Your go-to roundup of Princeton’s best photo backdrops—from classic columns to hidden gardens
Princeton University is one of my all-time favorite photo locations. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, the campus is full of timeless architecture, beautiful landscaping, and charming pockets of nature. It's a dream location for everything from family sessions to graduation portraits, maternity to headshots.
Since I photograph here often, I wanted to create a master guide to some of the BEST photo spots on campus. I’ve included highlights, session tips, best seasons, and parking info for each location. You can click or swipe through each section to see the variety—and keep this handy when planning your next Princeton session!
Nassau Hall
Best For: Families, grads, maternity, seniors
My Favorite Times to Shoot Here: Spring through fall
Parking: Metered parking on Nassau St or adjacent lots
Nassau Hall is iconic and versatile. One side features a wide staircase and beautiful wood doors—great for centered, posed portraits. Other sides of the building offer open grassy areas that are perfect for playful family photos or little ones who need space to run.
Greenery wraps around the building, giving you soft natural touches no matter the angle. A true favorite.
Cleo/Whig Hall
Best For: Headshots, seniors, couples
My Favorite Times to Shoot Here: Year-round
Parking: Metered parking on Nassau St
Minimal, timeless, and professional—Cleo/Whig Hall is a go-to, especially for headshot sessions. The clean lines of the columns and the neutral stone make this spot feel polished without feeling too formal. The surrounding greenery adds a soft natural touch, especially in spring and summer.
📍See more from headshot sessions here
📍Why you need a headshot session
👉 Swipe through to see this spot in action:
Prospect Gardens
Best For: Maternity, seniors, families, couples
My Favorite Times to Shoot Here: Spring and summer
Parking: Nearby university lots or visitor parking
This garden is like stepping into a storybook. Flowers bloom beautifully in spring and summer, and the stone pathways and iron archways add charm to every image. The gardens change throughout the year, making each visit feel unique.
Holder Hall
Best For: Families, couples, seniors, all portraits
My Favorite Times to Shoot Here: Spring, summer, fall, and rainy days
Parking: Metered parking on Nassau St (near Lululemon)
This is my rainy day backup hero. ☔️ Holder Hall is stunning year-round, and since it's partially covered, it’s ideal if the weather is unpredictable. The arches, staircases, and pathways give us so many angles to work with—and right next door is a quiet courtyard filled with benches and greenery.
If you're hoping for a soft, classic feel with some architectural interest, this spot checks all the boxes.
East Pyne Hall
Best For: Families, couples, seniors, all portraits
My Favorite Times to Shoot Here: Year-round
Parking: Best access via parking on Nassau St
This spot is one of my favorites on campus! This beautiful tunnel/arch like area is a Princeton classic, and looks great year-round. Please keep in mind that this is often a high traffic area that many people walk through.
Cherry Blossom & Dogwood Tree Area
Best For: Spring portraits of any kind
My Favorite Times to Shoot Here: Late March–early May (bloom-dependent)
Parking: Best access via University Pl
If you're dreaming of pastel blooms and soft spring magic, this is the spot. During peak bloom, the trees form a canopy of blush and white petals over the pathways. It can get a little crowded during weekends, so early morning or weekday sessions work best here.
Maclean House
Best For: Families, maternity, seniors, couples
My Favorite Times to Shoot Here: Spring, summer, early fall
Parking: Metered parking on Nassau St or campus visitor lots
Maclean House is a hidden gem right near Nassau Hall. There’s a sweet garden area with a bench and stone paths—great for all types of portraits. On the opposite side? A sunny yellow historic house that pops beautifully in photos. Greenery surrounds the entire space, and there’s also an evergreen patch for year-round depth.
It’s cozy, versatile, and always delivers stunning shots.
9/11 Memorial Garden
Best For: Fall/winter sessions, more moody tones
My Favorite Times to Shoot Here: Fall and winter
Parking: Street parking nearby
One of the more peaceful, introspective areas on campus. The tones here are deeper and more neutral, with stone steps, a memorial wall, and subtle greenery. It’s a perfect pairing with richer wardrobe colors or more reflective session vibes.
Underrated but impactful.
BONUS: Downtown Princeton
If you want to explore beyond campus, downtown Princeton is full of charm. With colorful storefronts, ivy-covered alleys, and cute cafés, it offers a more playful and lifestyle-based vibe.
📍Check out this blog post for a closer look at Downtown Princeton
Final Notes on Princeton
Princeton University offers something for everyone—from elegant columns and blooming gardens to historic homes and hidden green spaces. Whether you’re planning a graduation shoot, a family session, or branding portraits, we can create something beautiful here.
Not sure which spot is right for your session? Let’s talk! I’m happy to suggest the best locations based on your style, season, and session type.
Ready to book your Princeton Session?
Click here to start your journey with JENNAKPHOTOS :)
