Why I love it: Sodus Point Beach Park sits at the end of a peninsula jutting into Lake Ontario, and it feels genuinely removed from the rest of the world in the best way. The lighthouse and pier are iconic, the lake wraps around you on three sides, and the light here — especially at golden hour and into sunset — is some of the most beautiful I've encountered anywhere in western New York. It's a place that photographs dramatically in every season, from summer blue skies to fall foliage framing the pier to winter waves crashing over the breakwall.

Best for: Couples, engagements, portraits, pets, anyone who wants open sky and water.

Light & timing: Sodus Point faces north and west into the lake, which means sunset light hits the lighthouse and pier directly and the sky goes extraordinary colors behind your subject. Fall is peak season visually — the combination of warm foliage, cool lake light, and dramatic skies is hard to beat. Spring and early summer offer long golden hours. Wind and waves are real factors year-round; check conditions before you go.

Logistics: About 45 minutes northeast of Rochester. Public parking near the lighthouse and beach area. The pier and lighthouse grounds are publicly accessible. Restrooms available seasonally near the beach. Plan the session around sunset — arriving an hour before gives you time to work the beach and pier before the best light hits.

Accessibility: The beach and lighthouse area are mostly flat and accessible. The pier itself involves walking on concrete with no railing for much of its length — not recommended for limited mobility or young children unattended.

Pro tip: The fall foliage framing the lighthouse from the beach is one of the most distinctive portrait backdrops in the region. Time a session for mid-October and you'll have warm amber leaves, cool lake light, and a sky that changes color every few minutes.