Best UTK Graduation Photo Locations | A Photographer’s Guide

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.

Best for: Fun pictures on the checkerboard, confetti photos, champagne photos.

Best time: At the end of your session. This is usually our last stop unless you are visiting G-10. The light disappears at locations like the seal way before it gets dark up at Ayres.

Crowds: Very busy around 6, but dies down as it gets closer to sunset (which is why I save it for later!)

What to wear: Your ‘main’ dress.

How long to spend: 15 minutes

Photographer’s tip: If you are popping your champagne here, make sure you are wearing an outfit you are OK with potentially getting wet!

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.

Best for: A simple portrait to put on a graduation card or wall print.

Best time: Before or after the seal. Have someone wait in the seal line while we knock these out!

Crowds: Usually pretty low.

What to wear: Your ‘main’ dress.

How long to spend: 5-10 minutes

Photographer’s tip: This is a great spot for photos in your cap & gown.

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!

Best for: Fun, casual photos with school spirit.

Best time: In the middle of your session.

Crowds: There can be a line, but it’s possible for multiple people to be in the street taking photos at the same time.

What to wear: Can be a fun spot to wear a jersey or more casual outfit.

How long to spend: 10-15 minutes depending on how many cars are driving by.

Photographer’s tip: Be prepared to be hopping in and out of the street to let cars go by!

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!

Best for: Trendy & fun photos

Best time: The very end of your session. There’s a great sunset view on G-10.

Crowds: Low

What to wear: A jersey or casual outfit.

How long to spend: 15-20 minutes to allow for driving to G-10

Photographer’s tip: Touch up hair and makeup after an outfit change.

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.

Best for: A classic UTK picture to commemorate the iconic and superstitious seal.

Best time: Usually the first spot.

Crowds: Busy!! It’s a very good idea to have someone stand in line for us while we visit the Alumni building or HSS lawn.

What to wear: Your main dress. This is also a great spot for your cap & gown.

How long to spend: 15-20 minutes depending on the line.

Photographer’s tip: Bring napkins and a hairbrush if you are popping champagne. You might get sprayed!

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.