Rochester, MN Senior photographer: Planning your high school senior session

Graduation seems so far off when you are a junior, but when it comes to planning your senior photography session, the spring of your junior year is the perfect timing for planning and booking photos.

Here are a few things to consider when booking a high school senior photography session.

1. What time of year is best for senior photos? Spring brings beautiful blossoms, Summer is warm and you can wear all the fun shorts and dresses, July is best for full bloom flowers. With the full schedules of fall also come deep reds, oranges and that beautiful fall foliage. Are you into Winter fun? Snow is the best for the outdoors types, skiing, skating and more!

2. What time of year is busiest for you? Many people will say fall is with the start of school, some sports and activities. Especially if you are in a fall sport, you’ll want to schedule your photos in June, July or the first week in August before things get crazy with practice schedules and games.

3. When do you need to submit your senior photos for the yearbook? Many deadlines for yearbook submissions are November of your senior year, so planning your session and allowing for 2-3 weeks of editing time means scheduling them in November may be too late.

4. Do you have special locations? You may have a special connection to the Duluth or North Shore area, your grandpas farm or a sports facility. Many of these locations take advanced planning, especially if there is travel involved.

5. Considering Plummer house, Quarry Hill and Downtown Rochester? These are popular locations for senior photos because they are so amazing. If you are looking for that classic Rochester, MN look, then these are a great choice. If you are looking for something completely different, consider a travel session to the North Shore of Lake Superior or even trusting me to help find some hidden gems in the Southeast Minnesota area.

Planning your photos doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. I’m happy to help guide you through all these decisions and more so you can just show up and smile. It’s going to be a great year and I’m looking forward to it as well!

Rochester, MN Photography Location Guide

Capture Stunning Photos in Rochester, Minnesota and the surrounding Southeast, Mn area
Rochester, Minnesota and the scenic southeast Minnesota region provide the perfect backdrop for your photography session. From vibrant fall foliage to lush summer landscapes, these locations offer beautiful, seasonal variety for every type of photoshoot. Whether you're planning family portraits, engagement photos, or senior pictures, be sure to check in before your scheduled photoshoot to find the best photo spots in Rochester and the surrounding area for that time of year.

Quarry Hill Nature Center and Park, Rochester, MN

Explore the Best Photography Locations at Quarry Hill Park in Rochester, MN
Quarry Hill Park in Rochester, Minnesota, offers a variety of stunning photo opportunities year-round. A hidden gem in the region, Quarry Hill is split into two main areas: the Nature Center side and the trail entry side known as “Quarry Hill Park.” This park features a diverse landscape, including a rock quarry, Oak Savannah, evergreen trees, scenic bridges, a peaceful pond, and wildflowers. With such variety, Quarry Hill is an ideal location for photography, offering fresh perspectives no matter the season.

While it’s a popular spot for photographers, Quarry Hill still has many unique, lesser-known areas that can provide the perfect, one-of-a-kind backdrop for your photoshoot. If you're seeking hidden gems, feel free to reach out, and we’ll discover the more secluded locations together.

Seasonal Beauty at Quarry Hill

• Winter: Enjoy easy access to a beautiful area with evergreen trees, all while staying sheltered from the wind.

• Spring: The forest comes to life, though be mindful of muddy trails after rainy weather.

• Summer: Vibrant flowers and lush green foliage make for a colorful, picturesque summer shoot.

• Fall: Rich rust, red, and dark green colors, along with a blanket of pine needles, offer a stunning autumn backdrop.

No matter the season, Quarry Hill Park provides endless opportunities for breathtaking photos. Be sure to explore the varied landscapes to capture the perfect shot in this beloved Rochester location.

One location in different seasons

Plummer House, Rochester, MN

Explore the beautiful Plummer House for Your Photoshoot in Rochester, MN
Plummer House, located behind Mayo Clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, is a picturesque public park donated by the Plummer family. Sitting atop a hill, this stunning park offers a variety of scenic settings year-round, making it an ideal location for professional photoshoots. The historic Plummer House, built with local limestone, serves as a beautiful backdrop for any occasion, while the park’s lush grounds are filled with vibrant flowers and two striking fountains.

