There’s something uniquely magical about graduating from Appalachian State. Maybe it’s the mountain air, maybe it’s the tight-knit community, but whatever it is, the experience of earning your degree here is something worth celebrating in a big way. As an App State graduation photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing that joy, pride, and sense of accomplishment on campus, and I can tell you that there are so many beautiful backdrops to choose from. Whether you’re planning a session for yourself or organizing a surprise gift for someone you love, graduation portraits at Appalachian State are about more than the cap and gown. They’re about honoring the journey and telling the story of who you became along the way. These are the most popular photo locations on campus that App State graduates absolutely love and the ones I always recommend for a session.
Explore Some Of Our Favorite Spots To Hit With App State Graduates During Their Sessions
App State Sign
This is where it all begins and where it absolutely should end. The App State sign is one of the most iconic photo spots on campus. Located near the entrance to the university, this sign is the perfect way to announce your achievement loud and proud.
As an App State graduation photographer, I love starting or ending a session here. It’s simple, straightforward, and instantly says, “I did it.” Parents, this is always the photo that ends up in the holiday card or framed in the living room. It just captures the milestone so well.
Durham Park
If you want a nature-forward look (and who doesn’t in the heart of the Blue Ridge?), Durham Park offers gorgeous greenery, peaceful walking paths, and natural light that flatters everyone. It’s the perfect spot for portraits that feel relaxed, joyful, and full of Appalachian charm.
I like using this space for a mix of solo shots and fun group poses. The park’s soft landscaping and wide-open spaces give us room to move, laugh, and get creative. And in the fall? The colors here are absolutely stunning. It’s also a great place to switch outfits from your formal gown to a cozy App State sweatshirt for some playful, personality-filled photos.
Plemmons Student Union
Chances are, if you’re an App State graduate, you spent a decent amount of time at Plemmons Student Union. Whether you were studying, grabbing coffee, organizing events, or just finding your people between classes, this space was part of your everyday life, and that makes it worth celebrating.
The architecture here makes for great modern backdrops, with clean lines and open areas that create an editorial, in-the-moment feel. It’s also one of my favorite spots for lifestyle-style photos: walking toward the camera, laughing with your best friend, or adjusting your cap while beaming with pride. These are the photos that feel the most candid and true to who you are.
Belk Library
Whether you were hitting the books hard or just finding a quiet place to focus, Belk Library probably played a big part in your academic journey. That’s why it’s such a meaningful stop during a graduation photo session.
The entrance of Belk Library has great symmetry and lines, and it feels both scholarly and polished. I always recommend this spot if you want a more elevated or academic vibe in your photos. And if you’re someone who pulled more than a few all-nighters here, trust me, it’s a full-circle moment worth capturing.
Even if you weren’t in the library every day, it’s a symbol of the academic grit it took to earn your degree. We’ll capture both proud and playful moments here, maybe even tossing your cap on the steps as a final nod to all those long hours.
Kidd Brewer Stadium
It doesn’t matter if you were on the field, in the stands, or just soaking up the game-day energy, Kidd Brewer Stadium holds a lot of memories for App State graduates. Including it in your graduation session is a great way to show off your school spirit.
As an App State graduation photographer, I’ve seen how much joy this stop brings to grads. We’ll use the bleachers, the field view, and maybe even catch the stadium lights in the background. Whether you’re wearing your gown or switching into your favorite App State tee, this location adds an energetic, fun dynamic to your session. For athletes or die-hard fans, this is often the spot that feels the most nostalgic, and it’s perfect for showing off your 49er pride.
Your College Building!
While all the campus favorites are amazing, your college building is where the real story happened. Whether you were in Reich College of Education, Walker College of Business, or one of the many other incredible academic departments, this location is all about your personal journey.
This is where your hard work paid off. Where you gave presentations, studied for finals, had early morning labs, or maybe even discovered your passion. Including this building in your photos makes your session truly yours. It’s personal, emotional, and often the moment that brings everything full circle.
I always save this stop for the end of our time together. By then, the nerves are gone, the smiles are natural, and the weight of the moment starts to settle in. It’s often here, on those familiar steps or beside a classroom door, that the tears start to well up, and we get the photos that really mean the most.
We Love Exploring Campus With App State Graduates To Celebrate Their Achievement
Becoming one of the App State graduates isn’t just a milestone. It’s the culmination of years of effort, growth, and memories made in one of the most beautiful corners of North Carolina. Whether you’re stepping into your next adventure or looking back on the experience with pride, your photos should tell the full story.
As an App State graduation photographer, I believe in capturing not just the cap-and-gown moments, but the energy, the laughter, and the love that comes with finishing a chapter this important. We’ll walk campus together, stop at the places that shaped your experience, and create images that feel joyful, genuine, and completely you. If you’re ready to celebrate this moment with photos you’ll treasure forever, let’s plan your perfect App State grad session. I can’t wait to hear your story and help you capture it beautifully.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Capital One Shopping, but all opinions are our own. We never promote anything we don’t personally use or love.
