Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and today we’re highlighting Marleen’s achievements as she earns her Master’s Degree from National University!

I’ve had the privilege of photographing many National University graduates over the years. The challenge is always the same—National University is located in Orange County and doesn’t have a large, picturesque campus. Additionally, most of my clients who graduate from National University commute from across the city or complete their degrees online. As a result, they don’t have a strong attachment to the campus and often seek alternative locations in Southern California for their graduation photo session.

Marleen wanted a traditional graduation session in a setting with classic brick architecture, similar to a college campus. While it would have been easy to use another university’s campus, I wanted to create a session that was unique and meaningful to her. After brainstorming different ideas—including her love for the beach and her entrepreneurial side hustle as a lash and beauty salon owner—we designed the perfect session to celebrate this milestone in her life!

The setting of Marleen’s photoshoot was Rancho Palos Verdes. Let’s dive into the best photo spots we found in Rancho Palos Verdes and how to make the most of your photo session in this beautiful part of the south bay in Los Angeles County.

If you're looking for the best Los Angeles graduation photography, I'm here to help you plan the perfect session. Continue reading to see how I craft a luxury graduation photography experience by focusing on elegant locations, expert composition and lighting, and personalized session planning.

Magala Cove - Timeless Brick Architecture

One of the highlights of Marleen’s graduation session was Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes Estates. This location provided the perfect mix of old-world charm and classic college aesthetics. The warm brick archways, intricate balconies adorned with flowers, and peaceful walkways created a timeless backdrop for Marleen’s portraits. The Roman-style fountain in the courtyard added an elegant touch, enhancing the traditional academic feel we aimed for. As the sun began to set, the golden light illuminated the space beautifully, creating a dreamy and sophisticated atmosphere for her cap-and-gown photos.

Magala Cove - Palos Verdes Estates Portrait Session

Under the Columns

Another breathtaking feature of Malaga Cove is the rows of stone columns, which bring an elegant, European-inspired touch to any graduation photoshoot. The textured stone, symmetrical archways, and open-air design create a naturally framed setting that enhances the depth and dimension of each shot.

For Marleen’s session, we used this area to capture classic, sophisticated portraits, with the columns drawing attention to her cap and gown while adding a sense of grandeur to her images. Whether you’re celebrating your graduation, engagement, or wedding, these stone colonnades provide a timeless and regal ambiance that complements any style.

If you’re looking for a location that exudes old-world charm, the stone columns at Malaga Cove are an incredible choice. I frequently photograph engagement sessions and weddings here, as the architectural details offer a stunning, European-inspired setting right in Los Angeles County.

Graduation Portraits at Magala Cove in Palos Verdes Estates

The One with the Balcony and Pink Flowers

The highlight of Magala Cove is definitely its iconic brick arch, framed by a European style balcony and wall of cascading pink bougainvillea. This is a personal favorite spot of mine, not only for graduation photos but also for wedding and engagement sessions! I love the European style architecture and the timeless beauty of this photo location.

I will always incorporate this location into my Malaga Cove graduation sessions, as it offers a balance of elegance and warmth, creating portraits that feel both classic and personal. If you’re planning a graduation, engagement, or wedding session, this spot is truly one of the most beautiful in Los Angeles County.

Flower Wall Portraits in Magala Cove, Palos Verdes Estates

Hermosa Beach Golden Hour

For the second half of our session, we moved to Hermosa Beach, where we captured stunning sunset portraits by the lifeguard towers and along the ocean. This is one of my favorite beach locations in Southern California for graduation photos because of the accessible parking and its easygoing, relaxed atmosphere—a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced city life.

The view of the rolling hills of Palos Verdes Estates in the background gives this beach a special touch and I love how they make the photos extra special!

Hermosa Beach Graduation Portraits at Sunset

Lifeguard Tower at Hermosa Beach Graduation Portraits at Sunset

Lifestyle Portraits at Dusk

As blue hour set in, Marleen changed into a classic yet stylish outfit—a white blouse and blue jeans—for a set of lifestyle portraits. Here, I wanted to capture her love for the beach and the city of Los Angeles. It was a joy to create these images and work with Marleen.

🎓 Congratulations again on earning your Master’s, Marleen! Let’s go, Class of 2025! 🎊

Hermosa Beach Lifestyle Portraits at Golden Hour

Hermosa Beach Lifestyle Portraits at Dusk

Book Your National University Graduation Photoshoot Today!

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and what better way to capture this moment than with stunning National University graduation portraits? Whether you're posing in a scenic setting, finding a unique architectural backdrop, or capturing that iconic cap toss by the ocean, a professional National University graduation photographer ensures your memories last a lifetime.

I capture graduation photo sessions all across Southern California, check out my recent USC and UCLA sessions here.

From outfit recommendations to the best times for golden-hour lighting, we’re here to help you make the most of your grad photoshoot. If you're looking for the best Los Angeles graduation photography, I'm here to help you plan the perfect session.

This is a quintessential example of a National University graduate embracing a traditional-style photoshoot while making it uniquely their own. Be sure to check out other recent graduates’ photo sessions and my full graduation portraits gallery for more samples of my work.

This is a quintessential example of a college grad taking USC graduation photos on campus. Be sure to sure to check out other recent graduates’ photo sessions and my full graduation portraits gallery for more samples of my work.

Ready to book your own grad session? Please visit my grad booking page and fill out the inquiry form at the bottom to reserve your session date today!

Marleen - Rancho Palos Verdes Graduation Portraits