, an awning with stairs (see photo), lots of vegetation and trails. The light sets over the hill and makes for really beautiful golden hour shots.
Address: 200 N Landing Rd, Rochester, NY 14625
#6 Mount Hope Cemetery:
Mount Hope Cemetery is one of the coolest cemeteries I’ve ever been too. With rolling hills, and twists and turns and mausoleums, you will not have a hard time finding a fun place to shoot. This place is great all year round. There is even an old stone chapel and ornate fountain for fun artsy shots. This cemetery is a must for Halloween photoshoots.
Address: 791 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620
#7 Memorial Art Gallery (MAG):
The Memorial Art Gallery is a fun pace to shoot. They have interesting sculptures and buildings to post up against. There is a little walkway with hanging lights, nice shade and leading lines. The only downside is that the sun sets behind the buildings around it so you have to be cognizant of the harsh light/ no light at times. It’s best to bring a flash or an assistant with a diffuser.
Address: 500 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
In the comments section below, let me know of some of your favorite places in Rochester to shoot.
Cheers,
-Karson