Locations: Rollins College

Rollins College & Winter Park: A Picture‑Perfect Pair for Photo Sessions

Winter Park’s Rollins College isn’t just a place of learning, it’s regularly ranked among America’s most beautiful campuses. This fact alone is a no brainer as to why I love to bring my clients here.

Hidden in the middle of Winter Park, Florida, this campus boasts timeless Spanish‑Mediterranean architecture, Spanish moss, and hidden courtyards. These features, paired with Winter Park’s cobblestone streets, create endless possibilities for stunning photos. Whether you’re planning an engagement session at Rollins College, memorializing your graduation, or capturing family memories, here’s why this historic campus should be at the top of your list.

Rollins College Engagement & Wedding Photos

Rollins sits on an inviting stretch of shoreline right on Lake Virginia. There is a quaint little beach and dock where I love to start every session. The campus itself is peppered with live oaks and bougainvillea‑covered buildings, providing natural shade and pops of color. For couples, this means endless romantic backdrops. And I love taking full advantage of every one.

Knowles Memorial Chapel & Annie Russell Theatre

It’s no wonder that this college campus is perfect for engagement photos as it also hosts many weddings yearly at the Knowles Memorial Chapel. Connected via one of Rollins’ signature corridors is the Annie Russell Theatre, the longest continually running theater in Florida. These historic landmarks feature ornate arches and stone facades perfect for elegant bridal portraits. Everything about the campus is timeless and is reflected in every session here.

Lakeside Gazebos & Sandy Beach

One of the campus’ biggest surprises is its sandy beach and lakeside gazebo. The beach sits steps from the lake and provides a laid‑back, coastal vibe without leaving Winter Park. How many college campuses can boast such a feature?

Couples can share a private date on the dock or take a stroll along the shore. Sunsets over Lake Virginia paint the sky in hues of blue and gold, matching Rollins’ school colors and creating a naturally coordinated palette.

Graduation & Senior Portraits

Rollins’ beautiful campus shines during graduation season, and it offers unique spots for senior portraits.

Pinehurst Cottage & Historic Living History

Built in 1886, the picturesque Pinehurst Cottage is the only remaining original structure from the founding days of Rollins. Its landmark front porch hosts beloved events like Politics on the Porch. Seniors can pose on the porch steps or in front of the cottage’s ivy‑covered façade. The possibilities are endless.

Olin Library & Lake Views

The Olin Library offers panoramic views of Lake Virginia. Its modern interior and rooftop terrace provide both scholarly and scenic backdrops. Pose with a favorite book or your often-frequented study spot.

Tabebuia Trees & Floral Showers

Each spring, bright‑yellow tabebuia trees burst into bloom near the Rice Family Pavilion. These trumpet‑shaped flowers dazzle from February to April, creating a fairy‑tale backdrop for graduation portraits. Other indigenous flora include longleaf pines, jacaranda trees and the rare corpse plant, so there’s always something in bloom to brighten your photos.

Family & Maternity Sessions

Families and expectant parents will find plenty of open spaces and shaded walkways at Rollins.

Meandering Sidewalks & Cypress Trees

The campus’ meandering sidewalks flanked by live oaks and cypress trees are dappled with nearly ever‑present Florida sunshine. These paths are stroller‑friendly and ideal for candid shots of children running ahead or couples walking hand in hand. These shaded areas mean we can start a little later in the morning. That means more time for sleep for your littles.

Lakeside Recreation

Getting out onto Lake Virginia is easy—students and visitors can launch kayaks or canoes right from the shore. Paddle board or Kayak sessions can make for fun unique photos.

You can even create a picnic along the shore or at the gazebo facing over the water.

Beyond Campus: Exploring Winter Park

Rollins College is an integral part of Winter Park, a lakeside community five miles north of Orlando. Use the surrounding town to diversify your photo gallery.

Tips & Guidelines for Shooting at Rollins College

• Golden hour & twilight: Sunrise and sunset light complement the warm tones of the Spanish‑Mediterranean architecture and make the lake shimmer. These times are variable throughout the year. Due to the amount of trees and shade around campus, we can be more flexible with session times.
• Permit requirements: If you plan to set up professional camera equipment inside campus buildings, you must request permission from Rollins’ Scheduling & Events. Outdoor photography on campus does not require a permit, making it easy to schedule sessions around classes and events.
• Seasonal blooms: Time your session around the spring bloom of tabebuia trees or the fall foliage of live oaks and jacaranda trees. But make sure to book early as this time of year books FAST!
• Leverage Winter Park: Incorporate nearby locations like Park Avenue or Kraft Azalea Garden to create variety and tell a fuller story of your relationship or milestone. But honestly, Rollins College is incredible on its own.

Ready to Photograph at Rollins College?

From lakeside sunsets and historic chapels to cobblestone streets and secret gardens, Rollins College and Winter Park offer plethora of settings for engagements, weddings, senior portraits, family photos and maternity sessions. As a local photographer familiar with the campus and town, I can guide you through the best spots, navigate any permit requirements and time your session for the most flattering light. Contact me today to plan your Rollins College photo session in Winter Park, and let’s capture your story!