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The Best Locations For Penn State Graduation Photos

Flowers are blooming, the temperatures are rising, and grad photo season is in full swing. Seniors all across State College are putting on their caps and gowns and trekking across campus for their final photoshoots as Penn State students.

While preparing to take graduation photos is something many seniors dread, planning out what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be going before the day you go will leave you with graduation photos that you’ll cherish forever.

To help, we compiled some of the must-go locations that any Penn State grad should consider visiting:

The Nittany Lion Shrine

The Symbol of Our Best is an absolute must for any Penn State grad. From giving the Lion a smooch on its cheek to recreating that photo you took during your freshman year, the shrine is an iconic figure that every senior should have in their album. Although you may wait in some long lines to finally snap your photos, the effort will be worth it when you have a piece of Penn State to take with you.

Old Main

A truly majestic building, Old Main offers a plethora of options for grads to take their photos. From posing between its pillars to climbing into the sculpture in front, any senior will be able to find an angle that they love at one of Penn State’s most recognizable locations. Be careful when you throw your caps, though. They may land in the bushes if the wind takes them!

Beaver Stadium

Who wouldn’t want a picture with such a gorgeous large hunk of metal? The site of many Penn State highs and lows, Beaver Stadium will be sure to help you capture the emotions of what it’s like to be a Penn State football fan.

If you’re really feeling in the mood, bringing a change of tailgate-esque clothes will be sure to help you feel like you and your friends are back at a tailgate for one last go-around (especially if you didn’t get a chance to tailgate this season). A bottle or two of champagne will complete the atmosphere perfectly, but be sure to open it and THEN shake it!

The Pennsylvania State University Sign 

Located on the corner of Park Ave. and Porter Road, this massive sign is a sure sight to see in any Penn Stater’s graduation album. From its gorgeous brick exterior to its very large size, the sign offers plenty of options for seniors to capture their memories. Some folks are even brave enough to climb it, but please do this at your own risk — especially if you’re in heels.

The Duck Pond At Hintz Family Alumni Center

One of the more serene areas of campus, the Duck Pond is famous for…well, its ducks. It’s also an excellent location for graduation photos, especially when the trees and flowers start to bloom. Snapping a few shots at the Duck Pond will not only help you to get in touch with nature, but if you time it just right, you could have a few feathered friends in your photos, too.

The ‘We Are’ Statue 

Although a certain statue of a certain Penn State football coach is no longer around for photo ops, its mirrored cousin a little bit down the road is a fair alternative. The We Are statue is a popular location for graduates to sit down and reflect upon their experiences at Penn State, as well as pose with a visual representation of Penn State’s most famous slogan.

Your Favorite Bar

Steffen Blanco | Onward State

Hoping to recreate your best (or worst) moments while out on the town? Your favorite bar would likely be willing to welcome you back for one more cold one, especially if you’re finishing out your long day of reminiscing on your Penn State experience. Just be mindful that your photographer may not be allowed inside if they are underaged, so try and plan this one accordingly.

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About the Author

Alysa Rubin

Alysa was Onward State's visual editor. She's one of many "just outside of Philly" folks at Penn State and yes, she's an obnoxious Philly sports fan. Alysa loves her camera, hiking, a good soft pretzel, and eating her way through Wawa. She's also a proud mom to a cat named Comet. Follow @arubin241 on Twitter to keep up with what she sees through her lens (and for a funny retweet or two).

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