Senior Photo Guide to the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, Texas

Senior Photos at the Cathedral of Junk

If your senior photos need a big personality, the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, Texas delivers in the most eclectic way possible. This towering, hand-built sculpture is made entirely from found objects like bikes, hubcaps, TVs, toys, ladders, and a giant throne-like chair. Every corner has texture, color, and quirky details that make it impossible to take a boring photo here.

Why Seniors Love the Cathedral of Junk

This spot is perfect if you:

Want something totally out of the ordinary
Are down for an adventure and don’t mind exploring unique angles
Love bold colors, layered textures, and a little chaos in the best way

It’s probably not your spot if:

You’re dreaming of soft, nature-filled backdrops
You want classic city architecture or skyline views

What to know before visiting the Cathedral of Junk

The Cathedral of Junk is a living sculpture. It’s at the artist’s residence which means you can’t just show up. To visit the Cathedral, you must call ahead to make an appointment (512-299-7413). The Cathedral is located in a quiet residential neighborhood just south of Hwy 290 off S. 1st Street; there is street parking only, and you must take care not to block off neighbors’ mailboxes or driveways. Bring a donation to help keep this available to the public.

Location Highlights

Location: Austin, Texas
Type: Outdoor art installation / private residence
Vibe: Eclectic, quirky, one-of-a-kind
Cost: Free, but a donation is appreciated
Parking: Street parking only (don’t block driveways or mailboxes)

Best Photo Spots at the Cathedral of Junk

There’s no shortage of photo opportunities here. Every direction offers something different. Popular spots include:

The Throne Chair: A giant, almost regal seat made from an explosion of materials — perfect for bold, confident portraits.
The Yellow Wall with Tires: Bright and retro, this spot feels like a 90’s ad campaign.
Hidden Corners: Look for unexpected pops of color and interesting textures behind ladders, signs, and sculptures.

💡 Photographer Tip: The light can be a little dark, so earlier in the day works best. If possible, visit when the sun is higher and casting softer, even light through the structure.

Things to Know Before You Go

Appointment Required: You can’t just walk up… call (512) 299-7413 at least a week in advance to book.
Neighborhood Etiquette: It’s in a quiet residential area. Respect neighbors, keep noise low, and park considerately.
Bring a Donation: This is a labor of love by the artist; your contribution helps keep it open to the public.
Outfit Changes: I have a changing tent for outfit changes if needed.

From a Photographer’s Perspective

I could easily spend an entire session here without running out of ideas. The variety of textures and layers makes it easy to create a full, diverse gallery without moving far.

One of my favorite shots here was a senior sitting against that yellow wall surrounded by tires. It had such a fun, vintage energy, like something straight out of an old-school shoe ad.