Looking for location inspo?
Taking over 350 graduates' photos has taught me what locations, angles, and time of day are going to look best around our beautiful campus!
... seriously I've spent countless hours on old campus I think I know every brick and tree
Best Times of Day for Georgia Tech Graduation Photos
Golden Hour Best time for bright "dramatic" lighting, catching the hair and leaves. Limits the angles and spots, but skilled photographers will get you right!
Magic Hour Lighting gets super even, meaning almost any spot and angle spot is nice lighting. Occasionally comes with golden light patches!
I normally time my sessions to catch the end of golden hour into magic hour!
In November-December, I start sessions around 3pm.
In April-May, we'll start around 7:15am or 5:30pm
Golden Hour
Limited on angles but dramatic
Magic Hour
Even lighting, occasional warm dramatic lighting
Best Evening Photos Locations at Georgia Tech
Every session looks different, but after years of GT grad sessions these spots are my favorites to include!
Read on to see which spots you like more in the morning vs evening!
Location 1
Shaded Walkway (Old Campus)
This spot is awesome. Perfect for getting a halo without blown out highlights in the background and has a nice lightpole to lean on. Also enables very dramatic walking photos.
Location 2
Tech Tower Benches
I have ~3 benches I'll pick from based on lighting, but this enables some great seated poses!
Location 3
Tech Tower Lawn
If you like nice greenery in the background, this one's for you!
Location 4
Best Tech Tower Photo Spot
Super important!! Contrary to popular belief, if you want Tech Tower in view, DO NOT go up close to it! Going way out into the lawn (in the shade) will help create great angles like this without giving you a double chin.
Location 5
Stairsteps
I often include this close angle!
Location 6
Tech Tower Walkway
This spot is nearly guaranteed good lighting. Whether sitting on the wall or standing on the path, this spot is a must for every session.
Location 7
Harrison Square Bench
More lighting-dependent, this is a fun spot to throw in for blown-out sunset photos. Benches enable a good mix of sitting poses!
Location 8
The Steam Engine
Engineer or not - you're still a Helluva Engineer! This spot is a great addition if we have time
Location 9
Psych Doorway
"Where is that one door I always see?" Right here. And it's always shaded, enabling some classy old-style photos
Location 10
GT Sign
A classic. There's always construction but I save this for the end of each session to avoid harsh lighting and we make it work!
Best Morning Photo Locations at Georgia Tech
Location 1
The Sign
A spot that normally isn't great in the evening is prime first thing in the morning!
Location 2
The Tower Background
In the morning, we do the Tech Tower background photo in Harrison Square, and it's a lot better than the evening!
Location 3
Psych Doorway
This beautiful doorway is so consistent for portraits - we just have to go early enough that the sun isn't harsh on it!
Location 4
The Steam Engine
Engineer or not - you're still a Helluva Engineer! This spot is a great addition if we have time
Location 5
A bench
There's 3 different benches I like to use depending on the lighting - I have a few great sitting poses!
Location 6
Bill Moore Walkway
If we could boil the beauty of old campus down to one photo spot, this would be it
Location 7
Stairsteps
If we have time I often include this close angle!
Location 8
Pencil Building Background
Any Georgia Tech student will tell you how much they love the North Star- I mean Pencil Building. Now imagine a professional photo of you, on campus, with Atlanta's favorite building!
Location 9
North Avenue Bridge Archway
This is one of my favorite locations in the morning - I wish it looked so good in the evening!
Bonus Locations
Include one with The Signature and Capstone Luxe by PPP
Campanile
Student Center
Klaus
Computer Science
Scheller
Business
Bonus Locations
Not on Old Campus
Bio Quad
BME
Library
Crossland 7 Rooftop
Theta
Sorority House
Bonus Locations
Not on Old Campus
DM Smith
Public Policy
Bobby Dodd
On The Field
Bobby Dodd
New GT Sign
Gallery
Can you tell where each one was taken?
GT Grad Photo Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to take Georgia Tech Graduation Photos?
The most popular spots on Old Campus are Tech Tower Lawn, the Tech Tower Walkways, and the Georgia Tech sign. Each offers different lighting and backdrops: Tech Tower Lawn for greenery, the walkways for soft, even light, and the GT sign for the classic frame-worthy shot.
What's the best time of day for Georgia Tech grad photos?
Golden hour (1.5 hours before sunset) gives dramatic, warm lighting but works at fewer angles. Magic hour (1 hour before sunset) spreads soft even light across nearly every spot on campus. Most sessions are timed to catch the transition between the two: typically 7:15–8:15am or 5:30–7pm in April/May, and starting around 7am & 3pm in November/December.
Is morning or evening better for Georgia Tech graduation photos?
It depends on which spots are most important to you! Some backdrops are only good lighting during the morning, and some are only good during the evening.
The morning is normally much cooler, so in the spring that can be a blessing, but very early start times can mean much earlier getting ready times.
What's the best spot for Tech Tower Photos?
Counterintuitively, getting close to Tech Tower doesn’t work, it creates awkward angles that aren't flattering. The best shot is taken from further back on the lawn, in the shade, which keeps the Tower in frame while flattering the photo. If possible, move to a side of Tech Tower where the sun isn't hitting.
How far in advance should I book a Georgia Tech graduation photographer?
Spring and fall grad sessions book up fast, especially with photographers who’ve shot a high volume of Georgia Tech sessions. Booking 4–8 weeks ahead is recommended to secure your preferred date and time slot.
Can parents or family join the session, or is it just the graduate?
Sessions can include solo shots and group photos with family, depending on what’s booked. Many families book a package that includes a beautiful updated family portrait with the grad included with the graduate’s solo portraits.
