Downtown San Antonio UTSA Graduation Photo Shoot

If you are graduating from UTSA and think you have to head over to the main campus for your photo shoot, then think again. The school actually has several campuses, including a few in downtown San Antonio. If you’re looking for a metropolitan look with several different background options, then a downtown San Antonio UTSA graduation photo shoot may just be your style. In today’s post, I’ve got everything you need to know about where to go for your graduation photo shoot in downtown San Antonio and some tips to help get you to the top of your class, photo-wise.

UTSA Downtown Campus

Let’s start off with a little geography lesson. UTSA has three downtown campuses. The largest downtown campus is located right next to Interstate 10 on Cesar Chavez Boulevard. In terms of notable photo spots, it has a large bit of signage stating that it is the UTSA downtown campus. However, the signage is located in a very un-photogenic parking lot. Another bit of signage is located right in front of the main building, but this is tough to photograph since it is located in front of a driveway and there are normally vehicles parked right behind it.

In terms of architecture, as with all of the UTSA campuses, there really isn’t much to write home about at the downtown campus. UTSA was built in a very modern architectural style, so if you were looking for any beautiful Romanesque columns or glorious antique steps, you are sadly out of luck. There are a few hallways here that could be interesting in terms of shadows. There is also an elevated walkway, which could prove interesting for some artistic photos. And, as always, don’t forget the UTSA colorful benches. But that’s about it.

Unfortunately, the most notable feature of this campus is that it is located in a very sketchy neighborhood. If I were you, I would avoid this campus altogether and instead head to the UTSA School of Data Science which is located much more centrally to other noteworthy buildings and in a much safer environment.

UTSA Southwest Campus

The UTSA Southwest Campus — located along N. St. Mary’s Street — would be a lovely place for photos, but it is blocked off no doubt due to the high number of homeless people loitering over at the Central Library. It’s such a shame. If you have connections to the campus and are able to gain access, then it would be a fantastic spot for photos.

UTSA School of Data Science

Prepare yourself, because this campus is even smaller than the I-10 campus. But what this UTSA School of Data Science lacks in terms of size, it makes up for in terms of proximity to other noteworthy photo locations. The idea is that you take a few photos here and use this as a jumping off point to take photos then at the River Walk, City Hall, San Pedro, Creek, etc.

In terms of signage, you really don’t have any. Your best bet is a long-distance shot taken from the sidewalk with the UTSA sign on the main building, as I did with Jacqueline here. There is one sign that says UTSA School of Data Science on the side of the building, and a colorful bike rack with UTSA on it, but that’s it.

Downtown San Antonio UTSA Graduation Photo Shoot Location Suggestions

But, you have plenty of great photo options all around you. Just across the street is City Hall. Down the sidewalk is my personal favorite, San Pedro Creek. Oh, and if you’re looking to get meta with your champagne pop photo, then head over to the San Pedro Creek waterfall to take photos there.

Post Office and Scottish Rite Cathedral

Now, let’s say you do want to have a bit of classic architecture in the background. There are two fantastic locations in downtown San Antonio to accommodate your structural daydreams. The main post office on Houston Street and the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Avenue E. Bear in mind that the main post office is currently the epicenter of construction for the Alamo right now. It also tends to be very popular for school groups and tourists heading over to the Alamo, so you may have to be patient for crowds in the background.

For the Scottish Rite Cathedral, you have interesting characters in the neighborhood who may be drifting in and out of the background. This area tends to be a bit colorful, so just be on your guard.

City Hall

Lastly, you can’t go wrong with the city’s architectural gem, City Hall. I have not found any rules regarding taking photos on the steps of City Hall, but I have always gone out of my way to be respectful. On the weekends when there have been security guards present, I have asked first before taking photos and the guards have always been kind and accommodating to allow me to take photos. As long as you are not impeding the flow of business, then I think you should be fine taking photos right on the front steps.

And speaking of the front steps, they are spectacular. Make sure you get a great wide view, as well as a close-up view on the sides of the building. In addition, the back of City Hall is great for portraits as well. The side gardens of City Hall, especially by the electric vehicle charging stations, tend to be the best lit in the afternoon.

Other Downtown San Antonio UTSA Graduation Photo Shoot Locations

Lastly, here’s a final round up of my other favorite spots in downtown for photo shoots.

If you’re looking for greenery in downtown San Antonio, then you can’t beat these locations:

San Pedro Creek by Nueva Street
Legacy Park

For group shots, head straight to Hemisfair Park.

If you’re looking for some fun photos that explore your inner child, check out Yanaguana Garden. One word of caution, this is basically a gigantic playground and is always super crowded. The area is especially busy on weekends, so pack your patience. Plan to take one good shot here, and take the rest of your photos over at Hemisfair Park.

If you’re looking for a retro/vintage look, head straight to these locations:

Alameda Theatre
Majestic theater
Peacock Alley
Paris Hatters

Graduation Photo Tips

I get this all the time during graduation photo shoots: I hate, hate the look of the cap and gown. My advice? Suck it up. You’re going to have to take a few photos with the cap and gown on. If you are worried that the cap is going to ruin your hair, then save those photos until the end. You can take photos just holding the cap at the start of the photo shoot. But yes, you do need to take a few photos with the cap on. Basically, this is a graduation shoot. You need to signify to the viewer that you graduated and show off the uniform. You are only going to be wearing it once.

For Texas photo shoots, I am warning you now about the heat. Humidity is not your friend. My photo shoot with Jacqueline was scheduled for 7:30 AM and I would not have started a minute later. If you want to keep your hair looking halfway decent, and your photo shoot is scheduled for May onwards in San Antonio, then you need to start at the crack of dawn.

Wear comfortable shoes. Sadly, during our session, one of Jacqueline’s heels bit the dust. Rest in peace, Steve Madden heels. My photo shoots tend to be marathon sessions, so come prepared with shoes that can go the distance.

Meet Jacqueline

Congratulations to Jacqueline, a 2025 UTSA grad, who will be receiving her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance Degree this year. She already has her career planned out. But first, she has some well-deserved rest and relaxation on the calendar with a trip to Spain. I wish her all the best as she now counts herself as alumni.

Coming up…

In a future blog post, I’ll discuss how to perfectly toss your graduation cap in the air. Let’s just say it’s a matter of physics. Also, don’t be afraid of hurting your photographer by tossing it straight into the camera. But until then, enjoy the images, and I’ll have more photo adventures for you next week!

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