Where to take Senior Photos on the University of Texas Campus?

Where to take Senior Photos on the University of Texas Campus?

Hello, Fellow Longhorn: Congratulations on graduating from UT! Here are my Top 10 most popular spots on campus for Senior Photo Sessions. 

They don’t call it Forty Acres for nothing. Since the University of Texas campus is so large, it’s good to be strategic when planning your College Senior Photo Sessions.

Here are my Top 10 favorite locations. Prioritize your favorite ones when planning your photo session on campus.

 

university of texas tower college senior photo session

1. University of Texas Tower

Why It’s Great: It’s the most recognized symbol on campus. And there’s lots of variety possible through different angles and distances.  (FYI: It’s due to have construction starting in November 2024 and lasting for several years).

Tips: Afternoon sessions cast the best light on the tower. Keep in mind this popular spot can get very crowded on weekends close to graduation.

littlefield fountain university of texas college senior photo session

2. Littlefield Fountain

Why It’s Great: Elegant and classic, and just a short walk from the UT Tower, this fountain is a timeless favorite. The flower beds next to the fountain also make lovely backdrops. 

Tips: Bring a bottle of champagne for a celebratory pop! And if you want to get in the fountain, have this be the last stop of your photo shoot. And pack a towel for afterwards 🙂

university of texas college senior photo session

3. Mary Gearing Hall

Why It’s Great: This spot has great views of the Tower as well.

Tips: You can pose by the gate with the Tower in the background or perch on the fountain in the courtyard.

architecture doors on ut campus in austin for PhD college senior photo session

4. Battle Hall’s Architecture Doors

Why It’s Great: These green/blue doors add a pop of color and architectural charm.

Tips: You might have a long line to wait in for your turn at the doors. Nearby Sutton Hall also has a lovely blue door to use instead.

architecture couryard doors UT senior photo session

5. Architecture Courtyard (Goldsmith Hall)

Why It’s Great: From the wrought iron gates to the tiled fountain, this greenery filled courtyard has pleasing backgrounds from many angles.

Tips: Use the arches or doorways to frame your shot.

university of texas college senior photo session location

6. University of Texas sign (South Side of Mall)

Why It’s Great: You can get another angle with the Tower in the background as well as the schools name.

Tips: Climb up and get your horns ready.

moody bridge college of communication

7. Moody Bridge, College of Communication

Why It’s Great: The bridge’s sleek and modern look is a contrast to some of the older architecture on campus.

Tips: We can use the leading lines of the bridge to center you in your cap & gown.

ut greenhouse senior photo session in austin, texas

8. Greenhouse near the Tower

Why It’s Great: The weathered white walls and glass panels make a charming backdrop.

Tips: There’s also some lovely greenery nearby at the Turtle Pond.

Blanton Museum senior photo session

9. Blanton Museum Courtyard

Why It’s Great: Colorful and fun structural location with lots of background options (even including the State Capitol building)

Tips: Keep an eye on the events page at the Museum to avoid crowds.

university of texas college senior photo session

pcl library college senior photo session

10. Your favorite spot on campus

Why It’s Special: Pick your favorite spot on campus. It could be where you took most of your classes or what you’ll miss most on campus once you graduate. Let’s make sure to include it.

Make Your UT Austin Photos Unforgettable!

Whether you choose just one of these locations or decide to hop around campus for multiple spots, each one has something special to offer. Book your UT Austin senior session today, and let’s capture your unique story and celebrate your accomplishments in the heart of Longhorn country!

 


Interested in a Senior Photo Session?

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Seaholm / Butterfly Bridge – Family Photo Session

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Downtown Austin | Family Photo Session

This family chose the Seaholm District and Butterfly Bridge area for their yearly photo session. I’ve been lucky to photograph this family for over 10 years now. And six years ago, we also met in the same Downtown Austin area for photos.

See below for some then & now comparisons from 2018 to 2024:

then and now family photo comparison from 2018 to 2024 in the same part of austin

One advantage of using the same Austin Family Photographer year after year, is that she can replicate poses so you can really see how your child has grown.

Tips for Family Photo Sessions in the Seaholm District:

  • PARKING: Garage parking is available at the Central Library or Trader Joes nearby (you can also use the restrooms at the library if they’re open)
  • LOCATIONS: There’s a great variety of urban and nature backgrounds in a few block radius. Make sure you take advantage of all the different backdrops available.
  • TRAFFIC: This area is very popular, so expect other photo shoots to be happening at the same time and take your turn in front of popular spots. You will also have literal car traffic going across the Butterfly Bridge, so be careful when photographing there.

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

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Anderson Homecoming – Event Photos

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Anderson High School Homecoming | Event Photo Session

Homecoming Season is here in Austin, Texas. Do you want to make the most of this special time? From choosing your perfect outfit to getting ready with friends, I’m here to capture the memories you create.

What’s the best way to do that? Schedule a Homecoming pre-party photo session. This allows you to:

  • Celebrate and document your friends looking their best
  • Show off your style – from dresses to shoes to accessories
  • Capture the excitement before the HOCO dance begins
  • Take the pressure off of taking the photos yourself so you can just enjoy the party
  • Ensure you have moments to share online or in a printed album

anderson homecoming pre-party photo session

boys at anderson high school homecoming pre-party

For this group of Anderson High School Juniors, we took some posed photos in the front yard by the gold sequin and balloon backdrop, as well as in the backyard with more candid groupings. If you’d like to have a similar event, see my tips below.

