As a UT Austin grad and a photographer who has shot many graduation photo sessions, I want to share with you my top 15 locations to take graduation photos at the University of Texas at Austin! Be sure to ask your photographer when would be the best time of day to take your photos at the locations you want! (The lighting will make a big difference on the quality of your photos.) All photos shown in this blogpost are by Tiffany Tsai Photography.
1. The Tower
Are you even a longhorn if you don't have a picture with the tower? Tower pictures can be achieved from West Mall, in front of Littlefield Fountain, and the greens on University Ave. (Bonus: if you do a 180 degree turn on the greens, you can get a picture with the Texas Capitol.)
2. Littlefield Fountain
Get some pretty blues in your grad photos! FYI, it's illegal to get into the fountain... attempt at your own risk.
3. Entrance to UT
For some reason, it seems to be a little known fact this is considered the entrance to UT... but it's a fun place to get some graduation photos! UT signage, emblem, and tower all in one location.
4. UT Emblem
This striking emblem is located on the north side of the stadium. A bit far from all the other locations, so I suggest either starting or ending your graduation portrait session here.
5. Blue Door
The classic blue door (is a real door, and people might walk out of it when you're taking photos) is a UT grad photo staple. You can find piles of confetti on the ground here in May from all the grad photo sessions. If you want to bring your own confetti, be sure it's environment friendly!
6. 6-Pack
The 6-pack provides locations full of greenery and white stone. There's no reason not to get a few photos here when you're already going to be there for the tower.
7. Architecture Courtyard
A beautiful courtyard, but use your inside voice! The whole building can hear you if you're a bit rowdy.
8. Tower Steps and Surrounding
The tower steps and surroundings are great spots with quality lighting. Tree coverage = diffused light. Steps facing west and east = backlit pictures both morning and evening.
9. Greenhouse
The greenhouse is one of my favorite locations to shoot. Something about the sun, the greens, the glass, and the white of the building makes for some magical pictures.
10. Turtle Pond
Another great spot for pictures with greenery. A little difficult to actually get a picture with the pond if you're in a dress, so maybe think about an outfit with pants!
11. Mary E. Gearing Hall
Gearing hall has an ornate gate, Spanish-influenced architecture, and is a sneaky spot for more tower pictures. 24th street right in front of Gearing is also a great place for pictures.
12. Moody Bridge
A bright white bridge and leading lines... what else can I say about that?
13. SAC Roof
Did you know the building where you get your Chick-fil-a fix has a photo worthy rooftop?
14. Blanton
If you haven't checked out this museum, you really should (free with your UT student id). The hallway the entrance is in makes for some stunning pictures.
15. Major-related Location
I highly suggest you take photos at a location on campus that means something to you. Whether that means the lab in which you've toiled away long hours in or the signage representing your major, take this opportunity to document and celebrate all that you've acheived.
