With a campus full of iconic backdrops, it can be tough to choose where to take photos celebrating your milestones and achievements. We’ve got you covered with a list of favorite places on the Forty Acres to capture stunning shots.
Check out the map below for a look at photo locations across campus, and scroll to see photos taken at many of these spots.
UT Tower Interior
We’re starting strong with the beautiful interior of the UT Tower. The second-floor stairway never disappoints, with ornate architecture and warm, soft lighting that’s great for portraits.
More Views of the Tower
If you’re craving a cameo with the UT Tower exterior, you probably want to avoid the scaffolding currently needed to restore our beloved campus landmark. Luckily, there are plenty of places on campus that provide the picturesque Tower backdrop that every Longhorn loves. A few favorites include:
View from the balcony on the third floor of the Norman Hackerman Building
View from the courtyard on the east side of the Tower
View from the staircase between the Will C. Hogg Building and the Dorothy L. Gebauer Building
You can also keep it classic by showcasing your favorite spots surrounding the Tower, such as the Littlefield Fountain or ledges on the South Mall.
Battle Hall
Next up is a must-stop, the iconic green doors leading into Battle Hall. During graduation season, you’ll often find a festive sprinkle of confetti here. If you use paper confetti or other props in your photos, be sure to pick them up afterward to help keep the space photogenic for other Longhorns.
This is also a great location to get creative. Try different angles and even include those incredible green light fixtures! There are no bad angles when it comes to Battle Hall.
Goldsmith Courtyard
Just a quick walk away, you’ll find one of our favorite locations hidden among the School of Architecture, the Goldsmith Courtyard. While its greenery makes for a serene photo from any angle, we recommend taking a few with the gorgeous iron gates leading into the area.
The Littlefield House
If you’re a fan of the vintage academia aesthetic, we can’t recommend the Littlefield House enough. Located at 24th and Whitis streets, this unique home has stood since 1893 and has much of its original finishings (and charm).
Engineering Education and Research Center
On the other hand, if you prefer more of a crisp, modern background, head to the Engineering Education and Research Center (EER). The outdoor bridge is especially photogenic, but the EER offers plenty of great backdrops to choose from.
The Canoes
Next is one of our favorites, the canoe sculpture outside the Norman Hackerman Building (NHB) on Speedway and 24th Street. This sculpture by Nancy Rubins, titled “Monochrome for Austin,” is an unmistakable piece in the UT Landmarks collection. If you want a backdrop that stands out from the traditional campus locations, this one-of-a-kind installation is the place to go. To view a list of public art installations across campus, visit the UT Landmarks website.
Additional Ideas
Other noteworthy photo locations across campus include the Sutton Hall doors, Anna Hiss Gymnasium Courtyard, Gregory Gym, Hogg Memorial Auditorium, The Texas Union and the turtle pond.
There are also photos you can capture with no background at all. Get up close and personal to capture details of your milestone moment and time on the Forty Acres — like your class ring, cap and stole, or even your favorite pair of boots.
From receiving your admissions letter to crossing the graduation stage, we enjoy seeing Longhorns’ special moments. We can’t wait to see how your photos celebrate your journey on the Forty Acres.
