UCLA Graduation Locations Guide

Welcome and congratulations on your achievements! My name is Nick and I’ve spent the last 10 years documenting the achievements of hundreds of graduates. As a UCLA alumnus, I have extensive knowledge of photo sessions on UCLA’s campus - from which spots get the best light, inside knowledge on how to beat the crowds, and how to best plan your portrait session, you can trust me to provide the best graduation photoshoot experience you can get! 

This is my UCLA graduation portraits location guide. My UCLA graduating seniors clients who book me for graduation portraits use these locations as a starting point when planning their sessions.

Best Locations for UCLA Graduation Photos

Your UCLA graduation portraits are more than just photographs; they are a reflection of your individuality, personality, and academic journey. Whether you're donning the traditional cap and gown or showcasing your personal style, I am committed to capturing your unique personality and energy in every photo. 

UCLA's picturesque campus offers a myriad of breathtaking backdrops for your graduation portraits. From the grand architecture of Royce Hall to the quiet and peaceful Sculpture Gardens, each location provides a stunning backdrop that will elevate your graduation portraits to a whole new level.

Royce Hall:

No guide to UCLA photography locations would be complete without mentioning Royce Hall, the university's iconic landmark! And no UCLA portrait session would be complete without taking photos at Royce Hall, one of my favorite locations for photos in all of Los Angeles. With its striking architecture and grand presence, Royce Hall commands attention and reverence. Whether bathed in golden sunlight or illuminated against the night sky, this historic building offers a timeless backdrop that symbolizes the culmination of your academic journey.

Janss Steps:

For a grand and dramatic entrance in your graduation portraits, look no further than the iconic Janss Steps. These historic stairs ascend towards Royce Hall, symbolizing the journey of growth, perseverance, and triumph that defines your time at UCLA. Whether you're posing at the base of the steps or making your way to the top, the Janss Steps provide a powerful backdrop that encapsulates the magnitude of your academic achievements.

Bruin Bear

Nestled in the heart of campus, the Bruin Bear stands as a beloved symbol of UCLA's spirit and unity. Standing tall and proud, this iconic statue exudes strength and resilience, making it a perfect setting for your graduation portraits. Whether you're posing solo or with fellow Bruins, the Bruin Bear captures the essence of your connection to the university.

Bruinwalk

The bustling walkway that cuts through the heart of campus, Bruinwalk is alive with the energy of students, faculty, and visitors alike. Lined with lush trees and vibrant greenery, this spot is much more peaceful in the late afternoon after the flyerers go home! Whether you're sharing laughter with friends or strolling along the path of your academic journey, Bruinwalk provides a lively backdrop for your graduation photoshoot. 

Kerckhoff Hall:

With its stately columns and timeless architecture, Kerckhoff Hall exudes an air of elegance and sophistication. This historic building serves as a stunning backdrop for your graduation portraits, adding a touch of refinement to your images. Whether you're posing on the steps or framed against its majestic facade, Kerckhoff Hall provides a classic setting that celebrates your academic achievements in style.

Powell Library:

As the crown jewel of UCLA's campus, Powell Library embodies the university's commitment to knowledge, learning, and enlightenment. With its iconic bell tower and majestic facade, Powell Library offers a picturesque backdrop for your graduation portraits. Whether you're posing on the steps, framed against its arched windows, or surrounded by the verdant beauty of its courtyard, Powell Library provides a timeless setting that pays homage to your academic journey.

Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden:

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the North Campus, the Sculpture Garden offers a serene oasis for your graduation portraits. This tranquil setting is home to an array of captivating artworks, providing a unique and artistic backdrop for your photoshoot. Whether you're framed against the backdrop of Henry Moore's "Three-Piece Reclining Figure" or amidst the whimsical sculptures of "The Family of Man," the Sculpture Garden offers a picturesque setting to celebrate your academic accomplishments.

Court of Sciences:

Nestled amidst verdant lawns and modern architecture, the Court of Sciences represents the intersection of academia and natural beauty. This scenic location offers a variety of architectural backgrounds and possibly complicated emotions for South Campus majors who spent countless hours studying here. Now that you’re about to graduate, I’m sure that photos in front of the Boelter Hall, Young Hall, and Math Sciences would be a perfect send off for your South Campus achievements. 

Shapiro Fountain:

Located in Dickson Plaza, right next to Janss Steps with a supreme view of Royce Hall in the background, Shapiro Fountain is an essential location for your graduation portrait session! The fountain is a favorite spot for graduates to pop bottles of champagne, throw confetti, and celebrate graduation with their friends.

Your Department Building!

Finally, I highly recommend taking photos at your department building! Even though this place might have been the spot of many hours of studies, cramming for midterms, and late nights at the lab, your department building is the spot you spent the most time at during your time at UCLA. Many of the buildings at UCLA photograph very well (even if it doesn’t look like it on first impression) and if your building doesn’t have a good side, we can figure out a way to get some fun photos that show what it means to you.

Commitment to Excellence.

At Nick Lie Photography, we understand the importance of preserving your memories in high-quality images that reflect your achievements and aspirations. Whether you're graduating with a bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree, I am here as your professional photographer to ensure your UCLA graduation portraits are nothing short of exceptional.

Reserve your session date today!

Interested in seeing more of my work? Be sure to sure to check out other recent graduates’ photo sessions and my full graduation portraits gallery.

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