Graduating from Wake Forest is a moment you’ll remember forever because it marks more than the end of classes. It’s the celebration of late nights spent studying, friendships built over years, and a journey full of both challenge and growth. As a Wake Forest graduation photographer, I’ve walked this campus with students and their families, capturing the joy, pride, and emotion that fill this milestone. And every single time, I’m reminded of how beautiful this place truly is for Wake Forest graduates. Visually, yes, but also emotionally.
There’s a quiet reverence to these final moments on campus, like the trees and walkways know you’re saying goodbye. The beauty of Wake Forest isn’t just in how it looks. It’s what it means to the people who call it home.
When you put on your cap and gown and take that walk across campus for the last time, everything feels different. The places you once passed without thinking suddenly become filled with memory and meaning. Whether you’re planning your own session, surprising your graduate with a portrait gift, or helping someone you love prepare for the big day, these locations aren’t just scenic photo spots. They’re part of the story. Here are the best and most beloved locations on campus to take graduation portraits that feel as personal and unforgettable as the moment itself.
Explore Some Of The Most Requested Spots From Wake Forest Graduates For Their Graduation Photos
The Quad
The heart of Wake Forest. The Quad is the kind of place where everything happens and where many graduatess want their final Wake Forest photos to be taken. With its iconic open green space, lined with brick pathways and grand buildings on every side, it’s a location that blends beauty, symmetry, and emotion all at once.
This is often where students gathered for events, crossed paths with friends, or simply took a breath between classes. Now, it’s where they return, diploma in hand, ready to celebrate. Whether you’re standing solo in your gown, walking with friends, or hugging family, the Quad gives your photos that classic Wake Forest feel: timeless, proud, and deeply meaningful.
Wait Chapel
You can’t think of Wake Forest graduates without thinking of Wait Chapel. Its towering spire, white columns, and signature steps make it one of the most iconic photo spots on campus. And when you stand in front of it in your cap and gown, it truly feels like you’ve arrived.
I always recommend this location early or late in the day for the best lighting, and it’s the perfect place for both formal and candid shots. There’s a sense of reverence here, maybe because of the architecture or maybe because so many meaningful campus events happen in its shadow. Either way, it’s a favorite for a reason.
Reynolda Hall
With its arched windows, ivy-draped walls, and welcoming entrance, Reynolda Hall offers a stunning architectural backdrop that adds elegance and character to your photos. It’s also a location filled with history and heart, home to the Green Room, student meeting spaces, and some of the best views of the Quad.
Reynolda works especially well for portraits that feel refined and classic. You can pose near the stone balustrades, walk down the stairs, or capture soft moments near the entrance. It also transitions beautifully into nearby locations, making it a perfect mid-session stop for grads who want variety without losing that Wake Forest charm.
The Stone Arch
One of the most unique and symbolic features on campus is the Stone Arch between Reynolda Hall and the Quad. It creates a beautiful frame for photos. It’s a quiet, slightly tucked-away spot, but one that holds a lot of visual and emotional power.
Walking beneath the arch feels a little bit like stepping forward into the next chapter. I love capturing movement here with Wake Forest graduates walking toward the camera, pausing mid-arch, or even turning back for one last look. The lighting is soft, the architecture is strong, and the symbolism is unmistakable. It’s a great place to add a reflective, story-driven image to your gallery.
Your College Building!
Every Wake Forest graduate has a building that tells their personal story. Whether it’s the School of Business, the Department of Psychology, or the home base of your major, your college building is where the real work happens, and it deserves a place in your session.
This is usually where I like to end a shoot. The nerves are gone, the emotion is starting to settle in, and this final location feels like a quiet tribute to the years of growth and effort that led to this day. Maybe it’s not the flashiest spot on campus, but it’s often the most meaningful. These portraits feel like a quiet thank you and a powerful statement all at once.
Benson University Center
Whether you spent time grabbing lunch, attending events, or working on group projects, the Benson University Center probably played a big part in your Wake Forest experience. It’s a modern, dynamic space with multiple backdrops perfect for adding variety to your session.
From wide staircase shots to playful poses outside the glass walls, Benson offers both structure and energy. It’s ideal for grads who want something more contemporary in their gallery, especially if you were heavily involved in campus life. This is the spot where I often catch the biggest laughs, group hugs, and candid joy between friends. It’s full of life, just like graduation day itself.
All Wake Forest Graduates Deserve The Chance To Capture This Special Accomplishment
Becoming one of the prestigious Wake Forest graduates is more than just receiving a diploma. It’s the sum of all the little moments, the hard-earned victories, the friendships, the long nights, and the personal growth you can’t always see but definitely feel. And your graduation photos should reflect all of it. Not just the proud poses but also the quiet emotion.
As a Wake Forest graduation photographer, I believe in telling the whole story. From the first excited frame on the Quad to the final deep breath in front of your college building, I’ll walk campus with you to capture images that are joyful, emotional, and entirely yours. These are the photos that live on your wall, in your memory box, and in the hearts of the people who cheered you on every step of the way. So, if you’re ready to mark this milestone with photos that feel personal and unforgettable, let’s plan your Wake Forest graduation session. I’d love to help you celebrate this chapter, one step, one photo, one memory at a time.
