Best Locations for College Graduation Photos in Tuscaloosa | Mary Hite Photography

Graduation photos are more than a cap and gown — they’re a celebration of years of hard work, late nights, and a chapter coming to a close. One of the biggest factors in how your graduation photos feel is the location, and Tuscaloosa offers some truly iconic backdrops for college graduation sessions.

Below are some of my favorite locations for college graduation photos in Tuscaloosa, all featured in recent sessions. Each spot offers a slightly different feel, allowing your photos to reflect both your accomplishment and your personality — without the session feeling rushed or overwhelming.

Why Location Matters for College Graduation Photos

Choosing a location for your graduation photos might feel like a small detail, but it actually plays a big role in how your gallery feels as a whole. Some spots feel more classic and iconic, while others are quieter and more understated — and neither is right or wrong.

I always help guide location choices based on what feels most you, how busy campus might be that day, and what will allow your session to feel relaxed and unrushed. The goal is never to squeeze in as many places as possible, but to choose locations that photograph beautifully and make the experience enjoyable from start to finish.

Best Locations for Graduation Photos at the University of Alabama

The President’s Mansion

The President’s Mansion is one of those locations that just works. The architecture, greenery, and open space create a clean, timeless backdrop that doesn’t pull focus away from you.

I love this spot for graduates who want their photos to feel classic and polished without being overly formal. It’s also a great place to ease into the session, allowing plenty of room to move naturally and settle in without feeling rushed.

The Walk of Champions

The Walk of Champions is meaningful for so many University of Alabama graduates, and for good reason. It instantly brings that sense of school pride into your photos while still offering enough variety to keep things from feeling repetitive.

This area can be busier at certain times of day, but with a little planning, it photographs beautifully. I’m always mindful of pacing here so your session still feels calm, comfortable, and focused on celebrating this milestone.

Bryant-Denny Stadium

Bryant-Denny Stadium is one of the most recognizable backdrops on campus, and it adds a bold, celebratory feel to graduation photos. It’s a great option for graduates who want at least a few images that clearly say Tuscaloosa.

I like pairing this location with quieter spots nearby so your gallery has a good balance — a mix of strong, iconic images and softer, more relaxed moments.

Steps Outside an Education Building

Some of my favorite graduation photos come from simple, understated locations like the steps outside an education building. These spots tend to be quieter and less distracting, which helps keep the focus where it belongs — on you.

This type of location is especially nice for graduates who want their photos to feel personal, calm, and effortless. It’s also a great place to capture natural expressions and in-between moments without a lot of foot traffic around.

With so many stunning locations across the University of Alabama campus, graduation photos can reflect both the achievement and the place that shaped it. By choosing locations intentionally, your session feels less rushed and more focused on celebrating this season of life. Every graduate’s experience at the University of Alabama is different, and the locations we choose help tell that story naturally.