You have spent four years, or maybe more, working hard to master your area of study at Elon University. Countless nights of little sleep and doing everything you can to get the highest grades possible. But you did it! You finally get to step off campus with a degree and move towards the rest of your life. But first, you have to capture and celebrate this special time as an Elon University graduate! As your North Carolina graduation photographer, I will happily take a tour of campus with you and walk down memory lane. I truly love getting to wander through this gorgeous campus with grads as they enjoy the excitement of finally graduating. Here are some of my favorite spots around Elon that Elon University graduates love for graduation portraits.
Check Out These Top Spots On Campus For Elon University Graduate Portraits
Fonville Fountain (aka Alamance Fountain)
Since 1982, Fonville Fountain has been a special place for Elon University graduates. For the first few years, a tradition was started after commencement for some splashing in the waters, but soon this became a taboo for anyone jumping in. Sitting surrounded by beautiful residence halls, flowers, and incredibly tall oak trees, it is now a perfect spot for graduation portraits! You probably walked by or sat on its edge countless times, so don’t skip such an iconic graduation shot in your cap and gown in front of this Elon staple.
Koury Business Center
Standing tall and proud behind another beautiful fountain, the Koury Business Center shows off peak Elon University style. The towering colonial-style columns and brick construction were completed in 2007 and provide a fantastic frame for grads. We also love to incorporate some of the Elon flags and pray that the fountain comes to life during our visits for epic cap tosses.
Founders Hall
Founders Hall and the Innovation Quad are where most STEM graduates spend countless hours during their time at Elon University. The atrium gives us a great chance to capture some indoor portraits on the design steps for a unique headshot. But the exterior also lets us play with brick columns, while the quad side has flower beds and brick paths that scream Elon.
Belk Library
Every graduate probably spent a bit of time inside the library and absolutely walked past the clock just outside the front doors. For portraits, we love to use this framing for confetti cannons and make sure to lean on or admire the clock for a few special moments. If we are there in the Fall or Spring, then the trees and bushes out front provide some gorgeous color pops to your Elon graduation portraits.
The Columns at Colonnades
If you lived in Colonnades, then you need to make this a stop on your Elon University graduate portraits tour! The long lines of iconic columns add so much depth and fun for photos. We will make sure to get some walking portraits and often a headshot or two from this gorgeous area.
Young Commons
Young Commons is one of the most beautiful spots at Elon University for graduate portraits. The seasonally changing flowers and meticulously manicured lawn lead to the Alamance Building in the background. This spot is always fun because the colors and flowers change depending on the season.
Lake Mary Nell
Lake Mary Nell serves as a peaceful oasis from much of the stress of college. It also gives us so much to play with for your photos! One of our favorite spots is on the patio in front of Global Scholars Hall. This provides a gorgeous look across the pond with the fountain and tree across the lake. But anywhere on the lawn, on the chairs or swing, can be great spots too! Where is your favorite spot to sit and eat or study? We can absolutely stop there!
Rhodes Stadium
If you loved going to games and cheering on the Elon University Phoenix or even played at Rhodes, then you will love having some graduate portraits in and around the stadium. College football can be a centerpiece of every fall experience for students. Often, commencements happen here as well. So let’s capture some of your favorite spots in the stands, under the sign, or on the field.
Elon Letters & Campus Signs
What better way to celebrate your Elon graduation than with the letters? These letters offer a great place to jump and toss your cap with joy for accomplishing your dreams! This is the moment you have worked so hard for and can finally walk off campus into your new life.
The Loy Center Neighborhood
When you join a frat or sorority, these homes and people become so incredibly important to you. So why not capture your porch and hangout spots to remember this place forever? We love getting into these gardens under the blooming trees or in the back lawn for some confetti and champagne fun!
Under the Oaks
The winding brick paths under all the old Oak trees in the quad and around campus are a gorgeous spot for movement in your portraits. Those tall shade trees are a staple of the Elon campus and deserve to be a part of your session. You have spent four years walking under and around them while enjoying the fresh air and shade that they provide.
Your College
The building you spent the most time in on your quest to become an Elon graduate deserves to be featured! Especially since almost every building on campus has a dramatic entrance or unique garden out front. But your building will mean a lot to you when looking back at this special time. So make sure to spend a few minutes capturing some of your favorite spots fully decked out with your cap and gown. Then you can show off how you conquered your degree!
I Would Love To Hear About Your Favorite Spots For Elon University Graduate Photos
As you take the next steps and look ahead to starting your career, I hope this guide helps you plan for how to capture how you got there. Whether we spend some time at Lake Mary Nell or in your neighborhood, as your North Carolina graduation photographer, I will make sure you can look back and be proud of all the hard work you put in to become an Elon University Graduate! Spots fill up fast every year, so be sure to reach out today to start planning your grad session.
