Name: Writing from Photographs with Sonja Livingston | Gates Library
Start: 2026-10-12
End: 2026-10-12

Rochester, NY, is the third-largest metropolitan area in New York State, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. With a proud sports tradition, Rochester is home to iconic teams like the Rochester Red Wings (MiLB), Rochester Americans (AHL), Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), and Flower City Union (NPSL). Our vibrant sports culture thrives across all levels, from youth clubs and high schools to elite collegiate programs, creating a strong, year-round foundation for athletic excellence.

The Rochester NY Sports Commission champions Monroe County through the power of sports tourism. By attracting championships, invitationals, and tournaments across a wide range of disciplines, we help fuel the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Each year, Rochester welcomes a growing roster of sporting events, showcasing our top-tier facilities, supportive community, and dedication to teamwork on and off the field.

We invite event organizers, rights holders, and sports professionals to discover why Rochester and Monroe County are ideal destinations for your next competition or tournament. Let’s play in Rochester!

Visit Rochester

What can photographs tell us about our lives today, the traditions of our past, and the world we want to create? Which stories, emotions, details, secrets, and meanings lie just outside frame of the photograph?

Whether you’re creating memoir, poetry, family history, or a scrapbook—using photographs to inspire or accompany your work can add much-needed texture, focus, and intimacy. This session will offer tips and writing prompts to help get you started. You’ll have time to discuss your work in a supportive environment and come away with fresh ideas and drafts to refine or expand into longer projects. Bring 3-5 photographs (phone or hard copy) that intrigue, inspire, or hold great meaning for you.

This workshop is presented as part of our [Rochester Reads 25th Anniversary](https://writersandbooks.org/rochester-reads/) programming. Participants in this workshop will learn from Sonja Livingston, author of our 2026 Rochester Reads selection, *Ghostbread*.

**Sonja Livingston** is the author of four books of creative nonfiction, including the award- winning memoir Ghostbread, which has been adopted for classroom use around the country. Her work appears in The Kenyon Review, Ploughshares, Salon, and elsewhere. Honors include a NYFA Fellowship, an Iowa Review Award, an Arts & Letters Prize, a VanderMey Nonfiction Prize, and an AWP Book Prize. Sonja is an associate professor in the MFA Program at Virginia Commonwealth University and teaches in the Postgraduate Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Writing from Photographs with Sonja Livingston | Gates Library

Discover the ideal stay in Rochester, NY at the Holiday Inn & Suites Rochester-Marketplace, an IHG Hotel. Located at 800 Jefferson Road, our hotel offers easy access to the vibrant city and its popular attractions. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, you'll appreciate our spacious accommodations, modern amenities, and exceptional service. Enjoy our on-site restaurant, fitness center and indoor pool. Perfect for meetings, celebrations, or events, the Holiday Inn & Suites Rochester-Marketplace is the ideal destination for your next stay. Book now and experience a comfortable and convenient stay in Rochester. 

Holiday Inn & Suites Rochester - Marketplace, an IHG Hotel

Welcome to Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester/Henrietta, your perfect home-away-from-home while exploring the vibrant city of Rochester, New York. Nestled at 280 Clay Rd, our prime location offers easy access to top attractions, bustling shopping districts, and the myriad of dining options Henrietta has to offer. Whether you're here for business or leisure, our hotel promises unparalleled comfort and convenience. 

Unwind in our spacious, modern rooms and suites equipped with all the amenities you need for a restful stay, including free Wi-Fi, a handy workspace, and our signature cozy beds. Start your day right with our complimentary hot breakfast, energize in our fitness center, or take a refreshing dip in our indoor pool. Our friendly staff is dedicated to ensuring your stay is memorable, offering personalized service that stands out. Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester/Henrietta is more than just a place to stay; it's your gateway to experiencing the best of Rochester. 

Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester/Henrietta

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Rochester, the Best Western Rochester Marketplace Inn is your perfect home base for exploration and relaxation. Situated conveniently at 940 Jefferson Rd, this hotel places you minutes away from the bustling marketplace, renowned for its unique shopping and dining experiences. Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, our inviting rooms promise a restful retreat after a day of meetings or sightseeing. Delight in complimentary amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi to keep you connected, a hearty breakfast to start your day right, and a fully-equipped fitness center for your workout needs. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing you with an unforgettable stay, ensuring all your needs are met with the warm hospitality Rochester is known for. Explore the charm of the city with ease and retreat to the comfort of the Best Western Rochester Marketplace Inn - where every stay is crafted to be memorable. 

Best Western Rochester Marketplace Inn

Nestled in the heart of Henrietta, New York, the Fairfield Inn Rochester Henrietta/University Area hotel offers guests a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and thoughtful amenities. Just a stone’s throw away from the University of Rochester and moments from downtown, this modern hotel places visitors right where they need to be to explore the best of the area. Our spacious, well-appointed rooms provide a peaceful retreat with plush bedding, free Wi-Fi, and ergonomic workspaces. Jumpstart your day with our complimentary hot breakfast, featuring a variety of healthy and indulgent options. Stay active with our fitness center or take a refreshing dip in our indoor pool. Business travelers will appreciate our convenient services and proximity to key corporate offices. Whether you’re in town for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, Fairfield Inn Rochester Henrietta/University Area is dedicated to making your stay exceptional. 

