The video snippet I shot for this blog pretty much sums up the madness of the scene on May 19, 2018, as kids, parents and friends gathered at Utica's iconic Union Station for prom pictures. The mass of humanity on this particular Saturday afternoon represented just TWO high schools.

And, two points are obvious from this photo shoot. First, Union Station provides an absolutely stunning backdrop and logical choice for prom pictures. Second (so we take some of the pressure off Union Station), it made us think of the best local venues for pictures. In no particular order, here are The 7 Best Spots for Prom Pictures in Central New York:

Union Station. Opened in Utica in 1914 and redesigned in 1978, the gorgeous columns originally adorned the interior of New York City's Grand Central Station.

Valley View. The circle at the top of the park in Utica affords incredible vistas of the Mohawk Valley.

Delta Lake. The classic clubhouse of Teugega Country Club in Rome is an idyllic setting.

Green Lakes. Emerald-colored water sitting in a body of water carved by a glacier, with one specific outcropping providing a fantastic locale in Fayetteville, especially when the sun hits it just right.

Destiny USA Skydeck. Great views of Onondaga Lake toward the north and the Syracuse skyline and Carrier Dome to the south.

Root Glen. You can't go wrong with the lush, varied horticulture, quiet stream, and man-made rock walls blended into the natural setting, with a path that rises and falls dramatically through the Hamilton College real estate in Clinton.

Chittenango Falls. A pearl of Madison County features a 167-foot waterfall that draws 45,000 visitors a year, not to mention the rubber-neckers just driving by.

Are we missing any picturesque locales? Know of any other great spots that are easy to get to and provide photogenic backgrounds for prom pics?

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