Best Times of Day for Grad Photos at Texas A&M
When it comes to grad photos at Texas A&M, timing matters more than people think. The best lighting is during golden hour—usually an hour and a half to two hours before sunset. This is when the sunlight is soft and warm, making your skin glow and minimizing harsh shadows. It’s also when spots like the Bell Tower look their best. Since places like the Jack K. Williams building can have long wait times (30 minutes to an hour), starting early during golden hour ensures you’re not rushed and still have time to hit other iconic locations like Aggie Park or the fountain nearby.
Summer sessions during midday can be brutal, with temperatures easily topping 90°F. Heat and sweat can mess with your outfit, your hair, and your overall comfort. If you’re taking photos earlier in the day, there’s less crowd competition, and most photo spots are wide open and stress-free. Just be ready to face the elements—bring water, a towel, and stay in shaded areas when possible. During hotter times, I always look for shaded angles and position grads away from direct sunlight to keep them cool and looking their best.
Ultimately, it comes down to choosing what matters more to you: comfort or convenience. Golden hour means better lighting and cooler weather, but more people around and longer waits at busy locations. Midday offers peace and quiet with no lines, but you’ll be working against the heat and harsher sun. Whichever you choose, showing up prepared makes all the difference—and helps you get photos you’ll actually want to frame.
