Need grad photos? Start with these 5 iconic spots on the University of Tennessee campus
Keenan Thomas- No plans yet for graduation photos? Knox News knows all the best spots on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus.
- Students with commencements May 15-17 are in the first UT class to graduate during a condensed weekend schedule.
- From the iconic Ayres Hall to the subtle checkerboard crosswalk, the spots on this capture what it means to be a Volunteer.
Still no plans for graduation photos? There's no need to panic, as Knox News knows the perfect spot to smile for the camera in cap and gown on the University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus.
Whether it's a local professional photographer or your mom taking pictures on her Android, you don't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to document your UT chapter before walking across the Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center stage May 15-17.
To add some sparkle to your shoot, students can pick up biodegradable confetti at the Center for Student Engagement inside the Student Union.
While commencement will look a little different this year, with UT combining colleges into joint ceremonies to shorten the weekend, these five spots (and six alternatives) on campus shouldn't be changing any time soon.
And if you're struggling to see the vision, don't worry: We tried a photo shoot ourselves!
Any of the adorable Smokey statues scattered around campus
UT has 11 Smokey statues around campus, and they're a fun way of getting your photo with the famous Tennessee mascot, especially if you never got to meet the real Bluetick Coonhound on campus.
A few easy-to-find statue locations on campus are one on the Hill near the Ayres Hall lawn, outside the Student Union, outside Hodges Library and in Circle Park.
Ayres Hall, an iconic University of Tennessee building
Ayres Hall, the face of UT, is a great place for graduation photos and has been since the building opened in 1921 in the collegiate gothic style. It houses the College of Arts and Sciences and the Math Department at the top of the Hill, and its image can be found plastered across campus.
Spot 1: The Ayres Hall lawn between the building and Circle Drive, surrounded by other academic buildings. It's a wide-open area with great views of the building in the background.
Spot 2: The north entrance of the building, where students can get a photo in the archway or somewhere on the steps of the Hill.
Morning or evening photo shoots might be best; the north entrance can get shadowy.
Address: 1403 Circle Drive
Seal of the University, despite Knoxville campus superstition
Another iconic spot on campus is the Seal of the University, located along the pedestrian walkway just outside of John C. Hodges Library.
Students typically want to avoid this area if they believe in the superstition that stepping on the seal prevents you from graduating in four years. It's part of the reason the seal is such a popular spot for grad photos, symbolizing the end of their studies.
Address: 1015 Volunteer Boulevard (Hodges Library)
Take your pick on Peyton Manning Pass: Checkered crosswalk, Power T
Peyton Manning Pass - known for being on the Vol Walk path outside Neyland Stadium - features two checkerboard crosswalks and Power T painted on the street.
There are three things to consider:
- It's in the middle of the road, so be mindful of traffic.
- If you wait to take photos until sundown, the light may blind you or your photographer.
- Construction on Neyland Stadium may not be the best backdrop, but the right angle could block it out.
Address: 1200 Volunteer Boulevard (new College of Nursing Building near Peyton Manning Pass)
Torchbearer Statue lights the way for University of Tennessee grads
The Torchbearer Statue is a major part of the Knoxville campus's identity, with UT's main creed to be lighting the way for students. It's even the name of UT's highest internal student award!
The ever-burning blaze of the torch serves as a beacon for students, especially for those getting ready to graduate. Getting your photo taken in front of the statues is a good way to embody that spirit and with a recognizable icon.
The area surrounding the statue has multiple steps for seated, standing or leaning photos at the statue. Graduating seniors can partake in the campus tradition of making s'mores using the torch. Just be careful!
Address: 1344 Circle Park Drive
More grad photo ops on University of Tennessee at Knoxville campus
If you're looking for something more personal or to just be different than your pears, campus has plenty more photogenic places:
John C. Hodges Library or James D. Hoskins Library: If you're going for the gothic look or something that screams "academia," both campus libraries could have the elegance you're searching for. Just be mindful of students studying.
Pedestrian Bridge: A connector for students, the bridge near the Student Union also features "The University of Tennessee" in large letters, visible from Phillip Fulmer Way. Get creative with the various angles that capture the bridge in the background, and be mindful of construction.
The Rock: Depending on what's painted, the Rock is another campus landmark that deserves a place in your graduation scrapbook.
Student Union: Two options here. First, the glass hallway displaying "Rocky Top" lyrics overhead. There's also the second floor on the Cumberland Avenue side, where a giant torch made of glass flames hangs from the ceiling.
And don't forget about the University of Tennessee college from which you are graduating. Photos taken in and around the academic buildings where you spent the most time is a great way to personalize your photo shoot and show a different side of campus.
Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com.
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