From Salt lake city, to State College


Excited. Sleep deprived. Newly moved to State College.


My husband and I road-tripped from Salt Lake City, Utah all the way to State College, Pennsylvania. A full 30-hour drive. We split it into three days, but still. I have a whole new respect for truck drivers! We moved here for Michael's graduate program at Penn State, and I found a day job at the University. The Craigslist listing for our apartment thankfully was not a scam, and little by little, we started building a life here in Central Pennsylvania.


Being far from family and friends pushed us in unexpected ways. As my biggest supporter, Michael encouraged me to pursue photography outside of my day job. He knew it was something I loved, and he hoped it would breathe some life back into me. That little nudge out of my comfort zone is how Emily Elise Photo officially began here in State College.


Moving from the dry, dramatic mountains of Utah to the lush, rolling hills of Central Pennsylvania has been such a shift and wonderful reminder of how pretty life can be, wherever you are. Now I happily get to call State College home, the heart of The Pennsylvania State University - We Are!

My First Penn State Graduation Session in State College


Tanya was not just a Penn State graduate. She was my very first photography session in State College.


She had just completed her PhD at Penn State and wanted to celebrate such a huge accomplishment with graduation photos on campus. At the time, I was still finding my footing as a Central Pennsylvania photographer. I was excited, nervous, and hoping this new dream would take root here.


That session changed everything.


We met at The Arboretum, one of the most beautiful locations for Penn State senior photos and graduation sessions. Even in October, the gardens were vibrant and full of color. The lush greenery, stone pathways, and seasonal blooms make it a stunning backdrop for State College graduation photos.


We laughed the entire time. My face genuinely hurt from smiling by the end of it. Tanya’s joy, intelligence, and warmth reminded me exactly why I love being a photographer. For me, it's about meeting people, making connections, and capturing the light I see in them.


She was the first person to trust me with such a meaningful milestone in State College. That session gave me the confidence to keep building my photography business here. It is ultimately why I decided to keep pushing forward and pursue graduation, senior and lifestyle photography here in Centre County.

Iconic Penn State Graduation Photo Locations


Penn State offers some of the most classic and recognizable senior photo locations in Pennsylvania.

Many graduates choose to take photos at:


  • Old Main for timeless, traditional Penn State graduation portraits
  • The Nittany Lion Shrine for a true Penn State senior picture staple
  • The Arboretum at Penn State for lush gardens and seasonal blooms
  • The Berkey Creamery for a fun and iconic campus touch (and the ice cream, of course)


Whether you want classic campus landmarks like Old Main, something iconic like the Nittany Lion Shrine, or a relaxed outdoor setting at The Arboretum, there are so many beautiful options for graduation photos in State College.


Are you looking for a Penn State graduation photographer in State College, PA? I photograph senior sessions, graduate portraits, and milestone moments across Penn State’s campus, throughout Happy Valley, and across Central Pennsylvania. From Old Main and the Nittany Lion Shrine to The Arboretum, I create joyful, timeless graduation photos that feel true to you.


From high school seniors to PhD graduates, every milestone deserves to be documented with intention. Whether your vision takes us to College Ave., a quiet corner of campus that feels meaningful, or into the rolling hills of Happy Valley, I’m here to create a relaxed, personal experience and images you’ll treasure long after the cap and gown are packed away.