A Photo Finish

A Photo Finish - Where to get the perfect graduation shot

A Photo Finish

On May 6 and 7, family and friends will join together to celebrate the accomplishments of this year's graduates at Georgia Tech’s Commencement ceremonies.

As the big day approaches, students will be looking for places to take commemorative pictures in their graduation gear.

Although some prime locations are undergoing renovation, Tech still offers a variety of spots for great photo opportunities.

Atlanta also provides numerous iconic locations for photography, if students are interested in going off campus for the perfect shot.

These 10 locations are great for classic Tech graduation pictures. To make the photos unique, consider bringing along some props — a sign with 2016 written on it, a RAT Cap from freshman year, white and gold balloons, or an object that signifies an extracurricular or social activity.

  1. The roof of Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons

  2. Paul G. Mayer Memorial Garden

  3. Bobby Dodd Stadium

  4. Kessler Campanile

  5. Pedestrian bridge over North Avenue

  1. Skiles Courtyard

  2. The Einstein Statue

  3. Harrison Square

  4. Tech Tower (try standing on Cherry Street to obscure construction fencing)

  5. The Biotechnology Quad

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

For amateur photographers, trying to capture decent graduation shots can be overwhelming.

Georgia Tech Photographer Rob Felt offers a few tips for improving the outcome no matter what skills or equipment you have:

  • Don’t fight the sun
    Don’t mix shady areas with sunny ones. Use the side of a shady building for nice group light.

  • Don’t get too close
    To get a photo with a building or monument in the background, don’t get too close to it - literally put it in the background.

  • Don’t overwhelm the crowd
    When taking group photos, only use one camera at a time to avoid people looking different directions.

Students should remember to take pictures at locations on campus that held special significance for them. These pictures can provoke fond memories of Tech for years to come.

  • Greek houses

  • School and college buildings

  • Freshman residence halls

  • In front of the Ramblin’ Wreck (try catching it at the President's Graduation Celebration on May 6)

  • Anywhere with Buzz

  • Location of a favorite club’s meeting

  • Hangout spots:

    • The Student Center

    • Starbucks

    • Highland Bakery

    • The chairs outside of the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons

    • The Campus Recreation Center

For those who are as fond of the city as the Institute, these locations serve as wonderful backdrops for photos. Take your regalia and head to one of these landmarks.

  1. Jackson Street Bridge
  2. Piedmont Park
  3. Atlanta BeltLine
  4. Atlantic Station
  5. A favorite off-campus study spot — be it Amélie’s, Octane, or Sublime
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • The Swan Coach House at the Atlanta History Center
  • The Fox Theatre

CREDITS

Writer: Julia Faherty
Designer: Brett Lorber
​Sources for images: Nolan Alexander, Jenna Armstrong, Russell Apple, Sierra Bailey, Matias Molina Bishop, Jordan Elizabeth Carroll, Andrés Castillo, Tiffany Davis, Brandon Miller, Davis Mitchell, Brandon Oliver, Terri Panfel, Kelly Regnery, Vett Vandiver