Finding the Perfect Spot: University of Tennessee, Knoxville Campus Grad Sessions
Best Locations for UT Knoxville Senior and Grad Portraits
Capturing your senior or graduate portraits on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus is a timeless way to celebrate this milestone. With historic buildings, lush green spaces, and a variety of textures, UT Knoxville offers a perfect mix of locations for senior photography, editorial portraits, and fashion-inspired shoots. Whether you want a polished, editorial look or relaxed, candid images, there’s a spot on campus that fits your vibe.
Here’s a curated guide to some of the best on-campus and nearby off-campus locations for your Knoxville senior or grad photography session—and the best time of day to capture each spot in the perfect light. Plus, we’ve included indoor options for rainy days, so your session is always seamless and stunning.
On-Campus Locations & Best Times
Ayres Hall: The most iconic location on campus, Ayres Hall’s grand steps and stately brick architecture create a classic, polished backdrop. Best time: late afternoon / golden hour for warm, soft light.
The Hill / Pedestrian Path: Offers sweeping campus views, ideal for wide shots during sunset or golden hour, capturing the campus in cinematic light.
Volunteer Boulevard: A beautiful, tree-lined walkway with natural shade. Best time: morning or late afternoon for soft, diffused lighting and relaxed, lifestyle portraits.
McClung Museum Steps: Clean lines and symmetry make this spot ideal for editorial portraits. Best time: morning or mid-afternoon for balanced, flattering light.
UT Gardens / Botanical Areas: Lush greenery and flowers create dreamy, natural textures. Best time: morning light filtering through trees and blooms gives airy, cinematic portraits.
Senter Hall / Engineering Plaza: Modern architecture with geometric angles provides a sleek, urban editorial vibe. Best time: mid-afternoon for clean, directional light.
Pedestrian Walkways / Brick Paths: Perfect for movement shots—walking, twirling, or candid laughs. Best time: morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh shadows.
Vol Court / Student Union Courtyard: Lively campus area with open space and subtle activity. Best time: late afternoon for warm, inviting glow.
Thompson-Boling Arena Exterior: Bold, industrial lines give a dramatic editorial look. Best time: mid-afternoon or early evening for soft shadows that enhance structure.
Library Lawn / Quiet Corners: Intimate spaces are ideal for reflective, minimalist portraits. Best time: morning for soft, calm light.
Off-Campus Locations & Best Times
Ijams Nature Center: Scenic trails, rivers, and woodland textures. Best time: morning or late afternoon for golden light filtering through trees.
World’s Fair Park: Open lawns, fountains, and skyline views. Best time: sunset for a cinematic glow and reflective water shots.
Old City Streets: Historic brick walls and murals give artsy, urban energy. Best time: early morning to avoid crowds and harsh shadows.
Urban Green Spaces / Meadow Areas: Minimalist, open fields for airy, dreamy portraits. Best time: golden hour or early morning for soft, flattering light.
Historic Neighborhoods Near Campus: Charming homes and vintage architecture create nostalgic, editorial vibes. Best time: late afternoon for warm, cinematic light on brick and wood textures.
Rain Plan: Iconic Indoor Locations
Even on rainy days, UT Knoxville has plenty of beautiful indoor spaces that are perfect for senior and editorial portraits. Indoor sessions are also a great way to control light, avoid weather delays, and create editorial, polished looks.
On-Campus Indoor Locations:
McClung Museum Interior: Classic architecture, high ceilings, and natural light from large windows.
Min Kao Classroom Atrium: Modern lines, open spaces, and natural skylight; ideal for fashion-forward editorial portraits.
Haslam Business Building Atrium: Clean architecture and geometric lines for polished, elevated images.
Ayres Hall Interior / Hallways: Elegant wood and stone interiors for stately editorial backdrops.
Student Union Interior: Light, airy, versatile spaces for relaxed lifestyle or editorial portraits.
Off-Campus Indoor Options:
Knoxville Museum of Art: Neutral walls and natural light for creative, editorial sessions.
Historic Cafés or Libraries Near Campus: Cozy interiors with personality and texture.
Downtown Loft Spaces: Open floor plans and minimalistic backdrops for fashion or editorial shoots.
Tip: Indoor locations are also perfect for film-inspired, cinematic looks, especially when you want to mix textures like brick, wood, or natural light from large windows.
Tips for Planning Your UT Knoxville Grad or Editorial Session
Time of Day: Plan your shoot around the recommended times for each location to capture the most flattering, cinematic light.
Wardrobe: Bring 2–3 outfits for a mix of polished, editorial looks and relaxed, lifestyle styles.
Studio vs. On-Location: Sessions can be done entirely on campus, in a studio, or a thoughtful combination. Indoor options are perfect for rainy days or more controlled, editorial looks.
Props & Personal Touches: Graduation caps, books, or personal items add storytelling elements that make your session unique.
No matter which location you choose, UT Knoxville offers an incredible canvas for senior, grad, and editorial portraits. From iconic outdoor spots to stunning indoor spaces, every session is an opportunity to capture your personality, style, and story in a warm, cinematic, and timeless way.
