Written by: Hannah Ellis Photography, Senior Photographer in Northeast Mississippi.

Starkville’s Most Sought-After Photo Locations for Mississippi State Graduates

As a local senior photographer in Starkville, Mississippi, I’ve spent years helping Mississippi State graduates capture this once-in-a-lifetime milestone in a way that feels personal, elevated, and true to their college experience. From iconic Mississippi State landmarks to hidden gems around Starkville, this guide highlights the best locations for senior photo sessions, how the season impacts the look and feel of your photos, and how to prepare for a smooth, stress-free experience. You’ll find tips on outfit planning, session timing, and access to a free downloadable senior photo guide with pricing details, and thorough location guidance to help you feel confident and camera-ready on session day.

Mississippi State’s Junction

Known for its iconic tailgating scene on game days and the open green space surrounding Davis Wade Stadium, the Junction is one of Mississippi State University’s most beautiful and recognizable locations. With classic walkways, lush greenery, and plenty of shaded trees, it’s no surprise this spot is a favorite for senior photo sessions. The golden-hour light here is truly unmatched—which is exactly why you’ll often see a lineup of photographers during graduation season.

The Bully Statue— A Senior’s Landmark Photo at Mississippi State

Everyone knows and loves the Bully statue—it’s a must-have photo for nearly every Mississippi State senior session. It almost feels like you can’t leave Starkville, Mississippi without snapping a picture with Bully. Over the years, I’ve found creative ways to elevate the traditional Bully shots while still keeping them classic. Knowing exactly when to photograph this spot is key.

Pro Tip: The Bully statue is best photographed during early morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky. Because there’s no shade, midday sessions often create harsh light and heavy facial shadows. Timing your session based on the season and weather makes all the difference—and ensures your Bully photos look flattering and balanced.

Starkville’s Chapel of Memories

Right behind the Bully statue and the Junction, the Chapel of Memories is one of the most frequently used locations on campus for senior sessions. Fun fact—this spot has been requested for nearly every engagement and family session I’ve photographed in Starkville, and I’ve even captured weddings here. The Chapel of Memories offers a beautiful variety of backdrops, making it easy to create diverse images in one location. One of the biggest advantages is the abundance of shaded areas, which allows this space to be photographed beautifully even during harsher lighting conditions.

The Drill Field

Oh, how I love the Drill Field. This is easily one of my personal favorite spots on Mississippi State’s campus. Surrounded by stunning architecture, consistently vibrant green grass, and immaculately maintained landscaping, the Drill Field never disappoints. There are so many unique pockets and angles for senior portraits that this location alone could easily serve as an entire session.

Old Main Building at Mississippi State

There is so much history behind this building, and my favorite architectural detail is the white columns that give it a classic, city-inspired feel. From this spot, you can also catch glimpses of the Chapel of Memories in the background—and let’s never stop taking photos on their steps.

Pro Tip: The steps with the white columns are perfect for confetti cannon shots! Aim for a day with little wind, and use the covered areas to keep confetti from blowing away too quickly. Golden hour adds warm, flattering light, making these playful shots even more magical.

Off-Campus Syarkville, Mississippi Gems

The Cotton District

I offer a package that includes an off-campus location, where we venture out into the heart of Starkville, Mississippi. The Cotton District is by far the most popular choice, thanks to its vibrant streets, colorful architecture, and unique charm. Over the years, I’ve discovered plenty of hidden gems throughout the district and downtown Starkville, and I’m excited to share a few of my favorite shots below.

The Rose Garden

Nestled within Starkville’s Research Park, the Rose Garden is a stunning location for senior sessions. This spot shines brightest during spring, when the flowers are in full bloom and the greenery is at its peak. During fall graduation season, the garden isn’t as vibrant, so timing your session in spring ensures the most colorful and lively photos.

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

About 20 minutes from Starkville, Mississippi, the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge—known locally as “the Refuge”—is a breathtaking natural destination for senior photos. This protected wildlife habitat is open to the public and offers countless scenic opportunities for Mississippi State University graduates. From winding trails and boardwalks to lookout towers and expansive lakes, the Refuge provides a variety of picturesque backdrops for Starkville senior portraits, perfect for students looking for nature-inspired, outdoor photo sessions.

Note— these photos were captured in the fall— season plays a big role in result of photos! Lots of leaves and autumn colors, some dead trees. In the spring, usually late March to early April, will be more lively in rich greens and full trees.

What Should I Wear?

Choosing the right outfits can make a huge difference in how your senior photos turn out. For Mississippi State University seniors, a few classic options always work beautifully on camera. Ultimately, wear what makes YOU feel comfortable! Neutrals and earthy tones photograph the best, but these are the most popular outfit choices from my seniors:

Whites: Crisp white tops or dresses create a clean, timeless look and pair well with almost any location on campus. They also help reflect light nicely during golden hour for soft, flattering photos.
Blacks: Black outfits add contrast and sophistication, making details like architecture, greenery, or campus landmarks really pop.
Casual Outfits: Comfortable, casual outfits like jeans paired with a simple top, a cardigan, or a light jacket help you feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera. Movement and candid poses really shine in these looks.
Maroon for Mississippi State Representation: Incorporating maroon is a fun way to show school spirit and connect your outfit to MSU’s identity. This can be as simple as a maroon top or dress.

Tips for all outfits: Avoid busy patterns that can distract from your face, bring layers for variety, and make sure your clothes are clean and pressed. A mix of these colors and styles will give you a range of images that feel both personal and timeless.

What Do I Need to Bring to My Session?

To make the most of your Mississippi State senior session and capture a variety of meaningful shots, consider bringing the following items:

Cap, gown, and any cords or stoles – essential for classic graduation portraits.
Your cowbell – show your school spirit and add a fun, energetic touch.
Outfit changes – multiple outfits give variety and let you showcase different styles.
A fan – perfect for spring or summer sessions to stay comfortable and not sweat off all your makeup.
A jacket or outer layer – ideal for fall sessions to stay warm, most of my seniors still wear dresses and we can never predict fall weather in the South, so always come prepared for wind and cold waves during November.
Memorabilia or props – anything that represents your major, achievements, or graduating class, like textbooks, a lab coat for chemistry majors, or instruments for music students.

Mississippi State University Senior Session Guide