Your guide to some of the best photo ops and Instagram-worthy shots on campus, with expert tips from university photographer Marsha Miller. (We’re @UTAustinTX in case you were wondering. Share your photos using #HookEm #Longhorns #UTAustin #UTTower #WhatStartsHere.)
The UT Tower
Miller calls this the “Rosebowl” view of the Tower, at 21st Street and University Avenue, with the Littlefield Fountain in the foreground. It’s one of the most photographed scenes on campus. Another popular location is just north of here, on the steps of the Main Mall across from Inner Campus Drive.
At sunset, Miller recommends heading up the hill next to Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Robert Dedman Drive and 23rd St., or shooting from farther up the hill at Sid Richardson Hall.
Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
Home to Longhorn football, the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is one of the most visible campus landmarks. For a closeup of inside the stadium, visit the southeast corner. The best stadium façade photos are available from the north side on San Jacinto Street or from the plaza of Bass Concert Hall and along Red River Street near Martin Luther King Blvd.
For a unique view that includes the stadium, the Tower and the Texas Capitol, Miller suggests going to the seventh floor of the San Antonio Parking Garage.
Statues
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Only the second likeness of the civil rights leader on a college campus, UT’s MLK statue was unveiled on the East Mall in 1999. The Tower can be seen in the background.
Barbara Jordan
Jordan, a civil rights champion, U.S. Representative and UT professor, was the first female public figure to be honored with a statue on campus. The statue stands at the site of the Battle Oaks at 24th and Whitis streets near the Texas Union.
Cesar Chavez
The Chavez statue is the first of a Latino on the UT campus and is located on the West Mall between Battle Hall and the West Mall Office Building. Chavez fought for the rights of farm laborers and minorities, and Miller says his statue is a popular choice for school children taking photographs on campus.
The Mustangs
A popular photo op with visitors, The Mustangs statue stands at 24th and San Jacinto streets and consists of a stallion, five mares and a colt as they scramble down the side of a mountain.
The Drag
On the western border of campus is a portion of Guadalupe Street known as The Drag and featuring restaurants and shops, including the University Co-op. One hallmark of The Drag is its street art, including Daniel Johnston’s beloved “Hi, How Are You” mural at 21st and Guadalupe. Other murals along The Drag depict film and music icons and various Austin landmarks.
