Photos: A breathtaking look at fall’s beauty across Grounds

October 29, 2025
Focus on red leaves with the Rotunda in the background out of focus

UVA Today photographer Lathan Goumas says this photo of the Rotunda captures the quiet beauty of fall on Grounds. “The reddish-orange leaves stand out against the softly blurred Rotunda – just clear enough for those who know the place to recognize it, yet abstract enough to invite curiosity.” (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)

As the air turns crisp and the leaves trade their summer greens for brilliant shades of orange, gold and red, the University of Virginia transforms into a painter’s masterpiece.

From the Rotunda framed by fiery maples to Hoos hanging out on the Lawn, fall at UVA is more than a season – it’s a feeling.

Come along as UVA Today photographers Matt Riley and Lathan Goumas capture the beauty, spirit and simple moments that make autumn on Grounds unforgettable.

Students walking across Grounds with peeks of red and orange leaves behind them

Students walk across Grounds as trees begin to show off their fall colors, signaling the changing season. “I was waiting to cross the street when I noticed the pop of red against the green,” photographer Matt Riley said. “It was one of those moments when you are at the right place at the right time.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
Students walking on Grounds surrounded by golden leaves

Students walk along leaf-covered paths on the way to class. “I feel like this is the quintessential fall photo for the University – the perfect mix of vibrant color, the energy and movement of students changing classes and the simple beauty of people living and learning in this remarkable place at a beautiful time of year,” Goumas said. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
Reflection of the Rotunda in a Lawn window

The Rotunda’s reflection shimmers in the windows of Old Cabell Hall, its familiar shape distorted by the glass. “I was getting ready to take a picture from Old Cabell Hall toward the Rotunda when I saw the reflection in the window,” Riley said. “I thought the picture made it more compelling and from a different vantage point than we usually see.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
Students walking past the Range with peaks of red and yellow leaves

Second-year students Emily Alaimo, Sky Steward and Kate Marple walk across Grounds. “This picture stood out to me because it captures the idea of forming friendships as the semester unfolds, a group of friends simply enjoying a quiet moment between classes, soaking in the fall weather,” Goumas said. (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
View of the Lawn and a row of Lawn rooms crowned in golden leaves

A Lawn resident, wrapped in a signature robe, walks to the bathroom on a crisp fall morning. “I find this part of Lawn life fascinating,” Riley said. “It’s one of the truly unique aspects of UVA – students living in these historic rooms, braving the cold or rain in their robes as part of a tradition that connects generations.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
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A student throwing a frisbee on the Lawn on a beautiful fall day

First-year student Quinn Breed plays Frisbee on the Lawn. Goumas said, “This picture speaks to me about the duality of fall in Virginia, when the leaves are starting to change and the days are getting shorter, but it can still be nice enough and warm enough to wear a short-sleeve shirt and play Frisbee on the Lawn.” (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
From behind the Homer statue looking out across the Lawn to the Rotunda

The Rotunda and the Homer statue, framed perfectly from Old Cabell Hall, create a picture-postcard view of fall on Grounds. “This is peak season,” Riley said. “Everywhere you look, the colors, the light, the atmosphere – it all comes together to show UVA at its most beautiful.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
Two students sitting on a picnic blanket surrounded by leaves on the Lawn

Third-year students Morgan Hennen and Henry Church sit together on the Lawn. “I chose this photo because it’s a genuine moment between two people, taking a second to themselves between busy class schedules,” Goumas said, “and it was this genuine connection that I was drawn to.” (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
Silhouette of a student walking along the Lawn rooms with the Lawn in the background

A student walks past the Colonnade Club, framed by the white columns as gray skies add character to the fall day. “I was planning to take the shot from the top step,” Riley said, “but when the door opened, I slipped inside and found a whole new perspective that changed the composition of the picture.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
Aerial of the Rotunda and Lawn in fall colors

Grounds is quiet just after sunrise, before Hoos start their day’s activities. “I think it's interesting to see the Lawn and Grounds from new angles,” Goumas said. “This is the first thing in the morning, so there’s a calm, a stillness to Grounds.” (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
Out of focus photo of the leaves outside John Paul Jones Arena

Brilliant fall colors burst to life against the gray skies outside John Paul Jones Arena. “I was driving by when I saw those colors and had to stop,” Riley said. “To get that sense of motion and distortion, I slowed the shutter speed and did a quick zoom. It gave the image an almost dreamlike quality.” (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)

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Traci Hale

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