Tips for Homecoming Pre-Party photos:

  • Make sure all your guests know to arrive at the same time for group photos
  • If you can, plan to have the party start before it’s dark so you can get some photos with that sunset “golden hour” glow
  • Coordinate with your friends in case you want matching bouquets or other similar details in your outfits
  • Plan on personalized backdrops at your location to make the photos feel extra special

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this Event photo session? I wanted to have a stress free night and make sure all the photo opportunities were captured.  
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I will share the digital photos with all the parents so they can relive the night and download any photos they want.
  3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? With a large group event, have plenty of helpers to assist Stephanie and corral the kids.
  4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie was so prepared and wonderful to work with!

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South Austin Trails – Family Photo Session

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Southwest Austin Park Trails | Austin Family Photographer

I last photographed this family in the Spring at the Blanton Museum. For the fall, they chose a spot closer to home, the park trails near their house in Southwest Austin.

family photo session on austin trails

Then we ended up in their front yard recreating some of the same shots we’d taken when the kids were younger.

brother and sister in blue clothes on a red blanket for their family photo session in south austin

Tips for Family Photo Sessions in the park:

  • Pack water if it’s a hot day, and bring snacks if you think your kids will get hungry during the family photo session
  • Wear comfortable shoes since we’ll be walking along the trails
  • Bring a blanket whose colors coordinate with your outfits in case we want to take any seated photos
  • You can also bring a prop for an activity you enjoy doing (guitar, kite, ball, etc.)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more family sessions on my blog.

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Seider Springs Greenbelt – Austin Senior Photos

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Seider Springs Park Senior Photos | Austin Senior Photographer

Looking for a serene spot in Central Austin for your senior portraits? As an experienced Austin senior photographer, I recently captured a memorable session at Seider Springs Greenbelt, a hidden gem along Shoal Creek. The greenery and peaceful vibe make it a perfect location for high school senior photos.

I’ve photographed families before at Seider Springs Greenbelt, but this was my first high school Senior photo session held there.

austin high school senior photography session at seider springs greenbelt in central austin

austin high school senior photography session at seider springs greenbelt in central austin

Seider Springs in on the east bank of Shoal Creek between 34th and 38th streets. It’s a nice green space tucked away in Central Austin.

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Seider Springs, check out my tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at Seider Springs Greenbelt:

  • There’s convenient parking near St. Andrews School (you’ll only be able to park on one side of the street – follow the signs).
  • Seasonal fall colors appear around late November / early December.
  • This park is secluded and rarely crowded for a personalized experience.
  • Note: this park does not have restrooms, so plan to change outfits in your car.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions on my blog.

  1. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I’m going to save the memory of this day and share the pics with family & friends!
  2. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? To go look at the photo shoot site ahead of time to look for & suggest additional spots for photos.
  3. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Nothing! You were excellent & very attentive!

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Pease Park – Austin Senior Photos

Pease Park – Austin Senior Photos

Pease Park Senior Photos | Austin Senior Photographer

As an Austin senior photographer, I love capturing portraits at iconic locations like Pease Park.

This session for an Anderson High School senior started in Live Oak Meadow, where towering oaks and Shoal Creek create a stunning backdrop. We ended at Kingsbury Commons, known for its Treehouse and Tudor Cottage. Pease Park offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural charm.

pease park austin senior photo session of 2025

pease park treehouse austin senior photography

If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Pease Park, check out my tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at Pease Park:

  • For more of a natural background, the Live Oak Meadow has lots of tall oak trees, some with beautiful hanging Spanish Moss, as well as easy access to explore Shoal Creek. Certain times of year the water levels may be very low.
  • If you want to include some architectural elements, Kingsbury Commons has the two-story metal and rope Treehouse. It aslo has a nature play area and the charming Tudor Cottage.
  • In my experience, it’s been easier to find parking by the Live Oak Meadow than the Kingsbury Commons (and it’s about a 7-10 minute walk between both spots so make sure you’re wearing or bringing comfortable shoes)
  • Check the Park’s Events Page to make sure there isn’t a conflict during your session
  • The Park gets crowded on weekends so try to pick off times to visit for your photo session. (FYI: this spot is very popular for all types of photo sessions, so don’t be surprised to see other photographer’s working there)
  • The park has restrooms you can use for Senior session outfit changes

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions on my blog.

  1. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to put them on my graduation cards and post on instagram.
  2. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Be relaxed, the photos will look much more natural if you have fun.
  3. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography?  She was incredibly nice and helped so much to make the shoot as comfortable as possible. (Senior)

We had the pleasure of working with Stephanie, and the entire experience was fantastic! She was communicative and provided clear directions before, during, and after the shoot, which made the process smooth and stress-free. Stephanie’s professionalism, along with her warm and approachable demeanor, made us feel comfortable from start to finish. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a seamless and enjoyable experience! (Mom)

 

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