Looking for the perfect location for your engagement or couples session? Letchworth State Park offers stunning backdrops year-round, and winter transforms it into an absolute wonderland. While Riley and Anthony’s photoshoot wasn’t an engagement session, their five-year anniversary shoot at Letchworth proves just how magical this park can be for couples looking to capture their love story.
A WINTER WONDERLAND FOR A MEMORABLE ANNIVERSARY SESSION
Riley and Anthony reached out to me with the idea of celebrating their five-year anniversary with a special photoshoot. They weren’t sure where they wanted to go, but when I suggested Letchworth State Park, they were immediately on board. With fresh snowfall and stunning ice formations, the park was in its full winter glory, making it a dream location for their session.
We met at the historic Glen Iris Inn, the iconic heart of Letchworth. With temperatures hovering around 15 degrees, I came prepared with hand warmers to help keep them comfortable. Despite the chill, their energy and connection warmed up the session right away. We captured some cozy and playful moments around the inn before heading deeper into the park.
Stunning Backdrops at Upper Falls and Middle Falls
From Glen Iris, we made our way to Upper Falls, one of the most breathtaking locations in Letchworth. The towering waterfall, framed by the dramatic railroad bridge above, provided a stunning natural backdrop. Riley and Tony were an absolute joy to work with—Tony even lifted Riley onto his shoulders for some fun, candid shots! Their playful energy made for some of my favorite photos of the day.
Next, we ventured to Middle Falls, where the ice formations along the cliffs created a mesmerizing winter scene. The frozen mist coated the rock walls in shimmering layers of ice, adding a magical touch to their anniversary portraits. It was impossible not to pause and take in the beauty surrounding us.
A HIDDEN GEM: THE ABANDONED CHURCH AND SCENIC ROADWAY
For a unique touch, I took Riley and Anthony to a little-known spot within the park—an abandoned yellow church tucked away near the trout pond. While power lines and a maintenance building made wide shots tricky, the church’s rustic charm worked perfectly for intimate, close-up photos. The nearby road, flanked by trees and fresh snow, gave us another picturesque setting to take advantage of (and yes, I did a little Photoshop magic to remove some distracting elements!).
WRAPPING UP AT INSPIRATION POINT
To end the session, we stopped at Inspiration Point, an elevated overlook with breathtaking views of Middle Falls from above. This spot is a must-visit for anyone exploring the park, whether for a photoshoot or simply to soak in the scenery. We took a brief walk along the gorge trail that runs through here where Tony provided some piggy back rides, before the two of them cozied up on a bench, sharing a quiet moment against the panoramic winter landscape—such a perfect way to close out the session. Moments like this reflect one of my beliefs as a photographer: your photo session should feel more like a fun date with your significant other than a series of forced poses. I always encourage couples to take a few minutes to enjoy the location and each other while I fade into the background for a bit.
Book Your Letchworth Couples or Engagement Session!
Riley and Anthony’s anniversary shoot at Letchworth proved just how incredible this park is for capturing love stories, whether it’s an engagement session, anniversary celebration, or just a fun couples shoot. I can't wait to get back down here and explore more photo locations and opportunities in all of the various seasons: can you just imagine photos like this in the fall with gorgeous color on the trees?!
If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your own love story against the stunning scenery of Letchworth State Park, I’d love to help! Click on the button below to reach out and start the process of planning your own incredible photoshoot!
