UCLA Graduation Portraits: Tips and Locations for Stunning Photos

Graduating from UCLA is a significant achievement, and what better way to commemorate this milestone than with professional graduation portraits? These photos are more than just images; they are a reflection of your individuality, academic journey, and the memories you've made. Whether you're aiming for a traditional cap-and-gown look or showcasing your personal style, capturing the perfect graduation photos requires careful planning and consideration. This guide provides tips and location suggestions to help you create unforgettable UCLA graduation portraits.

Finding the Right Photographer

Documenting your achievements requires a photographer who understands the significance of the occasion and can capture your unique personality. Look for a photographer with experience in graduation photoshoots, knowledge of the UCLA campus, and a commitment to providing high-quality images.

Photographers like Nick Lie Photography and Stephanie Ip Photography specialize in graduation portraits and offer personalized experiences. Nick Lie, a UCLA alumnus, has extensive knowledge of the campus, including the best spots for lighting and how to navigate crowds. Stephanie Ip Photography focuses on capturing authentic energy and emotions, creating timeless maternity moments, and offering various packages to suit different needs.

Customer reviews highlight Stephanie Ip Photography's professionalism, flexibility, and ability to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Graduates praise her attention to detail, creative suggestions, and the quality of her work.

Stanley, another UCLA graduation portrait photographer, brings over a decade of experience and intimate knowledge of the campus to his sessions.

Preparing for Your Graduation Photoshoot

Preparation is key to a successful and stress-free photoshoot. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Prioritize Self-Care

Get Enough Sleep: Aim for a good night's rest before your session to look and feel refreshed.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your photoshoot.
Eat a Meal: Avoid starting your session on an empty stomach to maintain energy levels.

Plan Your Outfit

Keep it Simple: Choose clothing that complements your stole and robe without being distracting.
Opt for Light Colors: Lighter tones contrast well with the darker colors of graduation attire.
Avoid Patterns: Steer clear of plaid, polka dots, stripes, and imagery on your clothing.
Iron or Steam Clothes: Ensure your clothes are wrinkle-free by ironing or steaming them the day before.

Hair and Makeup

Stick to Familiar Styles: Now is not the time to experiment with new looks. Choose a hairstyle and makeup style that you're comfortable with and have worn before.
Exaggerate Makeup: Makeup tends to appear lighter in photos, so exaggerate your look slightly to ensure it shows up well.
Haircuts: Schedule haircuts a week or a few days before your session to allow time for your hair to settle.

Time Management

Give Yourself Enough Time: Don't rush the getting-ready process. Allocate ample time for hair, makeup, and dressing.
Arrive Early: Account for potential traffic, parking challenges, and unfamiliarity with the location.

Considerations for Couples

Communicate with Your Partner: Discuss comfort levels regarding physical closeness and public displays of affection.
Acknowledge Enthusiasm Discrepancies: Understand that one partner may be more excited about the photoshoot than the other, and communicate accordingly.

Accessories and Props

Jewelry: Feel free to wear jewelry that complements your outfit.
Electronics: Leave Fitbits and Apple Watches at home to avoid distractions.
Glasses: If possible, remove the lenses from your glasses to prevent glare.
Props: Consider bringing stoles, cords, a graduation cap with a tassel, and champagne (check with your photographer regarding prohibited items).

Other Essentials

Small Towel or Handkerchief: Useful for blotting away sweat.
Water: Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days.
Hand Mirror: Optional for quick touch-ups.

Best Locations for UCLA Graduation Photos

UCLA's campus offers a variety of stunning backdrops for graduation portraits, each with its unique charm and appeal. Here are some of the most popular locations:

Royce Hall

Royce Hall is UCLA's iconic landmark with striking architecture and a grand presence. It is a must-have location for any UCLA graduation photoshoot. Its majestic facade and twin towers provide a timeless and impressive backdrop. Built in 1929, Royce Hall was modeled after Milan’s Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. The architecture is magnificent, and there are many creative possibilities for photos.

Janss Steps

The iconic Janss Steps offer a grand and dramatic entrance, symbolizing growth, perseverance, and triumph. These historic stairs ascend towards Royce Hall. The top of Janss Steps provides an amazing view of the lower part of campus. The rails around the steps are also suitable for sitting photos. The location is particularly beautiful during sunset and sunrise.

