As you approach the milestone of your college graduation, documenting this significant moment with portraits around campus can create and immortalize lasting memories. Texas Tech University offers a wealth of iconic and picturesque spots perfect for senior photo sessions. From historic landmarks to hidden gems, each location provides its own unique backdrop that reflects the spirit and beauty of Texas Tech. In this blog post, I'll guide you through some of the most popular (as well as some of the more off-the-beaten-track) and visually stunning places on campus to make your senior photos truly stand out.
The Seal
The seal is the most highly requested location for my Texas Tech senior photo sessions. This seems to be the case for all photographers, as the lines can become incredibly long, particularly during the spring semester. I have a whole blog here on how to cut down your wait time.
The Fountain
The fountain at Texas Tech’s entrance is a sister location to the seal. If the line is long, I will often take a few shots of my client next to the fountain to make use of some of our wait time. Many seniors like to get inside the fountain and pop champagne. If you plan to get in the fountain I recommend saving this location for last, and bringing towels with you.
Will Rogers and Soapsuds, Riding into the Sunset
Riding into the Sunset is one of the most popular landmarks on Tech’s campus. I’ve had a homecoming queen bestow her crown upon Soapsuds’s head for a photo, I’ve had clients climb up onto the horse’s back and sit behind Will Rogers, and I’ve even seen someone bring their literal real living horse to the statue to pose next to it.
Memorial Circle and Pfluger Fountain
Memorial Circle and Pfluger Fountain were built in dedication to the Texas Tech students who fought in World War II, and those who have served since.
Administration Building
I particularly love taking photos next to the Administration Building in the spring, when the flowers are in bloom. I’ll try not to be too redundant through this blog post, but many locations on campus become standouts when the florals are planted each spring. Administration’s bell tower is an additional landmark that adds some extra Texas Tech pride to a gallery.
Double T Bench and Preston Smith
The Double T bench is situated right outside the Administration Building, next to the statue of Preston Smith, former Texas governor hailing from Lubbock.
Physics and Geosciences Stairs
I’ve written about the stairs outside of the Physics and Geosciences Building many times before (though I typically refer to them as the Science Building stairs). To briefly recap some suggestions I’ve given in other posts, this is a great spot for many reasons, but I often use this backdrop to take a few headshots for my clients.
Chemistry Archway
The Chemistry Building has a classically academic look, featuring the arched walkway you see all over Instagram. The trees adjacent to the building turn vibrant shades of orange and red in the fall and bloom beautifully in the spring. I like to take clients further towards the parking lot and have the building be in the background to take advantage of everything this spot offers.
Park Place
Park Place stands out because it was designed for viewers to physically engage with it. Unlike many campus sculptures that are meant solely for viewing, Park Place invites you to sit on the benches alongside the figures depicted.
Texas Tech Ring Sculpture at Mckenzie-Merket Alumni Center
The 6’3” tall replica of the official Texas Tech ring is a landmark that communicates the accomplishment that it is to be a graduating Red Raider.
Texas Tech University Sign on Boston and 19th
This sign sits at one of the main entrances to campus, at the intersection of Boston and 19th street. This is a simple and straightforward spot for photos. I find that often, the simple photos are the best.
Outside the Library
The grounds around the Texas Tech library offer several different options for great photos. In the warmer months, the greenery is beautiful. On the east side of the building, you’ll find benches, chess tables, and another piece of public art, a large reflective sphere called Comma. The fountains on the west side of the library are another favorite.
Inside the Library
I’ve taken photos inside the stacks a few times, and I really like the vintage academia look that it offers.
Headwaters - Education Building Statue
Headwaters, the statue of the hands holding letter blocks, is a highly requested location for Education and non-Education majors alike. I frequent this statue most often in the summer, when the trees are lush and green and provide ample shade.
Architecture / Art Courtyard
The courtyard that connects the Architecture and Art buildings is a hidden gem that many students may not be aware of. The construction of it is modern and unique while maintaining the architectural elements that run throughout Texas Tech’s campus.
