Wren Building Construction & Where to Take Your Senior Portraits on William & Mary’s Campus

Hey, W&M seniors! If you’ve been planning to take your senior portraits at the iconic Wren Building, you might be feeling a bit bummed right now. The Wren Building is undergoing some major construction, and starting this month, it’ll be covered in scaffolding for a while. But don’t worry — there are still plenty of gorgeous spots on campus that are perfect for your senior photos!

As a photographer who loves capturing all the special moments in life — from weddings to senior portraits to family photos — I can tell you that there’s no shortage of beautiful backdrops at the College of William & Mary. I am also an alum (go Tribe!) and know each spot very well. Here are a few spots that will make your senior photos shine, even without the Wren Building in the frame.

1. Crim Dell Bridge

Crim Dell is always a classic choice, and for good reason. The bridge over the water, surrounded by lush greenery, creates a dreamy, timeless look. Whether it’s spring with everything blooming, or fall with the leaves changing, it’s a fantastic spot for your senior session, especially near sunset as the sky has that special glow.

2. Swem Sundial + Spring Flowers

If you’re a spring senior, the Swem Library Sundial sits at the perfect location with beautiful flowers blooming all around it. It’s a great way to incorporate some vibrant color into your portraits, and it also has that classic W&M vibe with the brick academic buildings in the background.

3. Your Academic Building or Business School

Show off where you spent your time working hard for those degrees! Whether you’re in an Old Campus building, the Business School, or any other department, your academic home can be a unique and personal backdrop. It’s a great way to add some personality to your photos and highlight where your journey at W&M really took shape. Incorporating a dorm or frat/sorority house is another idea!

4. Sunken Gardens

The Sunken Gardens is another iconic spot that you can’t miss. The large green space surrounded by pretty trees is perfect for those dreamy, wide shots that capture the essence of your time at W&M. Whether it’s summer or fall, the Sunken Gardens will give your senior portraits that relaxed, yet elegant vibe. We also love to incorporate some of the brick stairs for sitting images too!

5. Campus Paths with Greenery

As you know, William & Mary’s campus has tons of old paths lined with trees and historic buildings. These spots offer a more intimate feel for your portraits, and the greenery gives everything a lush, natural backdrop. It’s one of those hidden gems on campus that often gets overlooked but is absolutely perfect for senior photos to take images of you walking down the historic paths.

Don’t Stress, We’ve Got This!

While the Wren Building is off-limits for a while, there’s no shortage of other stunning locations on campus for your senior photos. With so many beautiful spots to choose from, your session will be just as memorable and special. And as a photographer based in Williamsburg, I’m always here to help guide you through finding the perfect location and making sure we capture everything you love about your time at William & Mary.

If you’re ready to book your senior portrait session or have any questions, reach out! I’d love to help you capture this exciting time in your life.

Congrats on your upcoming graduation!