student posing in regalia

Kristen Bailey

A Photo Finish: Getting the Graduation Shot


Family and friends will soon join together to celebrate the accomplishments of this year's graduates at Georgia Tech’s Commencement ceremonies.

As the big day approaches, graduates across campus have already been spotted sporting regalia and posing for photos. Luckily Tech offers many picturesque locations, with plenty more available across Atlanta, providing stunning backdrops. Visit one of the sites below — or all of them if you're feeling ambitious — and take a few tips from a professional photographer on how to compose the shot.

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SOME STARTING TIPS

amreeta
Make It Personal

One way to commemorate your time at Tech is by posing with pride outside your major building, where you likely spent a lot of time.

graduates on Cherry Street
Grab a Friend

Sometimes a friend can take the awkwardness out of posing. This duo chose to walk along Cherry Street near Tech Tower.

graduate at historical marker
Get Historic

When in doubt, you can't go wrong with with Tech's historical marker in Harrison Square.

jumping at mccamish
Have Fun

Most importantly, have fun celebrating the past four (or five) years of hard work.

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THE BEST OF CAMPUS

These locations are great for classic Tech graduation pictures. To make the photos unique, consider bringing along some props — a sign with 2022 written on it, a RAT Cap, balloons, or something significant from your extracurricular or social activities.

And of course, if you can manage it, grab a selfie with Buzz or President Cabrera before you turn your tassel.

Corliss Pump
Corliss Pump

 

Harrison Square
Harrison Square

 

Tech Green
Tech Green

 

Tech Tower Lawn
Tech Tower Lawn

 

Clough Commons Rooftop
Clough Commons rooftop. View hours for the rooftop.

 

Einstein Statue
Einstein Statue

 

Rosa Parks "Continuing the Conversation" Sculpture
Rosa Parks Continuing the Conversation sculpture

 

The First Graduate Sculpture
The First Graduate sculpture

 

Three Pioneers Sculpture
Three Pioneers sculpture

 

Bobby Dodd Stadium
Bobby Dodd Stadium

 

Mayer Garden
Mayer Garden

 

Clough Commons Stairs
Clough Commons stairs

 

Crosland Tower Steps
Crosland Tower

 

Ramblin' Wreck Sound Waves
Ramblin' Wreck Sound Waves

 

Library Terrace
Library Terrace

 

Ecocommons
EcoCommons

 

John Lewis Student Center
John Lewis Student Center

 

Tech Walkway Mural
Tech Walkway Mural

 

Pride Progress Stairs at Klaus
Pride Progress Stairs at Klaus

 

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GETTING THE SHOT

For amateur photographers, trying to capture decent graduation shots can be overwhelming. Georgia Tech photography manager 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.
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AROUND ATLANTA

If you want to get off campus, consider going to your favorite coffee shop, study spot, or a local park. A few nearby options include:

  • Jackson Street Bridge
  • Piedmont Park
  • Atlanta BeltLine
  • Atlantic Station
  • Atlanta Botanical Garden
  • Centennial Olympic Park
  • The Swan Coach House at the Atlanta History Center
  • The Fox Theatre

Credits

Writers: Julia Faherty and Kristen Bailey
Designer: Kristen Bailey
Campus Photographers: Allison Carter, Rob Felt, Christopher Moore
Graduate Photos: Sawyer Drummond, Amreeta Duttchoudhury, Barry Johnson-Smith, Cassandra Rose Photography