Flint Avenue Parking Garage
During my college years, the Flint Avenue parking garage was typically packed during class hours. However, in the evenings or on weekends, the top level would empty out, leaving a great spot for photos at golden hour. One of my favorite photos I’ve taken is a silhouette taken in front of a 'window' on a lower level.
Jones Stadium
The Jones Stadium’s west side is one of the most refined places to take photos on campus. The scale alone creates a sense of grandeur not unlike that of a cathedral. Now that I think of it, I have heard fans call a football stadium “my church” before..
The scoreboard on the east side is another location students request.
Horticulture Garden and Greenhouse Complex
The Texas Tech Horticulture Garden and Greenhouse Complex is a very popular photography location for all session types, not just seniors. The staff welcome photography in and around the facility. The garden is free to use at all times; however, an appointment is required to take photos inside the greenhouse, and must be made at least 5 business days in advance. It is free to shoot in the greenhouse during working hours, or you can reserve it for $40 per hour for an evening or weekend session. Classes are held in the Horticulture Greenhouse, so be mindful of the students and staff.
Rawls College of Business Courtyard
In the summer, ivy covers a large portion of the white walls in the Rawls College of Business sunken courtyard. I find the stairs leading down into the courtyard to be super visually interesting as well. I’ve taken photos here for students from many different departments.
Oblique Intersection
Oblique Intersection is one of my personal favorite sculptures on campus. Situated on the lawn by the relatively new Experimental Sciences Building II, this structure made entirely from welded rods of stainless steel is one of the largest and most captivating pieces of public art on campus.
Texas Tech Museum
The Texas Tech Museum is one of the lesser utilized places for photos, but its architecture is unlike anything else on campus. The curve of the building’s exterior, in tandem with the luscious native plants the museum displays (along with the typical museum signs labeling the species), make this a great location option. I recommend this spot in the morning if you prefer backlight, or in the evening if you prefer direct sun.
Bayer Plant Science Courtyard, Rain Stones
The Bayer Plant Science Building courtyard holds a sculpture called Rain Stones, which funnels water through it and into the surrounding environment. I’ve mentioned this courtyard as a hidden spot in a previous blog, stating that it’s enclosed on three sides, and the open entrance slips by unnoticed.
Zephyr
Zephyr is up there with Oblique Intersection in my personal ranking of Texas Tech sculptures. I love the color and the shape and the size of this one, and I think more students should choose this to be part of their senior photos.
Your College’s Building
While your college's building may have been mentioned earlier in this article, there are a whole host of others on campus that I did not cover. Even if your building isn't the most visually striking, I often still encourage my clients to take a few photos there for memory’s sake. After all, that is (most likely) where you spent the majority of your time at Texas Tech. Here are a couple quick examples:
Architecture - Untitled by Robert Bruno
The untitled sculpture in front of the Architecture Building is thought to be the prototype for the Ransom Canyon Steel House by former College of Architecture professor Robert Bruno.
Business - We are in the Business of Changing the World
The Rawls College of Business boasts three distinct art pieces, each relating to the significance, purpose, and essence of being a business student. In addition to We are in the Business of Changing the World (pictured below), there are also CEO and Illuminated Arboreal Data Codes.
Many of the department buildings have a piece of public art nearby or a distinctive exterior that sets it apart. I encourage you to look for things that make your college’s building unique.
If you’re looking for even more ideas, I have found that one of the best resources for location ideas is Texas Tech’s official Public Art Collection website. I consult it for many of the Tech-related blog posts I do, and each time I look at it I find something I’ve never seen before or learn something fascinating about something I used to walk past every day.
To wrap it up
Choosing the right location for your senior photos can make a big difference in capturing the essence of your college experience. Whether you prefer the grandeur of Jones Stadium, the natural beauty of the Horticulture Garden, or the creative appeal of Oblique Intersection or Zephyr, Texas Tech's campus has a spot that will perfectly complement your style and personality. Explore these diverse locations in person or through Tech’s online resources to find the perfect setting for your photos. Your senior photos are a celebration of your journey - make them as memorable and unique as your time at Texas Tech.
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