College Graduation Photos at Belmont University in Nashville, TN

As a Nashville photographer who has been capturing portraits since 2018, I have had the joy of photographing sessions all over Middle Tennessee. But somehow Belmont University had never made it onto my list, even though I have lived in Nashville since 2007. So when Lauren reached out about her college graduation photos at Belmont University in Nashville, I knew this session was going to be one to remember, and not just because the campus turned out to be as gorgeous as everyone always said.

Lauren earned her Master’s degree from Belmont University in under two years, all while working full-time. That is not a small thing. That is the kind of hard work that deserves to be celebrated, documented, and remembered. Her mom flew in to be there for the session, and having that in-person support made the whole morning feel warm and meaningful in a way I will not forget.

If you are a Belmont University graduate looking for a photographer in Nashville, I would love to be the one behind the camera for your session. You can contact me here. Keep reading to see how we made Lauren’s portraits come to life, and pick up a few tips for planning your own Belmont graduation session.

Why Belmont University Is a Dream Location for College Graduation Photos in Nashville

I honestly did not know what I was missing until I walked onto the Belmont campus for the first time. The variety of backdrops on that campus is something else. Within two hours, we moved through several completely different looks, from formal and classic to open and airy, without ever leaving campus. For college graduation photos in Nashville, Belmont University’s Campus gives you so much to work with.

Here is a look at the spots we used for Lauren’s session.

The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower is one of those iconic Belmont spots that you have probably seen in countless graduation photos, and for good reason. It photographs beautifully from multiple angles, and there is something about it that just feels like a proper milestone moment. We used this as one of our first stops with Lauren in her cap and gown, and the photos came out classic and timeless.

Freedom Plaza and the Fountain

Freedom Plaza is one of the most versatile areas on the Belmont campus. The fountain, the surrounding architecture, and the open space offer options for both wide editorial shots and close-up portraits. We worked the fountain area from a few different positions to take advantage of the light and the framing, and it delivered every time.

The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts

The Fisher Center is one of the most photographed locations on the entire Belmont campus, and after Lauren’s session there, I completely understand why. The tall stone columns create a natural frame that draws the eye straight to your subject, and the grand glass doors and ornate chandelier at the entrance give you a backdrop that feels polished and architectural all at once. We used the columns for both a close-up portrait and a full-length shot, and every single frame came out as it belonged in a magazine. If you are planning college graduation photos at Belmont University, do not skip the Fisher Center.

McWhorter Hall

McWhorter Hall brought in architectural detail and a more formal, professional backdrop. This was a great location to pair with Lauren’s professional outfit, as the building’s character added polish to the portraits without making them feel stiff.

The Story Behind Lauren’s Session

Lauren came to her session with something many graduates lack: a clear sense of purpose for these photos. She did not just want cap-and-gown pictures. She wanted portraits she could actually use, images for her professional portfolio, her LinkedIn, and beyond. That mindset made working with her so easy.

She also brought her mom, and I cannot say enough about how much that mattered. Her mom was right there, cheering her on, helping with her gown between shots, and sharing in the joy of what Lauren had accomplished. As a Nashville family photographer, I know that the people around you during a session change the energy of the whole thing. Lauren’s mom made this session feel like the celebration it was.

One thing worth mentioning: we shot at high noon. I know that sounds like a photographer’s nightmare, and honestly, a lot of photographers will tell you to only shoot during golden hour. But I love the challenge of finding good, consistent light at any time of day. It pushes me to look harder, be more intentional about location choices, and find the pockets of soft light that exist even in the middle of the day. Lauren’s gallery does not look harsh or flat, because we were thoughtful about where we positioned her and what we used to our advantage. High noon is not a reason to reschedule.

Two Outfits, One Powerful Gallery

One of the best decisions Lauren made for her session was committing to two different looks. She wore her cap and gown for the more traditional graduation portraits, and then changed into a polished professional outfit for a second set of images.

