The best spots on campus for your FSU grad photos
There's something incredibly special about photographing FSU graduation sessions during the golden light of late September, especially when you have a client who's ready to celebrate the end of an era in the most beautiful way possible! Today, i'm highlighting my session with Madison, (my name twin!) a Biological Science major with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. She wanted to commemorate her time at Florida State with a longer session that captured all her favorite campus spots. I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to showcase some of my absolute favorite locations for FSU grad photos!
As your FSU graduation photographer, I'm always thinking about how to create images that feel both iconic and deeply personal. Madison's session hit all the right notes, and I'm excited to walk you through exactly where we went, why these locations work so beautifully, and how you can plan your own dream graduation shoot.
Westcott Fountain
We kicked off Madison's session at 4:00pm at Westcott, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Since this was the last weekend of September during Parents Weekend (well before the November rush) we had the fountain practically to ourselves. Here's the thing about Westcott that every FSU grad photographer knows: this spot is iconic for a reason, but it can get incredibly busy during peak graduation season.
The late afternoon sun was positioned just above the Westcott Building, which is honestly the sweet spot for this location. Once the sun dips behind that tall, beautiful building, the area gets darker much faster than other spots on campus, so timing matters here. We captured Madison in front of the fountain and under those classic arches, getting all those must-have shots that scream "I graduated from FSU!"
Pro tip from your Tallahassee photographer: If you're planning your FSU grad photos for November or March, book early. Lines at Westcott can reach almost two hours long during busy season, and trust me, you don't want to spend your golden hour waiting in line.
Greek Park
After Westcott, we walked over to Greek Park, and this is where I have to pause and tell you about my all-time favorite spot on FSU's campus. Greek Park is beautifully underrated. It's this gorgeous, quiet area with lush greenery and a gazebo that always has the best lighting.
The way the light filters through the trees is absolutely dreamy. And the shade in the gazebo lets in the perfect amount of light without creating harsh shadows, which means it works at any time of day, even high noon. For Madison's session, the 4-6pm timeframe was golden (literally), especially since daylight savings hadn't kicked in yet.
What I love most about Greek Park is how peaceful it feels. While other spots on campus might have crowds or other photographers, Greek Park tends to stay quiet, giving you space to just be present and enjoy the moment. Madison seemed to really relax here, and you can see it in the photos. That authentic joy that comes from not feeling rushed or watched.
Unconquered Statue at Langford Green
After Greek Park, we drove about five minutes to the stadium area to photograph at the Unconquered statue, and let me tell you...this spot is peak FSU. The Unconquered Statue is massive and powerful, with Doak Campbell Stadium right behind it, it's a perfect display of what it means to be a Seminole.
This where Madison added this incredible vintage FSU jacket from Picked Tallahassee (if you haven't been, it's a must for vintage finds!). The combination of that nostalgic jacket against the dreamy campus? Love.
This is the most FSU-esque location you can choose for your graduation photos. It's bold, it's iconic, and it captures that unconquered spirit that defines your Florida State experience. Madison looked so proud standing there in her cap and gown, and we even captured some behind-the-scenes footage of her popping champagne with friends... those candid-style moments that I love weaving into sessions. See it on my Instagram @MadisonDoddPhotography!
Langford Green Arches
Our final stop was the Langford Green arches, which you've definitely seen all over Instagram if you've been following other FSU grads. These arches are fun, iconic, and incredibly photogenic, but here's a little insider knowledge: they're harder to climb onto than you might think!
Important tip for FSU senior photographer sessions: Wear shorts under your dress if you're planning photos on the arches. Trust me on this one.
The Langford Green arches are perfect for those playful, celebratory shots that show your personality. They're recognizable enough that anyone who went to FSU will immediately know where you are, but they offer a different vibe than the more formal Westcott shots.
Why timing and planning matter for your FSU grad photos
One of the reasons Madison's session turned out so beautifully was the intentional planning. Shooting in late September meant we beat the busy season rush, had incredible weather, and enjoyed that perfect early fall light. By Spring, campus gets packed with graduates, families, and other photographers all trying to capture the same iconic shots.
As a Tallahassee grad photographer who's photographed countless FSU grads (including so many sweet girls from sororities like Madison's (Alpha Chi Omega)--seriously, I love you all!), I can tell you that booking early and being strategic about timing makes all the difference. You've put in the work to earn that degree. Now you deserve photos that help you celebrate this milestone without the stress of crowds and long lines.
The experience
Here's what I want you to know about working together: yes, these locations are stunning, and yes, we'll get all those iconic FSU graduation photographer shots you're dreaming of. But what makes a session truly special is how it feels. Madison expressed during our session how personalized it was and how much posing guidance I provided. She didn't have to overthink anything or feel awkward. She could just be present, celebrate her achievements, and soak in the significance of this moment.
That's what I'm here for. Whether we're at the Westcott fountain, hidden away in Greek Park, or celebrating at the Unconquered statue, I'll guide you through every step. From deciding on the best time, to picking locations that tell your unique story, to helping you feel confident and authentic during the shoot.
Ready to plan your dream FSU grad session?
Your Florida State University experience deserves to be documented in a way that feels both timeless and true to you. Whether you want a quick session at one iconic spot or a longer shoot like Madison's that captures multiple locations and outfit changes, I'm here to make it happen.
My typical FSU Grad package is one hour, and includes up to 2 locations, 80-150 edited and retouched images, comprehensive posing guidance, up to 2 outfit changes, and the option to add on additional time or even 35mm film photos for that extra touch of nostalgia. It's designed to give you everything you need to remember your favorite days and places for the rest of your life.
Let's capture your FSU graduation photos in a way that celebrates not just where you went to school, but who you became there. Because this isn't just the end of an era, it's the beginning of everything you've been working toward.
Ready to book your session? Class of 2025 and 2026, Reach out to me about November 2025 and March 2026 sessions! Let's start planning your dream FSU grad photos at these incredible locations. I can't wait to celebrate you!
Meet your FSU graduation photographer
Hi!! I'm Madison! I'm a professional photographer based in NYC, but one of my favorite parts of my job is traveling back to Tallahassee to photograph my sweet FSU grads.
I graduated in 2023 with a major in Advertising and a minor in Innovation (I basically lived at the innovation hub). I absolutely loved my time at FSU and recognize how incredible of an achievement graduation is, as well as how important it is to document this moment in your life.
Some of the ways I was involved on campus: Creative Director of Arrowhead, Vice President of Ad Club, member of Seminole Innovators, Graphic Designer for Strozier Library, Photographer for Strike Magazine. Do we have anything in common? Let me know at our session! I can't WAIT to meet you!
