Rochester, NY Engagement Session Locations
Ezra and I road tripped to Rochester, NY to photograph Chelsea & Bobby for their The George Eastman House engagement photo session. This was their first time taking professional photos, but between the stunning garden surroundings and their laid-back love, they became instant naturals. They wanted their engagement photos to be filled with luscious garden vibes, and the West Garden at Eastman House delivered.
When Chelsea Met Bobby
Two Worlds Collide, Literally
Right after Chelsea graduated college, she was hired as a long-term sub for Rochester Academy. This was the same school where Bobby was the Phys Ed teacher. Before starting, she went on a quick tour of the school to meet some faculty members and students. As the principal was showing her the faculty lounge, Bobby came out at the exact same time. They literally met by running into each other.
She started the position the following week, and they quickly became best friends. After Chelsea started teaching at a new school, they began dating – and here they are four years later!
The George Eastman House West Garden Couples Photos | Rochester, NY
Set in Chelsea and Bobby’s hometown of Rochester, NY, this photography museum, mansion and garden sits on the estate of George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography (founder of the Eastman Kodak Company) and motion picture film. Founded in 1947 as a nonprofit, the museum is the world’s oldest photography museum – and one of the oldest film archives! While Ezra and I could’ve geeked out for ages, we made our way to the West Garden to capture their love through our own camera lenses.
Built in 1917 and modeled after an English walled garden, the West Garden at George Eastman House was originally designed by architect Claude Bragdon. Despite being altered and restored many times over the years, the garden transported us back in time with ivy-covered stone walls and carefully-tended pathways.
In the background of many of their garden engagement portraits, you’ll see the stunning Colonial Revival mansion of the estate. Completed in 1905, the building’s elegant architecture and majestic columns made for more stunning angles and photo opportunities during our stroll.
FAQs for George Eastman House Engagement Photos
Is there a photography fee for taking photos at the George Eastman Museum?
For engagement photos, there is no photography fee, so it’s free! However, if you’re taking formal portraits like wedding photography or prom photography, fees do apply.
Do you need a photography permit to take engagement photos at the George Eastman House or Gardens?
No photography permits are required, and we didn’t have to sign in when we visited since the museum was closed. However, if you’re doing wedding portraits during the operating hours of the museum you do have to sign in at the security entrance. You can find more details about their professional photography policy here.
Is it possible to change outfits in the museum bathroom?
The museum asks that photographers and their clients do not go inside the museum buildings for photos or wardrobe changes. TIP: You can change outfits in your car. However, we have a pop-up changing tent now – so we’ll always have you covered!
Ezra and I love traveling and taking cross-country road trips to capture our couple’s love stories near and far. Getting to ramble around the George Eastman House to take engagement photos with Chelsea and Bobby felt like the best double-date. It was impossible to not feel a little inspired surrounded by so much photography history. We cannot wait to meet up with them again in February to photograph their wedding!
