Film Engagement Photos at Ontario Beach & Durand Eastman | Rochester NY Photographer
- Darren McGee
- May 30
- 2 min read
Looking for the best spots for engagement photos in Rochester, NY? Ontario Beach Park and Durand Eastman Park are two of the most iconic and scenic locations for couples and engagement sessions in the area. In the home of Kodak - there is no better way to capture these sessions than with Kodak film like Portra.
Whether you're recently engaged or planning a surprise proposal, these Rochester gems offer unbeatable backdrops and year-round beauty.
For Walter and Melissa—who had gotten engaged privately a few months earlier—we wanted to create a session that reflected their story, their city, and the joy of their next chapter together.
📍 Best Engagement Photo Locations in Rochester NY
As a Rochester-based engagement photographer, I always recommend locations that blend natural beauty with emotional connection. Ontario Beach and Durand Eastman offer just that.
Ontario Beach Park features sandy shorelines, lake views, and a breezy, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for playful couple photos by the water.
Durand Eastman Park adds lush greenery, peaceful trails, and golden sunlight filtering through the trees—ideal for more intimate, romantic portraits.
💡 Planning your own engagement session in Rochester? These two parks pair beautifully for a single shoot, offering variety without needing to drive far.
Rochester Engagement Photography: Candid, Connected, and True to You
Walter and Melissa didn’t want stiff or overly posed photos—they wanted a session that felt real. That’s always my goal.
We spent the early evening wandering both locations, letting the natural beauty of Lake Ontario and the forested trails of Durand Eastman set the scene. I captured a mix of film and digital photography, giving their final gallery a warm, nostalgic, and high-contrast look that felt personal and timeless.
Best Time of Day for Engagement Photos in Rochester NY?
We scheduled their session for late afternoon into golden hour, which gave us:
Soft tree-filtered light at Durand Eastman
Warm, glowing skies at Ontario Beach
Just enough time to relax and enjoy the shoot without feeling rushed
📅 If you’re planning a session like this, I recommend shooting during:
Golden Hour (60–90 mins before sunset)
Weekdays (to avoid crowds at the beach)
May through October (best light, best foliage)
Thinking About Engagement Photos in Rochester?
Whether you’ve already proposed or are planning a surprise engagement session in Rochester, I’d love to help you design something that feels rooted in your relationship—and in this place you call home.
I offer a range of packages for Rochester couples sessions, film photography, and surprise proposal photography, all designed to feel easy, collaborative, and deeply personal.
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