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As someone who completed both my undergrad and graduate studies at the University of South Carolina, I know campus really well! It’s easily one of my favorite places to take grad photos, and there are so many beautiful spots to choose from. USC looks SO good in both the spring and the fall, which makes it the perfect place for your session no matter when you are graduating. Here are my top picks for the best grad photo spots at the University of South Carolina!
The Horseshoe
When you think of the University of South Carolina, the Horseshoe is one of the first things that pops into your head. Those gorgeous brick walkways, the huge trees overhead, and the sunlight peeking through make it so pretty. It’s the perfect, quintessential spot for your grad photos, and because it’s so big, there’s plenty of space for everyone to take photos without feeling like you’re competing with the entire campus.
The best part is how much variety you can get without even leaving the Horseshoe. You can pose with the buildings in the background, get that long stretch view looking straight down the brick path, or turn and grab the gates behind you for a classic USC moment. There are so many beautiful little spots along the way, you could honestly spend your whole session here and still end up with a gallery that feels super diverse!
One of my other favorite things to do is hop off the main Horseshoe path into the nearby little hidden gems. The gardens behind the J School are gorgeous, the President’s House is such a pretty backdrop, and the steps at McKissick are always a win. The McKissick Museum and the library area are also great spots, and the little garden by the South Caroliniana Library is another underrated favorite. Basically, if you want a one-stop shop location with tons of variety, this is it!
Longstreet Theater
My next favorite spot is Longstreet Theater! This spot got popular a couple of years ago, and now it’s become one of everyone’s favorite places on campus. The lighting up there is absolutely gorgeous, and those white columns give everything such an elegant, elevated look. It’s the perfect spot for my girls who want classic, timeless graduation photos that will never go out of style.
And the steps are such a win too. They’re the perfect place to sit, lay back, relax a little, and get the prettiest seated photos without feeling stiff or posed. It’s truly one of my favorite spots on campus and honestly… it might be the favorite!!
TCoop Fountain
The next classic spot is the fountain at Thomas Cooper Library, or the TCoop Fountain! This is where everyone wants to pop their champagne and get those fun, celebratory photos in front of one of USC’s most iconic backdrops. It’s such a staple, and it instantly screams “I graduated!”
And if you’re feeling brave and a little adventurous, you can even go for a dip, with a float or without. Either way, it’s one of those must-have spots where everyone needs at least one photo. Classic, iconic, and always a good idea!
Cocky’s Statue
Another favorite for pretty much everybody is the Cocky Statue! A lot of people get a photo here when they first decide to come to the University of South Carolina, so it’s honestly the perfect full-circle moment to recreate one as you’re celebrating the end of your time at USC.
Most people love to sit next to Cocky for the classic shot, but if you’re feeling a little brave and adventurous, I can totally help you climb up and sit on Cocky’s arm too! It’s also such a fun spot to pop champagne, grab some group photos, and get those hype “we did it!!!” moments. Everybody loves Cocky, so this one is always a must for me during grad sessions. I love, love, love it!
Williams Brice Stadium
Another favorite is Williams-Brice Stadium! Of course, if you’re a football fan then you already know this one is a must, but even if you’re not, the stadium is such an iconic part of USC and it makes for the coolest grad photos.
It’s a great spot to do fun stuff with your friends, especially for group photos, popping champagne, throwing confetti, all the celebratory things! But it’s also just as great if you’re doing your session solo. Either way, it’s such a fun location, and it gives your gallery that true Gamecock vibe!
A Meaningful Place
And to round out my list of favorite spots, this one isn’t necessarily my favorite, but it could totally be yours. I think it’s so special when my graduates want to take photos somewhere that actually means something to them, whether that’s the school or college they graduated from, their dorm, their favorite study spot, or anywhere they made memories.
It’s such a sweet way to commemorate your time at USC in a place that really holds a special place in your heart, and those photos always end up being the ones that feel the most personal!
