Year round, the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, KS is an excellent location for your photo session. Whether you are getting headshots, senior photos, maternity photos, a couples session, or including the whole family, the backdrops are fantastic!
The landscaping and beautiful buildings at K-State give us plenty of options during every season. Because there are parking fees and usually too many people around during the work day, I tend to stick with evenings and weekends when scheduling photo sessions.
There’s occasionally construction, events, or other background distractions to dodge. It’s a good idea to be flexible and make sure your photographer is familiar with the variety of options.
I’m going to share some of my favorite spots!
Let’s start with the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. The beautiful mirrored archway is one of the most well-known spots on campus. It’s a quick and easy walk to several of my favorite backdrops. I typically instruct my clients to park in the Beach Museum’s parking lot and we meet at this archway.
Just beyond the archway, there is a beautiful native garden area where I frequently spend at least a few minutes photographing my clients.
To the right of this small nature preserve, the sidewalk is surrounded by wonderful depth and color.
If you follow the path to the southwest of the Beach Museum, you’ll find yourself at the steps of Thompson Hall. This is a great spot for pictures, especially if you need a little extra shade from harsh sunlight.
Follow the sidewalk westward past McCain Hall. In front of Nichols Hall and you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful buildings, trees, and a grassy area.
This is a wonderful spot even in the dead of Winter.
Next, loop around to Anderson Hall and it’s always well-groomed open field. This probably the best place on campus to catch the sunset.
Between Anderson Hall and the President’s residence, there’s a wooded area with beautiful foliage and extra shade.
Other areas around campus that I love for photo sessions include Hale Library, The Quad, the Bill Snyder Football Stadium, and the K-State Gardens.
The Kansas State University Gardens is one of my very favorite locations in Manhattan. Check out the blog post dedicated to that beautiful spot!
Let me know your favorite spot on campus! Go Cats!