Here is why I encourage every college grad to do this: your graduation is not just a personal milestone. For many graduates, especially those earning advanced degrees, it is also a professional one. Having portraits in your robe is beautiful, but having portraits in a sharp, professional outfit gives you images you can actually put to work on your website, LinkedIn profile, or portfolio.

When two outfits are involved, the gallery gives you a more robust selection of photos to feature (and I believe Lauren’s gallery accomplished that)!

Tips for Planning Your College Graduation Photos at Belmont University

If you are planning a graduation session at Belmont, here is what I would pass along from this experience.

Consider shooting early in the morning. This is my personal recommendation, and here is the thinking behind it: college students are not early risers. If you book your session for early morning, you will likely have the campus almost entirely to yourselves. No waiting for people to clear the frame, no crowds around the fountain, no competing for space at the Bell Tower. You get the locations all to yourself, which makes a real difference in how your photos look and how relaxed the whole session feels. And as a bonus, once you are done, the rest of your day is wide open. Go celebrate. Get brunch with your mom. You just earned it.

Think about your outfits before your locations. Decide what you want to wear first, and then match your outfit choices to the backdrops you love most. A professional blazer pairs differently with the architecture of McWhorter Hall than it does with the open lawn. Pairing intentionally makes your gallery feel cohesive.

Bring inspiration, but be ready to make it your own. Looking at Pinterest for graduation photo ideas is a great starting point. It helps you figure out what styles and poses you are drawn to. But your session should feel like you, not like someone else’s photos recreated. Bring the inspo, and then trust your photographer to adapt it to the real locations, light, and personality in front of the camera.

Have someone with you if you can. Lauren’s mom being there made a difference. Whether it is a parent, a friend, or a partner, having someone in your corner during a session brings out a relaxed, natural energy that shows up in your photos.

Think beyond the robe. If you are earning a degree you plan to build a career on, invest in at least one professional look for your session. These photos can serve you for years.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Graduation Photos at Belmont University in Nashville

Do I need to schedule my Belmont graduation photos in advance? Yes. Graduation season fills up quickly, and the best light and campus availability goes fast. I recommend reaching out at least four to six weeks before your ideal session date, and earlier if you are hoping for a spring date.

Can I shoot graduation photos at Belmont at any time of day? Yes. While many photographers prefer golden hour, the Belmont campus has enough variety in its backdrops that you can find great light and beautiful locations at different times of day. Shade, architecture, and open spaces all play a role in making any session work.

What should I wear for my Belmont graduation photos? Plan at least two looks: your cap and gown for the traditional portraits, and a professional or personal outfit that reflects who you are now. Think about where you want those photos to live, whether that is on your family’s wall or your LinkedIn profile, and dress accordingly.

How long does a college graduation portrait session take? My sessions typically run one to two hours, depending on the number of locations and outfit changes. For a session like Lauren’s with two outfits and multiple campus spots, plan for closer to two hours.

Is Belmont University a good location for graduation photos in Nashville? It is one of the best. The campus has a variety of backdrops ranging from formal architecture to open green spaces, which gives your gallery real depth and variety without ever leaving the property.

Ready to Book Your College Graduation Photos at Belmont University?

Lauren’s session reminded me why I love doing this work. She showed up having earned something real, with her mom by her side and a clear vision for what she wanted. My job was simply to make sure the photos matched the moment, and I think we did exactly that.

Belmont University is now firmly on my list of favorite Nashville locations, and I cannot wait to go back. If you are a Belmont graduate or graduating from any Nashville-area campus, I would be honored to document this season for you.

Fill out my contact form and let’s start planning your session. I book college graduation portrait sessions throughout Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee area, and I would love to celebrate what you have worked so hard to accomplish.

Want to see what other college graduation portraits look like?

Taking Fun & Meaningful Vanderbilt University College Graduation Portraits!

Meet Your Friendly Nashville Family Photographer