Candid Summer Family Portraits at Durand Eastman Beach
There’s a very small window of “beach worthy” weather in Rochester NY for family portraits. But when it’s here, we go for it. And whether it’s the breeze off the water it’s natural beauty, Durand Eastman Beach spot give families the perfect mix of play and pretty for a gorgeous Rochester NY photo location.
That atmosphere is what makes beach sessions such a great fit for candid family photography. Kids can splash in the waves or dig their toes into the sand, giving us so many opportunities to capture genuine laughter and real connection. Those moments often become some of the most memorable family portraits, the ones that tell the story of what summer really feels like.
As the sun starts to set, the magic shifts. Golden hour at the beach brings out soft, flattering light that creates a stunning backdrop for more traditional family portraits.
Our summer beach mini sessions in Rochester are designed to combine both sides of the experience: the candidness of kids being kids and the beauty of a golden-hour family portrait you’ll want to hang on your walls.
If you’ve been thinking about updating your family portraits, a beach session at Durand Eastman might be the perfect way to do it this summer.
Find More Family Portraits and Candid Family Pictures
Shadow Pines in Penfield, NY is more than just a playground—it’s the perfect backdrop for family portraits. With open grassy fields, colorful play spaces, and plenty of room to explore, it’s an ideal setting for candid family pictures that feel natural.
Family photos can be stressful with young kids, but they don’t have to be. Discover simple tips to prepare your children for a family photo session in Fairport or Rochester NY, from outfits and timing to fun ways to keep them smiling.
Family photos don’t have to be serious to be meaningful. When kids are allowed to laugh, move, and be themselves, real connection shows up and those are often the images families treasure most.
Even with most of the black-eyed Susans gone, one patch of blooms in Pittsford, NY was all we needed for this year’s Summer Candid Mini Sessions.
Mike’s brand photography session took place in the natural spaces around his home office, creating images that balance strength with approachability. From portraits that highlight confidence to candid moments that reveal authenticity, his gallery captures the promise of transformation and the courage to step onto a new path.
Matt, a Class of 2026 senior from Pittsford Mendon High School, chose the Eastman Museum gardens for his senior pictures. The elegant grounds were the perfect backdrop for portraits that reflect his calm, confident personality.
Drew, a Class of 2025 senior from Fairport High School, brought his friendly, easygoing energy to his senior portrait session. Between soccer, tennis, and a bright future in electrical engineering, his calm confidence and warm smile made every senior photo shine.
Class of 2026 senior Max from Pittsford Mendon High School brought his easygoing personality and great sense of humor to his senior pictures. His senior photos capture his natural smile and relaxed, confident style.
Madeline’s Mercy High School senior portraits were photographed at home in the gardens where she grew up, featuring her piano, her pet rabbit, and soft, timeless details that reflected her elegant, creative personality.
Not sure where to take your senior pictures in Rochester? We're breaking down our favorite local spots, from flower-filled gardens and lakeside beaches to city streets and artsy spaces, so you can find the location that feels most like you.
Nora’s senior pictures at Tinker Park and Victor High School’s soccer field captured her personality and love for soccer - two sides of a Class of 2026 senior from Victor High School.
Sisters Lauren and Natalie, Class of 2026 seniors from Williamson High School, shared a fun and meaningful senior portrait session at Sonnenberg Gardens. As soccer teammates and close friends, their laughter and connection made these senior pictures memorable.
Carlton’s senior pictures were anything but ordinary. This Brighton High School Class of 2026 senior describes himself as relaxed, active, and outdoorsy - and it showed. When his mom joined in for a playful water fight, the laughter and candid moments made for unforgettable senior photos.
Aleks, a Clarence High School Class of 2026 senior, brought her love of figure skating and architecture together in her senior portrait session—on the ice and at UB’s Abbott Library.
Webster Thomas High School Class of 2026 senior, Helena, brought her love of art to her senior pictures at Webster Arboretum and a beautiful field of flowers during golden hour.
Abby, a Class of 2026 senior from Victor High School, wanted something classic and timeless for her senior pictures which were completely different from her sister’s bold, graffiti-inspired session. Her portraits at Sonnenberg Gardens captured her natural beauty, confidence, and elegant style among the historic architecture and blooming gardens.
Moody skies, a glowing canal, and a hauntingly beautiful sound — Hailey Kait’s brand photography session in Fairport, NY captured her mysterious, nostalgic vision. From headshots to album art, each portrait reflects her indie acoustic style and soulful artistry.
Spring is one of our favorite times for family portraits around Fairport and Rochester, but it comes with a few things worth knowing before you book. Here's a practical guide to timing, locations, and what to pack.
A full-circle senior photo session in Victor, NY—revisiting a childhood moment 15 years later. Learn why senior portraits are about more than just photos.
Looking for the best places for spring family photos in Rochester NY? From magnolia trees at Highland Park to canal paths in Fairport and garden settings like the George Eastman Museum and Sonnenberg Gardens, here are some of our favorite spring photo locations and what tends to bloom throughout the season.
Our latest candid mini session at Highland Park was full of golden light, blooming magnolia trees, and sweet family moments. Here’s why springtime in this iconic Rochester park is one of our favorite times to photograph.
Before their oldest daughter left for college, this Fairport family came together for updated portraits. A full-circle moment, since they were one of the very first families I photographed back in 2009.
Each fall, our Candid Family Mini Sessions at Wickham Farms bring families together for fun, relaxed apple orchard photos that capture genuine connection and joy.