Fairfield Inn Rochester Henrietta/University Area

Welcome to Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester - Henrietta, your home away from home in the vibrant city of Rochester, New York. Located at 2095 Hylan Dr, our hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Whether you're here for business or leisure, our spacious suites equipped with fully furnished kitchens provide all the comforts you need for a memorable stay. Start your day right with our complimentary hot breakfast, and unwind in the evening with our social hour on select nights. Stay connected with free high-speed internet, or take a break and enjoy our indoor pool and fitness center. Situated in Henrietta, you're just minutes away from top attractions, shopping, and dining experiences. Our attentive staff is committed to ensuring your stay is exceptional, making Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester - Henrietta the ideal choice for your next visit to Rochester. Experience the warmth and reliability of Hilton, combined with the comforts of home, with us. 

Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester - Henrietta

Welcome to Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta, located in the heart of New York's most vibrant town. Our stylish hotel is the perfect choice for extended stays, weekend getaways, and corporate travel. Boasting modern amenities, spacious suites, and a centralized location, you'll be steps away from all that Rochester has to offer. Indulge in complimentary breakfast, stay productive in our 24-hour business center, or relax in our indoor pool and fitness center. Whether you're here for business or leisure, our warm and welcoming staff will make sure your stay is exceptional. Book your stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta, NY today! 

Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta, NY

Nestled in the bustling heart of Rochester, just minutes away from the prestigious University of Rochester and the dynamic Rochester Institute of Technology, Comfort Suites Rochester Henrietta University Area offers a serene oasis for both leisure and business travelers alike. Located conveniently at 2085 Hylan Dr, our hotel is the perfect base to explore the rich cultural heritage and attractions Rochester has to offer, including captivating museums, picturesque parks, and vibrant shopping districts.

Each spacious suite is meticulously designed with your comfort in mind, featuring plush bedding, a separate living area, free high-speed WiFi, and a flat-screen TV to ensure a restful and productive stay. Wake up to a complimentary hot breakfast to kickstart your day. Our thoughtful amenities include an indoor pool, fitness center, and a business center, catering to all your needs. Whether you're here for a university visit, business, or leisure, Comfort Suites Rochester Henrietta University Area pledges a memorable and comfortable experience. 

Comfort Suites Rochester Henrietta University Area

Welcome to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester, located at 1111 Jefferson Rd in Rochester, NY. Our hotel offers comfortable and stylish accommodations for both leisure and business travelers. Enjoy our warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival and experience the exceptional service that sets us apart. Our hotel features modern amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool and lounge, and complimentary shuttle service to the airport and local attractions. Conveniently located near downtown Rochester and the University of Rochester, we offer easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Book your stay with us for a memorable and enjoyable experience. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester

Nestled conveniently in the heart of Rochester, NY, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Rochester South offers an ideal retreat for both business travelers and families alike. Known for its comfortable extended-stay accommodations, the hotel provides spacious suites equipped with fully-functional kitchens, allowing guests the convenience of home-cooked meals while on the road. Each suite is designed with separate areas for working, dining, and relaxing, offering a seamless balance of productivity and leisure.

Business travelers will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to major corporate offices and easy access to transport hubs, making it a perfect base for seamless commutes. Families will find the hotel's welcoming atmosphere and kid-friendly amenities ensure a memorable stay, with the added convenience of nearby shops and restaurants.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast that provides a delightful start to the day. The hotel also features a fitness center, allowing travelers to maintain their workout routines, and an indoor pool for relaxation after a busy day exploring the vibrant city.

Located just a short drive from popular attractions like the Strong National Museum of Play and the Rochester Museum & Science Center, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Rochester South makes it easy to explore the best the city has to offer. With its blend of comfort, accessibility, and convenience, this hotel promises an exceptional stay for any guest. 

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Rochester South

Nestled at the gateway to the scenic Finger Lakes region, the RIT Inn & Conference Center is a premier hotel choice located at 5257 W Henrietta Rd, Henrietta, NY. Our luxurious property combines comfort, convenience, and top-notch service to ensure an unforgettable experience for both business and leisure travelers. Featuring elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, each stay promises relaxation and rejuvenation. Delight in our world-class amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a fully-equipped fitness center, and on-site dining options that offer a taste of local and international cuisine. For business travelers, our state-of-the-art conference center is the perfect venue for meetings, conventions, and events, accommodating up to 500 guests with the latest technology and professional planning services. Whether you're exploring the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes or conducting business, the RIT Inn & Conference Center is your home away from home in Henrietta, NY. 

Writing from Photographs with Sonja Livingston | Gates Library

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