You got an acorn at Convocation. In May, you'll walk out of Baccalaureate holding an oak sapling. Everything in between happened on these brick paths, and your senior portraits should look like it.
If you're a member of Elon's class of 2027 (or the parent of one), here's everything you need to plan senior photos you'll actually love.
Elon seniors at Fonville Fountain in front of the Alamance Building
When to book
There are two good seasons for Elon senior photos.
Fall (October to November). Fall color, a quieter campus, and you're finished before finals. If you want your session checked off early, this is the time.
Spring (March to April). Dogwoods, green lawns, and cap and gown in hand. Spring is the most popular season, and late March and April weekends fill first.
If you're graduating in May and want a spring session, plan on booking by February. That leaves time for a planning call, outfit decisions, and a little flexibility if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Spring blooms on Elon University’s campus
Where to shoot on campus
Elon's campus is a designated botanical garden, which is a big part of why it photographs so well in every season. These are the spots seniors ask for most:
Fonville Fountain. The classic, in front of the Alamance Building. Most Elon grads want it in at least one frame.
Under the oaks. Brick paths, tall oaks and soft shade. It's also where Baccalaureate happens.
The ELON letters. Bold, bright and a little bit fun. Great for a cap toss or a photo with friends.
Columns and brick. White columns, arched windows and long brick lines. Clean and classic in soft light.
Spring blooms. Late March and April turn the whole campus into a garden.
Walking the brick path under the oaks at Elon
And then there's your spot: the bench, the residence hall, the place that meant something to you. If it mattered, we'll go there.
You don't have to stay on campus, either. My studio in downtown Gibsonville is about ten minutes away, with clean backdrops, soft light and no weather to worry about. Plenty of seniors split their session between campus and the studio.
Senior portrait in the Gibsonville studio, ten minutes from campus
What to wear
You don't need a whole new wardrobe. A few simple guidelines go a long way:
Bring two or three looks. Most seniors do a mix: one look in cap and gown, and one or two outfits that feel like them.
Cap and gown is optional. Wear it if you want it. Skip it if you don't.
Choose solid colors and simple textures over busy patterns or big logos. They hold up better in photos years from now.
Think about the setting. Lighter, softer colors look beautiful against the brick and greenery in spring. Richer tones work well with fall color.
Comfortable shoes for walking. Campus sessions cover some ground.
Elon senior portrait on the campus lawn
After you book, you'll get a wardrobe guide, and we'll talk through outfits on your planning call.
Bring your people
Senior photos don't have to be solo. You can bring your parents, your roommates, your team, or your closest friends. Friend group sessions are full sessions built around your group, with portraits of each of you and plenty of all of you together.
Bring the champagne, the pennant, and the whole crew. If it's part of your Elon story, it belongs in your session.
Friend group senior session at the Elon fountain
What if your family lives out of state?
A lot of Elon families do. After your session, the reveal can happen over Zoom, so your family can see every photograph and choose albums or wall art from home. Everything ships right to their door.
Elon graduate celebrating with her mom and dad
Why it helps to have your portraits done before May
Graduation week goes fast. Baccalaureate for the class of 2027 is Tuesday, May 18, under the oaks, where every senior receives an oak sapling. Commencement is Friday, May 21, in Schar Center, and the official photographer covers your walk across the stage.
With your portraits already done, those days can be just for celebrating.
Cap and heels on an engraved Elon brick
What it costs
The session fee is $190. It covers your planning call, styling guidance and up to 90 minutes on campus, at the studio, or both. Albums, wall art and digital collections are chosen at your reveal, after you've seen every photograph. Most Elon families invest between $500 and $2,500, and many book the session as a graduation gift.
Elon graduate on the steps beside the white columns
A little about me
Alison Tapp, Elon senior photographer in Gibsonville, NC
I grew up on this campus. As a kid, Elon meant fishing and walks. Later it meant class events with Elon Elementary, and eventually my own prom photos on these same brick paths. I've been photographing people since 2011, and Elon sessions have been part of every stage of that.
So when I say I know this campus, I mean it's a little bit mine too. I'd love to help you remember the version of it that's yours.
See dates, details and more Elon sessions on my Elon senior page: alisontappphotography.com/elonseniors
