I absolutely love graduation time each year! It’s so much fun honoring all of your achievements over the past four or so years, and I can’t think of a better reason to party!

Your senior photoshoot is special, and I want it to be a celebration of YOU. If you need advice on outfits, I’m your girl, and if you need help figuring out what locations on campus are the best for photos, you’ve come to the right place. 

East Carolina University’s campus is beautiful and gives us so many photo locations to choose from. There’s the must-haves that everyone thinks of first like The Cupola and the Trustees Fountain, but then there’s some that even I still have on my wishlist — and I’m hoping to use them for the perfect senior!!

The Cupola 

Whenever I go to ECU, I typically park in the Student ECU parking. (It should be around $1-$2 an hour if you are coming in from off campus.) I’ll meet you by the big ECU letters at the student center since they’re easy to see and close to the parking garage; we will walk together from there to spots around main campus.  

Typically our first stop is the Cupola! This is probably — most definitely — the most popular location on campus. Getting a photo in the arches is the symbol of completing your time at ECU. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you don’t go under it until you’ve officially graduated! 

It does get pretty busy since every ECU senior has it on their photo list, but we can be patient and work around the crowds. If you have any specific poses or photos in mind let me know when we get there so we can prioritize those while working with the crowds. 

(Scheduling Tip: If you want to avoid waiting in long lines for your turn to take photos on the main spots of campus like The Cupola, book your session date for as soon as you get your cap and gown. This way we can be first and have uncrowded access to all of the fan-favorite spots.) 

The Joyner Library Steps 

Right next to The Cupola is another popular location, the Joyner Library Steps. 

I love these for the giant columns and the view of campus in the background, and also to have some variety of poses with being able to sit and stand. 

This is also an area of campus that we’ll have to time correctly with class changes to avoid lots of people in the background. 

The Flanagan Stairs 

Perfect and spirally! Always covered in confetti or sticky champagne but still a pretty look, The Flanagan Building Stairs are a location close by to both the library steps and The Cupola.   

(Pro Tip: Since glitter is a nightmare — for the clean look and the environment — I recommend bringing either biodegradable confetti (due to ECU’s policy) or champagne for that high-energy party look! If you bring champagne, pack a towel to wipe off any spray that may get on your hands!) 

Your Class Building 

I love making your gallery personal to you. Taking photos in the building dedicated to your major and where you spent most of your time in college is a perfect way to personalize your gallery and really make it yours. 

For my nurses or other specific majors, we can always do a quick outfit change into scrubs or any other professional (or party) outfit you’d like. 

The Fountain and Petey The Pirate 

We love a “standing in the fountain, spraying champagne, ‘is this a movie?’” moment (only if the temperature permits, or maybe, you’re just that dedicated). 

I love photos with the fountain whether you’re in it or beside it, but if you do plan to climb in, make sure you bring a towel!

This is another area we’ll have to strategically time with the crowds as it’s about just as popular as the Cupola. 

There’s a beautiful, natural walkway close to the fountain lined with magnolia trees that I love to use for simple portraits with mom, dad, boyfriend, friends, or anyone else you brought with you to your shoot. These photos are more neutral and less ECU. Perfect to be framed (or for the LinkedIn)! 

After we’ve spent time by the water, Petey is close by for a quick photo or two. A picture with him isn’t always a main priority, but he’s still a staple on campus and a ECU core memory. 

My Wishlist!!!

While I go out to ECU often, there’s still some locations that I have my eye on, but haven’t had the chance to use yet. 

I think it would be so cute to have a senior and her sorority sisters together to take photos at their Greek house. Just picture it – all white dresses and stoles, popping champagne off the porch. Whatever group of girls gives me this first, I will love you forever!!!

If you are a die-hard ECU sports fan or a student athlete, I absolutely must take photos at one of the sports stadiums — it can be baseball, basketball, football, I don’t care! Incorporate your ECU uniform, ECU jersey, or those iconic Pirate game day outfits! Tailgating and sports just feels so ECU to me and I love the idea of doing something off main campus.

Also, surprisingly no one has wanted to make the trek out to the grand East Carolina University stone wall, so I am holding out for the day someone wants to do it!

(Speaking of trekking, make sure you bring comfortable shoes if you want locations that are far apart and want to take it easy on your feet — but if you are dedicated to the fit and can strut forever, then I salute you!) 

Ready to book your ECU senior photos? Find out more information about working with me here!