ODU Graduation Photographer

Ted Constant Convocation Center (Chartway Arena)

The Ted Constant Convocation Center, now known as Chartway Arena, is the heart of ODU athletics and the venue where thousands of Monarchs walk across the stage during commencement. This 9,500-seat arena hosts multiple graduation ceremonies across ODU's eight colleges throughout the spring season. Posing in front of the arena is a rite of passage for ODU graduates, and we love incorporating this iconic landmark into our composite designs.

Monarch Way

Monarch Way is the main pedestrian corridor that runs through the center of campus, connecting academic buildings, residence halls, and student gathering spaces. Lined with trees and university banners in ODU's signature slate blue and silver, Monarch Way represents the daily journey every student takes through their academic career. It is one of the most recognizable campus views and a natural choice for graduation portraits.

Kaufman Mall

The beautifully landscaped Kaufman Mall is ODU's central green space, offering open lawns, mature trees, and elegant walkways that create a classic collegiate backdrop. During spring, Kaufman Mall comes alive with graduating students taking photos amid blooming flowers and campus architecture. The lush greenery and architectural symmetry make this a timeless location for graduation portraits.

University Village

University Village is the modern mixed-use development along Monarch Way that has become a symbol of ODU's growth and revitalization. With its contemporary architecture, restaurants, and student-oriented spaces, the Village represents the vibrant, forward-looking energy of today's ODU. Graduates who spent their college years enjoying the Village's shops and eateries love capturing that chapter of their story in their portraits.

Webb University Center

The Webb University Center serves as the social hub of campus, housing dining facilities, meeting rooms, and student organization offices. For many Monarchs, the Webb Center was where friendships were forged, study groups met, and campus involvement began. Its central location and distinctive architecture make it a meaningful backdrop for graduates who want to honor the everyday moments that defined their ODU experience.

Oceanography Building & Globe Sculpture

ODU is internationally recognized for its oceanography and climate science programs, and the Oceanography Building's distinctive globe sculpture has become an unofficial campus landmark. Science, engineering, and environmental studies graduates especially gravitate toward this spot, which symbolizes ODU's commitment to global research and discovery.

Lion Sculpture

The proud lion sculpture on campus is a popular photo spot for ODU students and visitors alike. Symbolizing strength and leadership, the lion pairs perfectly with graduation portraits that aim to convey confidence and accomplishment. Many graduates make it a tradition to take a photo with the lion before and after completing their degrees.

Traditions & Community

ODU graduation ceremonies.

Old Dominion University holds multiple commencement ceremonies each spring to accommodate graduates from its eight colleges: the College of Arts and Letters, Strome College of Business, Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Batten College of Engineering and Technology, College of Health Sciences, College of Sciences, Honors College, and the Graduate School. Ceremonies are typically held at Chartway Arena (formerly Ted Constant Convocation Center) over multiple days in May, with each college holding its own dedicated ceremony.

With nearly 24,000 students, ODU's commencement season is one of the largest in Virginia. We recommend booking your graduation portrait session 3-4 weeks before your ceremony to ensure you have your finished portraits in time to share with family and display at graduation celebrations.

Monarch life & Greek organizations at ODU

Old Dominion University's mascot is Big Blue, the Monarch lion, and the school colors are slate blue and silver. Monarchs carry a fierce pride in their university, from cheering on ODU athletics at S.B. Ballard Stadium to building lifelong connections through campus organizations.

ODU has an active Greek life community with chapters from the National Pan-Hellenic Council (the Divine Nine), the Interfraternity Council, and the National Panhellenic Conference. Greek organizations are a defining part of the ODU experience for many students, and our composite portrait sessions are the perfect way to celebrate your Greek letters alongside your academic achievement. Whether you are representing Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha, or any other chapter, we create portraits that honor your organization's legacy and your personal journey.

Beyond Greek life, ODU is home to hundreds of student organizations, honor societies, ROTC programs, and cultural groups. We encourage every graduate to bring items that represent their campus involvement — from honor cords and organizational stoles to career-related props — so your portraits tell the complete story of your ODU experience.

Session tips for ODU graduates

• Plan your looks. Think about the story you want to tell — graduation, Greek life, career aspirations, cultural heritage. The best composites have 3-4 distinct looks.
• Book early for spring. ODU's spring commencement draws thousands of graduates. Book your session 3-4 weeks ahead to secure your preferred date.
• Bring props that matter. Honor cords, fraternity/sorority letters, stethoscopes, laptops, hard hats, or any tools of your future trade add depth and meaning to your composite portrait.
• Coordinate group sessions. Many ODU graduates book group sessions with line sisters, line brothers, or classmates for dual or trio composites.
• Wear Monarch colors. Incorporate ODU's slate blue and silver into your outfit choices for a cohesive, university-proud portrait.