Where to Take Graduation Photos in Atlanta

By Joleen Pete

Published April 13, 2024

Congrats, Grad. You’ve spent the last four plus years working hard on your degree and now you’re graduating. In addition to taking graduation announcement photos at your soon-to-be alma mater, why not consider a meaningful photo tour throughout Atlanta. Here’s where to take graduation photos in Atlanta.

Atlanta BeltLine

There are so many fun photo ops along the Atlanta BeltLine, and our ultimate guide to the Atlanta BeltLine trails will give you an idea of what to expect aesthetically, as well as provide important information such as access points. Check out the website for a current list of art along the BeltLine — everything from sculptures to murals — as well as the locations for each. Get creative. Rent bikes. Bring your dog. Show what makes you, you.

Buckhead

Buckhead is a beautiful Atlanta neighborhood for graduation photos. Guests of Atlanta History Center are welcome to take photos on their phones but more formal photo sessions require a permit, which you can get from a guest engagement ambassador at the admission desk. Just a half mile from there is Buckhead Village, known for great shopping and dining and the perfect backdrop for a chic graduation shoot. Bring your canine bestie for a few fun photos at Fetch Park Buckhead.

Centennial Park District

In addition to fun street art backdrops, pose near (or on, for thrill seekers) the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel then hop on over to Centennial Olympic Park. You’ll definitely want to include the Fountain of Rings and get photos with the downtown Atlanta skyline. This is a fun spot for group photo, too.

Downtown Atlanta

Most of Atlanta’s top attractions are located in downtown Atlanta, including Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Any of these would make for a fun and unique backdrop to senior pictures, especially if the grad takes special interest in these subjects. For a more urban backdrop, consider taking graduation photos right on the sidewalk Downtown, with buildings like Peachtree Center as your backdrop. Plan your shoot for an early weekend morning for less traffic.

High Museum of Art

Outdoor photography at the High Museum of Art doesn’t require an escort or permit, but there are a few restrictions. No special equipment can be used (tripod, lights, etc.), and shoots can’t feature exterior sculptures. The location itself is beautiful and offers a unique opportunity to play with lines and shadows in your photos. Indoor portrait photography is available for a fee. 

Piedmont Park

Located in the heart of Midtown, Piedmont Park has it all in the way of great photo shoot backdrops — beautiful trees and green space, a gazebo on a bridge, a dock overlooking Lake Clara Meer and most notably the Midtown Atlanta skyline. 

Ponce City Market

With colorful walls and unique architecture, Ponce City Market is another fun spot in Atlanta to take graduation photos. This shopping center and food hall is located right on the Atlanta BeltLine, which provides even more photo ops. Purchase tickets up to The ROOF for unique, carnival-inspired photos. Imagine your kindergartener in a tiny cap and gown, eating ice cream or playing putt-putt. High school seniors can tap into their inner child with fun games and lights as their inspiration. Snap selfies with skyline views of Buckhead, Midtown and Downtown.

The Works

Located on the upper Westside, The Works is a food hall and shopping area with several vibrant Living Walls ATL murals to pose in front of. Personal photography is allowed provided you’re mindful of other patrons and don’t require special equipment.

Westside Provisions District

Located on the Westside, Westside Provisions District is an area of fine dining and shopping. Grads can pose for photos on the bridge outside of Jeni’s, where parking is free. There is a self-parking lot for a fee as well and you can shoot around the building if you’re looking for a simple white brick backdrop.

Your Alma Mater

Soon-to-be college graduates from Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, Agnes Scott College, Emory University or HBCUs Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University may consider their school as the backdrop for some of their graduation photos. Visit the campus bookstore for something to wear to show your school pride.

Looking for ways to celebrate? Check out these 50 fun things to do in Atlanta.

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.