Walking in a Winter Wonderland

If you’re a Rochester native like me, you know that Highland Park is one of the most iconic parks in our city. The lilac festival each spring draws people from all over to walk along its paths smelling the blooming lilacs and checking out the wares offered by the venders that set up shop there. The sunken gardens at Warner Castle is a lesser known spot in the park on the other side of South Ave. Lesser known that is, unless you happen to be a portrait photographer in Rochester. Its stone steps and beautiful landscaping makes it a favorite spot for wedding portraits as well as smaller portrait sessions. Most of the time, a photog has to wait their turn with their clients as multiple groups wander the grounds snapping portraits. A few weeks ago, however, I knew I’d have the place largely to myself. To start, it was bitterly cold on the day a future Bemont Photo bride and groom chose for their engagement session. Not only that, it was snowing heavily. Big chunky white flakes floating down with no end in sight. I reached out to my clients to confirm that they still wanted to venture out to take some romantic shots despite the weather and I was thrilled to learn that they were game. I honestly adore a snowy couple’s shoot. One of my favorite sessions to date many years ago was an extremely snowy afternoon much like this one with my brother and sister-in-law. We trudged through the snow in the park stopping to take the most romantic photos. By the end, we were chilled to the bone and soaking wet with snow but the shots are so etherial and romantic. I was very excited to shoot another snowy romance session. I was right in thinking we would have the place to ourselves and although they were cold, my subjects kept each other warm and cozy in romantic embraces until we had another beautiful gallery of snowy bliss. If you’re considering a wintery engagement session with your honey, here is your sign to go all in and play in the snow!