Top Three Photography Spots at the Alumni Center

With its gorgeous oak trees, vast greenery, and unique architecture — the Alumni Center offers a perfect location for any photo session. The building, which is the former home of Lafayette businessman Maurice Heymann, was designed by renowned architect A. Hays Town.

Town designed the home to reflect a French provincial style, and the property still maintains his initial inspiration to this day. Aside from the architecture, the property's landscape is unlike any other. It's filled with trails, fountains, and hidden gems that make it a photographer's dream.

Dan Hare, senior director of alumni facilities and special projects, oversees the rental inquiries and bookings at the Alumni Center. After many years of working at the property, Hare has found the perfect spots for pictures on the grounds. Here are the top three places to capture a picture-perfect moment at the Alumni Center.

Front Gates

At the very front of the Alumni Center's property sits one of its most iconic landmarks — the gates. "When it was a private residence, the gates were actually an entrance to the driveway," Hare said. Now, these stunning pieces of ironwork are used as the perfect backdrop to capture a family photo, a bridal session, or even a graduation picture. One thing that Hare loves about this particular spot is that it offers a lot of depth for photos. "With the added oak trees draping the sidewalk, it creates a really nice frame for pictures," he said.

Rose Garden

Tucked behind the main house at the Alumni Center is the rose garden. "This space is very serene and calm," Hare said. Surrounded by luscious greenery, the rose garden features a distinct water fountain and unique flowers and plants. This garden allows photographers to take pictures from any angle. Also, it offers different backdrops during each season of the year — depending on when specific flowers are in bloom. 

Interior Staircase

When you enter the Alumni Center, your gaze is immediately caught by the gorgeous, freestanding staircase in the center of the foyer. "It's really a wow moment," Hare said. If you're looking for an interior space to capture your special moments, this staircase offers the perfect place to do so. One unique feature is that the ironwork on the stairs is similar in design to the ironwork located on the gates at the front of the house.

Photography sessions at the Alumni Center are made on a reservation basis and require a small fee to prevent overbooking. If you're interested in reserving the Alumni Center for a photo session or rental, click here or email Dan Hare at danhare@louisiana.edu. 

Main Photo Caption: A bride poses in front of the iconic Alumni Center front gates. (Photo Credit: Catherine Guidry) Front Gates Photo: Two seniors take photos to celebrate an upcoming graduation by the Alumni Center gates. (Photo Credit: Yusef Davis) Rose Garden Photo: Family portraits are often taken in the Alumni Center rose garden near the fountain. (Photo Credit: MDesign) Interior Staircase Photo: A bride and groom show off their wedding cake in front of the Alumni Center staircase in the foyer. (Photo Credit: Catherine Guidry)