Gone are the days when photography sessions were just restricted to indoor studios. People like to be creative these days and prefer destination photoshoots.
There are many popular places in the USA that are touted as the ideal locations for photoshoots. But you already know about them! So, in this post, I’m going to talk about that one destination that, despite being located in New York, isn’t considered a photography destination.
Well, I’m talking about Rochester, New York!
Not many would agree but it’s a fact that Rochester, NY is a treasure trove filled with some fabulous spots. The city offers plenty of options when it comes to photography.
Now, if you are local, you already know a few great places for a photoshoot in Rochester, NY. But, if you are someone who is still scratching their head and wondering - is Rochester really a destination for a perfect photoshoot? Fret not, let’s get into it!
Below, I have compiled a list of the best places for a photoshoot in Rochester.
Highland Park
A nature haven that offers a lot when it comes to photography is Highland Park. This place perhaps is one of the most beautiful parks in the city.
With stunning stone buildings, gorgeous gardens and majestic trees, the beauty of Highland Park remains intact throughout the year. Hence, it is one of those places that you can bank on for your photoshoot session any time of the year.
One of the main reasons why Highland Park is also a popular spot for photography amongst people is its near proximity to another unique place, Sunken Garden, which can also be a fantastic destination for your shoot.
Memorial Art Gallery
If you are a local in Rochester and looking for the best indoor place for a photo shoot, then the Memorial Art Gallery can be a unique option. Located within the vicinity of the University of Rochester and Downtown, the art gallery offers indoor aesthetics and outdoor sculptures throughout the museum grounds.
Whether you want to do baby photography, family photography, or even a personal photoshoot, this is the place that you can definitely consider, especially considering the lush outdoor environment. However, I would personally recommend this place for a personal photoshoot.
With a wide collection of exhibits, this is the perfect place for an aesthetic photoshoot which is very much in trend these days. If you want to have some artistic photos for IG or for your portfolio, Memorial Art Gallery won’t disappoint you!
The Seneca Park Zoo
All your queries for the best place to do a photoshoot with your consort end here at the Seneca Park Zoo. Being a nature’s paradise, this place is perfect for a cute romantic photo shoot or a family shoot with kids that have trouble sitting still! A place like the Seneca Park Zoo provides many attractions and playgrounds to keep your kids happy in between traditional family photos - while definitely capturing all of the adorable natural candids possible! However, you will also see a lot of individual photoshoots as well as family photoshoots at the same time.
The park is also known for its beautiful trails outside of the zoo that together make this place a perfect destination for your dream photoshoot. As a popular photography spot in Rochester, the Seneca Park Zoo offers plenty of ways to do a photoshoot inside and outside of the Zoo. You must gain permission from the Zoo before conducting your shoot so be sure to do so before picking a date for your shoot!
Genesee River is the key highlight at this place which adds up to the beauty of the park. Besides, fall is the preferred season among many to do a photo shoot at the Seneca Zoo Park. During this time, the park gets covered in a beautiful blanket of autumn foliage.
A perfect setting for a perfect romantic shot is the Riverway Trail Bridge built on the Genesee River and goes through the treetops.
The Lamberton Conservatory
Another popular spot for photography in Rochester is the Lamberton Conservatory. This is a beautiful place built within glass walls and serves as a home to a rich floral species.
This is certainly a unique place for any type of photography session, however, it is quite popular amongst soon-to-be-married couples for an engagement or pre-wedding shoot, individual portrait or senior portrait sessions.
It is crucial to know that as much as stunning photos the Lamberton Conservatory can offer you, you will have to go in with the knowledge it can be a little warm in some spots of the conservatory!
The reason is the climate-controlled rooms. The floral species put up on display here cannot survive in the actual climate of Rochester. Hence, there are climate control rooms. But it’s all generally bearable as the conservatory is also a popular tourist spot. :)
Besides, the exhibits at the Lamberton Conservatory change seasonally. So, you don’t have to worry about getting pictures the same as others as there is always something beautiful to see and get photographed with.
The George Eastman Museum and Garden
By its name, this place might seem like a boring one. But hey, if you are a Rochester New York photographer or someone who is a fan of the history of George Eastman, you must already know its significance.
George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, is touted as the pioneer of photography and motion picture film. Not just this, The George Eastman Museum is also the oldest photography museum in the world.
So, what could be a better place for an exceptional photoshoot than the home of the creator of film cameras? Interesting, isn’t it? It is indeed! It is also absolutely gorgeous, especially in November as unique flora bloom throughout the carefully tended to gardens.
Sunken Garden
Located right next to the Warner Castle, Sunken Garden is another popular photography spot in Rochester, New York. If you want to be a little creative and at the same time be a little old-school with your photo shoot, this is the place.
In its appearance, Sunken Garden seems more of a historical place and is unlike any other garden. Just like anywhere in Highland Park, you can also expect to see a lot of wedding and family photo sessions going on at this place.
Wickham Farms
Wickham Farms, on Sweet Corners Road in Penfield NY, offers a unique and charming array of gorgeous sunflowers and lavender fields at the end of Summer (that you can pick!), pumpkin picking in the Fall, and ever-expanding fun interactive activities - In addition to it being a gorgeous place for photos, you can also make a day out of it!
Give the goats a visit while you sip on one of their famous flavorful “Shake Ups”, or take a dive into the pool of corn! (Yes, pool of corn!) Then shake off that corn dust on the giant jumping pillow!
If you want the space to yourself during golden hour with a photographer, they also allow you to purchase a special pass after hours to do so. The creativity here is boundless with chairs and sofas, fun trailers placed throughout, and beautiful cabanas to relax after your shoot or flower picking.
With that, we’ve come to the end of our list of best places for a photoshoot in Rochester, NY. And now that you have found the potential locations for your photo shoot, the next step is to bring the photographer on board!
And Fever Dream Photo Co. not only helps you find the best location for your photoshoot but also lends its support to you as we’re also a professional photography company managed by Mary Spengeman who has years of experience in this creative art.