Best Purdue University Photo Locations

If you’re planning a photo session on Purdue University’s campus, you’re in luck! Purdue offers a wonderful mix of iconic landmarks as well as lots of hidden gems that create beautiful and diverse photos. While used most commonly for college graduation photos, campus can also provide a unique location for family or senior portraits. Ready to discover the best Purdue University photo locations? Let’s start with the classics!

PURDUE UNIVERSITY ENGINEERING FOUNTAIN

Located between Northwestern Ave and N University St, the Engineering Fountain combines beautiful landscaping with strong architectural elements. It is stunning on a warm evening when golden hour lights up the water. If you frame your photo correctly you can even incorporate the bell tower behind you! Make sure to grab some wider photos with the rows of trees and the fountain in the background, as well as some close up shots sitting or standing next to the fountain.

HOVDE HALL

Located directly behind the Engineering Fountain, Hovde Hall boasts a beautiful staircase and columns that are perfect for a classy graduation shot. Its bold architecture tends well towards formal photos or editorial style photos. Incorporate some sitting and standing poses, or climb the stairs for a beautiful shot with the columns.

PURDUE UNIVERSITY BELL TOWER

A true classic, the Bell Tower might be the most iconic of the Purdue University photo locations. Stand on Centennial Mall Dr for a beautifully framed shot, or stand right next to or underneath the Bell Tower. Some hold the superstition that walking underneath the Bell Tower before graduation is bad luck – but if you take your chances it makes a beautiful photo op.

MEMORIAL MALL, BLOCK P, and LOEB FOUNTAIN

Head down the street a block to find beautiful Memorial Mall with it’s stretching lawn. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for some green space on campus! Not far from Memorial Mall, you’ll find the unfinished Block P statue which is a favorite for grad photos. Walk straight through Memorial Mall to find Loeb Fountain, which makes for some perfect water shots (especially if the Engineering Fountain is not on).

UNIVERSITY ARCHES

The Gateway to the Future Arch and the Purdue Memorial Union Gateway are ideal spots for your cap and gown photos or champagne pops. Both featuring the university name, these locations add a campus-specific touch to your photos. The arches frame the subject nicely and have plenty of room if you’re taking your photos with a group.

PURDUE MEMORIAL UNION

The Purdue Memorial Union (PMU) offers both a pretty exterior and interior. The front staircase is a favorite, but there’s plenty of other photo ops around if you look for them. The PMU makes a great photo location in case of rain or poor weather outdoors. Keep things cozy and grab a cup of coffee from Leaps while you’re there!

UNIQUE PURDUE UNIVERSITY PHOTO LOCATIONS

We’ve covered the classics, but let’s talk about some of the other fun spaces Purdue has to offer! Here’s some of my favorites in no particular order.

• Degree-correlated buildings. Buildings that are important to you or that you spent a lot of time in during your college years are so important to remember in photo form.
• Sports-correlated locations or courts. Swimmer? Get photos at the pool. Volleyball player? Get photos at the court. Tennis player? You get the drift! Incorporate your athletics for grad photos that look like you.
• Coffee shop. Lean into the cute and cozy vibes with photos at one of Purdue’s coffee shops.
• Silver Dipper. As a former employee I’m a little biased, but grab some of the best ice cream in town for a playful touch to your grad photos.
• Pedestrian bridge and downtown Lafayette. Head right down Purdue’s levee to reach the pedestrian bridge and downtown Lafayette. Full of historic charm and unique photo locations, Lafayette can’t be beat.
• Horticulture Park. A gorgeous flowered and wooded park near Purdue West, the Hort Park is one of my favorites for outdoor sessions.
• And more! Purdue has so many photo-worthy nooks and crannies. As you navigate campus, you’ll find some of your own favorite Purdue University photo locations!
  

As you plan your graduation photos, think about combining iconic Purdue locations with more unique and personal locations to keep your gallery diverse. Purdue offers a wonderful blend of tradition and natural beauty that results in stunning photos no matter where you decide to shoot.

Looking for a Purdue University photographer? Learn more about my Purdue grad photo experience here and inquire to book here! I can’t wait to work with you!