Best Spots for UTK Grad Photos

Seniors

Looking for the best photo spots for UTK grad photos? Whether you’re celebrating graduation, taking senior portraits, or just want to capture your Vol pride, UTK’s campus has endless photo-worthy locations. As a local Knoxville photographer and former UTK grad, I’ve rounded up my favorite places to shoot on campus—complete with lighting tips and ideas to help you get that perfect shot.

1. Ayres Hall

Firstly, no UTK grad session is complete without a stop at Ayres Hall. This iconic brick building with its checkerboard flooring and towers is instantly recognized by any Vol. There are multiple places at Ayres to take photos- on the side facing Cumberland with the popular checkered flooring, the lush greenery area on the hill, or the backside where you can get a great wide shot of the entire building.

girl in white dress holds graduation cap at Ayres Hall at the University of Tennessee Knoxville for grad photos

girl in graduation gown tosses cap in front of ayres hall on the university of tennessee campus in knoxville

2. The Tyson Alumni House

In all my time as an UTK grad photographer, I’ve discovered that the Tyson Alumni House is an overlooked favorite spot. The gorgeous white columns create the most elegant background for a classic portrait, and especially helps the orange accents of your UTK stole pop. I recommend taking a photo with your gown on here as well. Again, it creates a clean and sophisticated portrait that is perfect for sharing with family or using on a graduation announcement card.

Utk senior graduation photoshoot at university of tennessee

3. The UTK Bridge on Phillip Fulmer Way

Next, the University of Tennessee bridge by the Student Union is a fun spot and way to remember one of the focal points of campus. Everyone is bound to drive or walk past this bridge on an almost daily basis. It’s how you cross PED walkway to the hill, how you drive past Neyland Stadium, etc. This is a convenient location, since we usually have to walk past it anyway during a grad session. So, you might as well pause and snap a few senior pictures here!

girl in white dress stands in front of the university of tennessee knoxville bridge for grad photos

girl in graduation cap and gown stands in front of the university of tennessee knoxville bridge for senior photos

4. G-10 Garage at Neyland Stadium + Neyland Stadium

Another best spot for UTK grad photos is the G-10 Garage at Neyland Stadium. This is my top location for showing Vol spirit and pride. It is often where grads tend to change outfits and wear something more comfortable, such as a Vols jersey and jeans or a skirt. This tends to be the last stop of the photoshoot, since you get a great view of the sunset over the Knoxville skyline. I can’t recommend this location enough!

two girls in orange vols jersey at g10 garage by neyland stadium in knoxville

Girl in white volunteers jersey waves orange and white pom pom while standing in front of neyland stadium for grad pictures at the university of tennessee knoxville

5. The Seal

Lastly, the Seal is a classic best spot for UTK grad photos. This is the most popular spot for grads to pop champagne. Therefore, I recommend coming to this location at the end of the session. This is in case the champagne sprays and gets on your dress and hair. You don’t want to start your session off wet! This location is often pretty busy, so make sure to carve out enough time here in case of a long line.

girl in white dress sprays champagne on the seal at the university of tennessee knoxville campus for senior photos

girl in white dress on the seal at the university of tennessee knoxville campus for senior photos

Looking for a UTK Grad and Senior Photographer? Let’s Connect!

Love what you see? If you’re planning your grad photos in Knoxville or looking for more UTK campus photo spots, click here to contact me with any questions you have about pricing or reserving a date on my calendar! Go ahead and follow me on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss out on any new sessions, tips and updates.