Four friends pose for a photo by the observatory on an autumn day
Category: Campus Life

Title: Falling for Georgetown: An Autumn Photo Shoot at the Observatory

Author: Bennie Chang (SFS'26)
Date Published: December 4, 2024

Bennie Chang (SFS’26) is a Georgetown Storyteller from San Jose, California, and studies regional studies, international business diplomacy and art.

Fall at Georgetown is pure magic. From the vibrant leaves on Copley Lawn to the hidden gems near the observatory, the campus feels alive with color. One crisp November weekend, my friends — Jack Gigante (C’25, G’26), Emily Han (C’26), Diya Patel (SFS’25) and Shreya Patel — and I grabbed our coats and went exploring for the perfect fall photo spots. We ended up at the observatory near Yates Field House, where the views and autumn vibes were unbeatable. Here’s a glimpse of what fall at Georgetown looks like through our lens!

Stunning fall foliage caught our eye as we wandered around campus. On the left, vibrant leaves frame the path between Lauinger Library and Village A. On the right, autumn colors brighten the walls along Cooper Field.

Shreya Patel poses in front of a brilliant red tree on Harbin Patio.

We chose the observatory because we loved the garden and its proximity to Rock Creek Park, which we could explore afterward. As soon as we arrived, we knew it was the perfect spot for our shoot. One beautiful tree, still full of vibrant leaves, immediately caught our attention. It became the centerpiece of our photoshoot, and we built the entire session around it!

The observatory gardens come alive in the fall, with vibrant foliage adding a burst of color to the entire area.

Jack Gigante (C’25, G’26) kicks back on a bench, taking a moment to relax and soak in the fall vibes.
Diya Patel (SFS’25), Shreya Patel, and Emily Han (C’26) share a laugh on the benches in the observatory garden, soaking in the views and the gorgeous sunny weather.
Shreya and Diya Patel (SFS’25) smile brightly beneath an archway near the koi pond in the observatory garden.

After wrapping up our shoot in the garden, we took a break to relax and soak up the sunshine and stunning views. Behind the observatory, we found a cozy bench where we sat together, feeling like we had stumbled onto a hiking trail as we overlooked a sea of vibrant fall trees. We chatted, laughed and even started planning a spring break trip for next year!

I had such a blast with my friends on this beautiful fall weekend — fall is easily my favorite season on campus. From vibrant leaves to cozy vibes, Georgetown truly shines this time of year. Take a walk around, soak it all in, and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Happy fall, and enjoy every moment!