Gay Engagement Session at Quarry Hill Park in Rochester, MN
Today, I’m excited to share the engagement session of Jayson & Travis. We began at the historic Plummer House, paused by Silver Lake, and captured most of the images at Quarry Hill Park.
Table of Contents
A Wrong Start at the Plummer House…Oopsy!
Some days, everything doesn’t go as planned.
I met Travis and Jayson at the historic Plummer House in Rochester, MN. Upon arrival, we saw a sign announcing the venue was closed for a private event. But since it was Sunday after 4 PM and the parking lot was empty, we (mistakenly) assumed the sign was a leftover from the wedding ceremony held the day before.
We snapped a few photos before being politely but firmly asked to leave. We learned that, even without an active ceremony, a wedding reception was planned that evening and guests were imminent.
As we couldn’t finish our fall photoshoot at Plummer House, we redirected to Quarry Hill Park, one of Rochester’s top photo spots.
A Stop at Silver Lake to Enjoy the Red Foliage on a Sunny Fall Afternoon
On the way to Quarry Hill Park, we stopped at Silver Lake. While Silver Lake is excellent for a winter session, it also offers beautiful fall spots.
We made the most of the orange leaves along 7th Street NE, adjacent to the Silver Lake Skate Park.
Next, it was time for a more intimate session with their dog, so we headed to Quarry Hill Park.
Session in the West Section of Quarry Hill Park
When I photograph a same-sex couple, like Jayson & Travis,I always prioritize their comfort by choosing a calm area away from crowds.
Rochester’s countryside can be fairly conservative, and people staring can make it hard to relax in front of the camera.
This particular weekend, the Quarry Hill Nature Center area was busy, and Oxbow Park would have been the same with its zoo attractions.
So we opted for the western section of Quarry Hill Park to ensure a relaxed session.
Photos with Their Dog
The couple brought their puppy for the session. The young, impatient pup pulled on its leash half the time. It was a fun moment for the dog, but perhaps not ideal for its “parents.”
But when you love someone, details like that don’t matter! I’m certain Travis and Jayson were thrilled to have a lovely portrait with their favorite companion.
We then headed to the Little Bridge spanning Silver Creek next to the railroad (and the prison… but I didn’t tell them :-D). At this season, the creek is about 10 feet wide as it feeds into the Zumbro River.
It’s a peaceful spot that makes a lovely backdrop.
Since the puppy was more interested in tugging the leash than posing, we placed it back in the car (with the window cracked) and completed the session with just the two of them.
Another dog-friendly spot is Root River Park. Nestled in a valley, it’s definitely quieter. We skipped it because it’s about 15 minutes from the city and the session was running late.
More Photos at the Top of the Hill
At the top of Quarry Hill Park lies an oak savannah area, where tall grasses blend with majestic oaks.
We captured portraits there with the low sun illuminating the fall leaves behind them.
Quarry Area and Its Evergreens
- For the final shots, we moved to the quarry area. It’s a fantastic spot for three reasons:
- Light-colored ground: the pale clay and limestone reflect sunlight, diffusing it and softening facial shadows.
- Evergreen backdrop: the dense trees create a uniform dark background, helping subjects stand out.
- Natural seating: the limestone ledges double as steps, perfect for varied seated poses.
Last Picture: Silhouette
For the final image, I had fun with silhouettes against a pure blue sky. Minnesota’s excellent air quality (rare in big cities), makes this possible.
I asked Travis and Jayson to stand at the cliff’s edge, exposing the sky behind them and creating crisp silhouettes.
I can’t wait to photograph their wedding ceremony, which will take place in Faribault rather than Rochester.
What to Know to Plan Your Session
- The Nature Center is very popular, especially in summer. To avoid crowds, skip shooting at the main entrance, unless you specifically want photos by the pond. The Nature Center is open most of day from 9AM to 4PM.
- The park is large, so if you prefer a quiet area, you’ll need to walk. Wear comfortable shoes for the best experience.
- The quarry section is the highlight, surrounded by trees. You’ll enter shade well before sunset, so plan your timing accordingly.
- This is definitely an outdoor location, so choose your outfit with the elements in mind—layers, sturdy footwear, and weather-appropriate gear are key.
- Bathroom: Amid the Nature Center Bathroom, there are plastic bathrooms on the parking lot: not suitable for changing outfits!
Conclusion
Jayson & Travis’s session shows that beautiful moments can be captured even when plans change, especially when you feel comfortable and understood.
If you’re looking for a photographer who prioritizes creating a relaxed and joyful space for your unique love story – whether in Rochester, across Minnesota, or beyond – I’d be honored to chat.
Reach out today, and let’s plan an engagement session where you can truly be yourselves. If you love these images and are looking for a gay-friendly photographer to capture your engagement session or wedding day, please contact me today.
I’m based in Rochester but travel throughout Minnesota and neighboring states.
