Photo Essay

Where to Take Grad Photos at TXST

Texas State's San Marcos Campus blends natural beauty, iconic architecture, and history into the perfect Bobcat backdrop for graduation photos.

April 30, 2026

Texas State's San Marcos Campus blends natural beauty, iconic architecture, and history into the perfect Bobcat backdrop for graduation photos.

April 30, 2026

The Texas State University San Marcos Campus offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, iconic architecture, and historic spaces that capture the spirit of what it means to be a Bobcat. From the serene waters of the San Marcos River to the prestigious charm of Old Main, there are plenty of unique backdrops that reflect growth, achievement, and the vibrant student experience. 

Graduate in cap and gown stands between the large maroon TXST letters on Bobcat Trail, smiling at the camera with campus buildings visible in the background.

TXST Sign

The TXST sign on Bobcat Trail is just like our graduates — bold, mesmerizing, and attention drawing. A snapshot here is a declaration of where you started and the next chapter that is ready to unfold.

A graduate with red hair raises her cap toward the sky in front of the TXST sign on Bobcat Trail, smiling.
A sits against the base of the maroon TXST letters, wearing a maroon and gold stole, smiling at the camera.
Graduate in cap and gown sits on a ledge at Sewell Park, looking off to the side with the San Marcos River and a bridge visible behind him.

Sewell park

There’s something so magnificent about our spring-fed San Marcos River at Sewell Park. From early mornings to late afternoons, the light hits differently on the crystal-clear water, making Sewell the perfect location for a photo filled with reflection and beauty.

Graduate in cap and gown smiles at the camera at Sewell Park, with the San Marcos River, a bridge, and colorful kayakers visible in the background.
Graduate in cap and gown looks directly at the camera at Sewell Park, with the river and bridge softly blurred behind him.
A graduate sits on the steps of Old Main, smiling at the camera

Old Main

Old Main doesn’t try to impress—it just does. Its Victorian Gothic arches and spires are the kind of background that elevates any photo. Stand in front of it, and remember that your story is part of something bigger.

Close up of a graduate leaning against the railing near Old Main, looking off to the side
A graduate posing and smiling with one leg kicked behind her in front of Old Main
Close up of a graduate leaning against the railing near Old Main, smiling at the camera
Graduate sits on the steps in front of the Lyndon B. Johnson statue on campus, smiling with his hands clasped.

LBJ Statue

Standing beside Lyndon B. Johnson, you’re reminded of what he stood for: leadership, community, and the responsibility of opportunity.  Pose here and get ready to step into what comes next.  

graduate in a pink dress and graduation gown poses in front of the LBJ statue, looking off to the right
Graduate in his graduation gown poses in front of the LBJ statue, looking off to the left

Trauth-Huffman

There’s something cinematic about this space. Clean lines, modern limestone, vines, and greenery, photos here feel as epic as you do.   

Four graduates in caps and gowns stand together smiling in front of the brick arches at Trauth Huffman, several wearing First Generation stoles.
Graduate poses in front of the brick arched walkway at Trauth Huffman.
woman in graduation regalia leans on stair railing in front of multiple brick arches
man in graduation regalia stands in front of multiple brick arches
woman in graduation regalia holds up txst hand signs in front of large brick arch
man in graduation regalia sits in front of brick wall covered in vines
Graduate in cap and gown wearing a First Generation stole smiles at the camera in front of the colorful diamond-patterned One of a Kind mural on campus.

"One of a Kind" mural

The mural’s diamond patterns symbolize how all the faces of our community have come together to form a shining symbol of strength and togetherness. The vibrant hues that reflect the intensity of the Bobcat spirit are sure to enhance any photo. 

Graduate in a gold sequin dress and graduation gown poses confidently in front of the colorful One of a Kind mural.
Graduate in cap and gown wearing a First Generation stole smiles at the camera in front of the yellow and geometric-patterned One of a Kind mural.
Graduate smiles at the camera in front of Cibolo Hall, with a painted bobcat sculpture visible on the building ledge behind him.

Cibolo Hall

Filtered sunlight. A playful sleeping bobcat. A bit of softness in the air. Cibolo Hall is a glimpse of where life happens on campus: conversations, friendship, laughter, effort.  

man in graduation regalia poses for photo in front of building with large sleeping bobcat sculpture on it
Graduate stands with her robe over her shoulder in front of Cibolo Hall, a painted bobcat sculpture visible on the building ledge behind her.
Graduate in a gold sequin dress reclines on the Alkek Library steps, with the building's columns framing the shot.

Alkek Steps

You’ve walked up and down these iconic steps more times than you can count. Now, pause here for a moment and reflect on how you got this far: this is a shot you definitely earned.

Graduate in cap and gown leans against the railing on the Alkek Library steps, looking out to the side with limestone columns behind him
Graduate in a gold sequin dress leans on the Alkek Library railing, shielding her eyes from the sun and looking upward.
A graduate throws flower petals in the air, smiling at the camera under the UAC arch

The Arch

The TXST arch is exquisite, perfectly framing the moment. Stand here, and the photo becomes more than a pose, it’s a backdrop that expresses just how triumphant you’ve emerged after your journey.

3 graduate in first gen stoles smile and laugh together beneath the UAC Arch.
2 graduates laugh together under the UAC arch
Graduate smiles at the camera with his robe over his shoulder under the UAC arch
Four bobcats sit on the edge of the Bobcat Trail fountain, hands rasied in celebration

Fountain on Bobcat Trail

You know this spot. You sat by it with your friends, soaking in the memories of milestones you shared. Now it’s time to do it big and celebrate everything that made your path so unforgettable.

Graduate smiles at the camera in front of the Bobcat Trail fountain.
Graduate smiles at the camera sitting on the edge of the Bobcat Trail fountain.

Taylor-Murphy Courtyard

Tucked in the heart of TXST, Taylor-Murphy courtyard is the perfect graduation photo spot; a sanctuary with sunlight, arches, and everything you became here.

Graduate wearing a First Generation stole smiles at the camera in front of the blue and gold checkered tile wall at Taylor-Murphy Courtyard.
Graduate stands at the base of the staircase in Taylor-Murphy Courtyard.
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