Photography Opportunities at Plummer House Park
While the park is open to the public, access to certain areas can be challenging due to stairs, though there is plenty to photograph on the main level, which is easily accessible. The park is also a popular wedding venue, so weekend photoshoots may be limited when private events are scheduled. To avoid scheduling conflicts, you can check the park's online calendar to find available dates.

Ideal Location for Outdoor Photography
The Plummer House Park’s close proximity to Bliss Photography’s photography studio makes it a perfect spot for combining both indoor studio portraits and outdoor photography. With minimal wind and ample shade on sunny days, it provides a comfortable setting for capturing beautiful photos.

Whether you’re looking for classic senior portraits or extended family photos, Plummer Houseoffers a timeless, elegant environment that enhances every photoshoot.

Rochester, MN Trail system

Explore the Scenic Trails of Rochester, MN – A Photographer’s Paradise
Rochester, Minnesota, is home to over 85 miles of beautiful trails, offering stunning scenery year-round. One of the most breathtaking photography opportunities occurs every spring for about a week in May when the bluebells bloom. During this short window, the forest floor transforms into a magical landscape, resembling a fairytale setting straight out of a storybook.

Whether you're capturing the vibrant spring wildflowers or exploring the diverse landscapes throughout the seasons, Rochester’s extensive trail system provides the perfect backdrop for every kind of photoshoot.

Another favorite time of year is Daisy season. Typically the month of June you will find wild daisies scattered around. This spot is a must book each year to capture the magic of these amazing wildflowers.

Oxbow Park, Byron, MN

Explore Oxbow Park for Stunning Year-Round Photoshoots Near Rochester, MN
Sometimes, stepping outside of Rochester can offer new and exciting photography opportunities. Oxbow Park, located just outside of Rochester, is one of the top photo spots throughout the year. This expansive park features scenic hiking trails, the serene Zumbro River, the Olmsted County Zollman Zoo, and the famous Nature Playground, providing a variety of stunning backdrops for your photos.

Oxbow Park is rich in wildlife and natural beauty, offering everything from buffalo roaming freely to vibrant wildflowers and a peaceful pond teeming with frogs. For photographers, the park features breathtaking wildflower fields, towering evergreen trees, and wide-open prairies filled with native grasses.

Seasonal Photography at Oxbow Park
Each season at Oxbow Park brings something unique. Whether it’s the lush greenery of spring, the vibrant wildflowers of summer, the golden tones of fall, or the serene winter landscapes, there’s no bad time to visit. Nature’s beauty evolves with every season, making it an ideal location for capturing stunning photos year-round.

Downtown and The Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN

Capture Stunning Photos in Downtown Rochester, MN
Downtown Rochester, Minnesota, is a vibrant and dynamic location for photoshoots. From the unique textures of its architecture to the charming alleyways, this area offers a variety of interesting backdrops. As the home of the renowned Mayo Clinic, downtown Rochester provides a memorable setting for professional photos.

Whether you're looking for a memorable family photoshoot at the Mayo Clinic or a fun senior session with the colorful and historic buildings on 3rd Avenue, downtown Rochester has something special for every photographer. Historic 3rd Avenue is especially known for its antique charm, adding character and vibrancy to any photoshoot.

North Shore of Minnesota, California, Puerto Rico and beyond!

Adventure Awaits: Travel Photography Sessions in Minnesota, California, Puerto Rico, and Beyond!
Are you an adventurous soul? A travel photography session might be exactly what you're looking for! From the stunning beaches of Florida to the rugged rocks of Minnesota's North Shore and Duluth, to the unique landscapes of destinations like Puerto Rico and beyond, the possibilities for your photoshoot are endless.

Whether you're exploring new locations or traveling for a special event, let's work together to capture one-of-a-kind photos in beautiful settings. Contact me directly to discuss your travel plans and see if we can align our schedules for a memorable photography session anywhere in the world!