Bruin Bear

The Bruin Bear, nestled in the heart of campus, stands as a beloved symbol of UCLA's spirit and unity. Standing tall and proud, this iconic statue exudes strength and resilience. The Bruin statue is a prominent campus landmark in Bruin Plaza, measuring ten feet long and six feet tall.

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Bruinwalk

Bruinwalk, the bustling walkway that cuts through the heart of campus, is alive with the energy of students, faculty, and visitors. Lined with lush trees and vibrant greenery, this spot is much more peaceful in the late afternoon.

Kerckhoff Hall

Kerckhoff Hall exudes elegance and sophistication with its stately columns and timeless architecture. This historic building adds a touch of refinement to your images. With its unique architecture and a popular coffee shop, Kerckhoff Hall is an excellent location.

Powell Library

Powell Library embodies UCLA's commitment to knowledge, learning, and enlightenment. With its iconic bell tower and majestic facade, Powell Library offers a picturesque backdrop. Powell Library is one of four original buildings constructed at UCLA and takes inspiration from the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan, Italy.

Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden

The Sculpture Garden, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the North Campus, offers a serene oasis. This tranquil setting is home to an array of captivating artworks, providing a unique and artistic backdrop. The Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden features over 70 outdoor sculptures. During spring, the five-acre garden has a full bloom of jacaranda trees, adding some purple color to your photos.

Court of Sciences

The Court of Sciences represents the intersection of academia and natural beauty with its verdant lawns and modern architecture. This scenic location offers a variety of architectural backgrounds.

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Shapiro Fountain

Located in Dickson Plaza, next to Janss Steps, Shapiro Fountain offers a supreme view of Royce Hall in the background. The fountain is a favorite spot for graduates to pop bottles of champagne, throw confetti, and celebrate with friends. Shapiro Fountain sits directly between Royce Hall, Powell Library, and Janss Steps.

Your Department Building

Taking photos at your department building is highly recommended. Despite the memories of long hours of studying, your department building is where you spent most of your time at UCLA.

Timing Your Photoshoot

Timing can significantly affect your graduation photoshoot experience. Aim for an ideal experience with an empty, beautifully landscaped campus with warm sunshine.

The best times to take graduation photos during the spring season at UCLA are:

Late March (around spring break)
April (before most graduates take their portraits)
Mid to late June (after the UCLA commencement week)

These times help avoid the high volume of other graduation shoots in late April, May, and early June. You'll also avoid the commencement tent setups they start constructing in many areas within the school in June.

Other good times to take photos at UCLA are during the Summer, Fall, and Winter seasons, particularly during academic breaks.

Parking and Transportation

Getting to your photoshoot location on campus requires planning, as UCLA is a large and busy campus.

Driving and Parking

The official address of UCLA is 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095.
Visitor parking is available in various parking lots throughout campus.
Recommended parking lots include Parking Structure 2 (enter from Hilgard), Parking Structure 4 (enter from Sunset), Parking Structure 5 (enter from Sunset), and Parking Structure 8 (enter from Westwood Plaza).
Visitor permit fees for these parking structures are priced at $3.00/hour.
Parking enforcement at UCLA is known to be very strict. Pay special attention to any posted signs and designated areas.

Rideshare

Getting dropped off by rideshare or a friend is another option.

Things to avoid

Walking from a distance is not recommended, as it’s a long walk and you might be sweating if it’s a hotter day.

Graduation Regalia

Having your UCLA graduation sash ready before your session date is highly recommended. Having the full outfit allows you to get a traditional graduation portrait in addition to your modern-style portraits without the gown.

There are two designs of the royal blue & gold trimmed graduation sashes:

A class-specific design with "UCLA" printed vertically on one side of the sash and "Class of 20XX" printed horizontally on the other side.
A general "UCLA Bruins" design with "UCLA" printed vertically on one side and "Bruins" printed vertically on the other.

Many of your UCLA graduation regalia outfit items, including the graduation sash and tassel, can be purchased in person at the UCLA Grad store, located in Ackerman Union, or online through the UCLA Store.

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