On Location
Iconic William & Mary campus photo locations.
William & Mary's campus is unlike any other in the United States. Its historic buildings, sweeping lawns, and proximity to Colonial Williamsburg create a setting that is unmatched for graduation portrait photography. While our studio sessions deliver the most polished, professionally lit results, these are the iconic W&M locations our graduates love to reference and incorporate into their composite designs:
The Wren Building
The Wren Building is the single most important structure on the William & Mary campus — and one of the most historically significant academic buildings in the world. Constructed in 1695, it is the oldest academic building in continuous use in the United States. The Wren Building has witnessed more than three centuries of American education, and its iconic facade — with its red brick, white trim, and cupola — is recognized around the globe as a symbol of academic excellence. For W&M graduates, the Wren Building is not just a backdrop; it is a sacred space where tradition, history, and personal achievement converge. Graduation portraits featuring the Wren Building carry an unparalleled sense of gravitas and historical significance.
The Sunken Garden
The Sunken Garden is the iconic green corridor that stretches from the Wren Building to the heart of campus, bordered by the historic colonial-era buildings of the original campus. Its perfectly manicured lawn, framed by mature trees and classical architecture, creates a breathtaking natural amphitheater that has been the setting for countless moments of campus life — from frisbee games to candlelight ceremonies. For graduation portraits, the Sunken Garden offers a sweeping, cinematic backdrop that captures the timeless beauty and academic tradition of William & Mary.
Crim Dell Bridge
The Crim Dell Bridge is one of the most beloved and photographed landmarks on the William & Mary campus. This elegant wooden footbridge spans the Crim Dell pond, surrounded by lush vegetation and reflecting waters that create a serene, romantic setting. Campus legend holds that if two people cross the bridge together, they are destined to marry — unless one of them throws the other in the water. For graduation portraits, Crim Dell Bridge provides an intimate, picturesque backdrop that is uniquely and unmistakably William & Mary.
Swem Library
Earl Gregg Swem Library is the main research library at William & Mary, housing millions of volumes and serving as the intellectual hub of the university. For graduates who spent countless hours in Swem's reading rooms, special collections, and study carrels, it is a deeply personal landmark. The library's modern architecture, combined with the gravitas of its collections, makes it a meaningful and visually compelling graduation portrait location.
Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre
The Lake Matoaka amphitheatre is a hidden gem on the William & Mary campus — a natural outdoor performance venue nestled along the shores of Lake Matoaka. The amphitheatre has hosted generations of W&M theatrical productions, concerts, and community gatherings. Its wooded setting, stone seating, and lakeside views create a uniquely atmospheric and dramatic backdrop for graduation portraits that feel both natural and theatrical.
Colonial Williamsburg Backdrop
No other university in America can claim Colonial Williamsburg as its next-door neighbor. The world's largest living history museum, with its meticulously restored 18th-century buildings, cobblestone streets, and colonial gardens, provides an absolutely unmatched backdrop for graduation portraits. Walking through Colonial Williamsburg in your cap and gown connects your personal achievement to the very birthplace of American democracy. We can incorporate Colonial Williamsburg's historic aesthetic into our studio composite designs or discuss on-location sessions in the historic area.
