Congratulations on your UCLA graduation! After years of hard work, you've earned the right to capture this milestone in the most beautiful way possible. As someone who's photographed dozens of graduation sessions across LA, I can tell you that UCLA's Westwood campus offers some of the most iconic and photogenic backdrops in Southern California. The mix of classic Romanesque architecture, lush gardens, and quintessential California light makes it an absolute dream for graduation photography.
I've spent countless hours exploring this campus with my camera, and I'm excited to share my favorite spots with you. Whether you're planning a quick 30-minute session or a longer shoot that captures multiple locations, this guide will help you make the most of your UCLA graduation photos.
Royce Hall: The Iconic Must-Have Shot
Let's start with the obvious one—because it's obvious for a reason. Royce Hall is the crown jewel of UCLA's campus and arguably one of the most photographed buildings in Los Angeles. The twin towers and Romanesque Revival architecture create an instantly recognizable backdrop that screams "UCLA."
Here's what I've learned from shooting at Royce Hall dozens of times: the best light happens in two windows. Early morning, around 7-9 AM, gives you soft, diffused light with minimal crowds. The alternative is late afternoon, about 4-6 PM, when the warm golden hour light hits the building's facade beautifully. Avoid midday if possible—the harsh overhead sun creates unflattering shadows and washes out the building's architectural details.
My favorite composition? Position yourself on the lawn in front of Royce Hall, shooting from a slightly lower angle to emphasize the towers. Have your graduate hold their diploma or toss their cap for dynamic shots. The wide steps leading up to the building also work wonderfully for seated portraits that feel both grand and intimate.
Janss Steps: Drama and Tradition Combined
The Janss Steps are steeped in UCLA tradition and offer incredible versatility for UCLA graduation photos. This grand staircase connects the lower campus to the main quad, and the elevated perspective creates natural leading lines that draw the eye toward your graduate.
I typically shoot Janss Steps in a few different ways. From the bottom looking up, you get a powerful, aspirational feeling—your graduate literally rising above their accomplishment. From the top looking down or across, you can capture the sweeping campus views with the graduate as the hero of their own story. The wide steps themselves are perfect for sitting or standing poses, and the brick texture adds warmth to the images.
Pro tip: if you're shooting during peak graduation season (late May through mid-June), Janss Steps can get crowded between 10 AM and 2 PM. Either go early or embrace the chaos—some of my favorite shots include other graduates celebrating in the background, adding energy and context to the frame.
Dickson Court and the Sculpture Garden
For something a bit more intimate and artistic, head to Dickson Court and the adjacent sculpture garden. This area near Royce Hall features beautiful landscaping, mature trees, and interesting sculptures that add visual variety to your photo set.
The jacaranda trees here (in bloom typically late April through early June) create a dreamy purple canopy that's absolutely magical. I've shot several sessions where we timed everything around jacaranda season specifically. Even outside of bloom season, the dappled light filtering through the leaves creates beautiful, soft lighting conditions throughout the day.
The sculptures scattered throughout this area offer excellent framing opportunities. I love using them as foreground elements or having graduates interact with them in playful ways. It breaks up the more formal architectural shots and shows personality.
Powell Library: Red Brick Charm
Powell Library's distinctive red brick Romanesque Revival architecture provides a warmer, more intimate alternative to Royce Hall's grandeur. The building's arched windows, detailed stonework, and covered walkways offer both shade and visual interest.
I particularly love shooting under the arcades that surround Powell. The repeating arches create natural frames within frames, and the covered area means you can shoot here comfortably even on bright, harsh-light days. The geometric patterns of the brickwork also photograph beautifully in both color and black-and-white.
For Los Angeles photography, the contrast between the historic campus buildings and the modern city just beyond creates a unique sense of place. From certain angles around Powell, you can capture both the classic architecture and hints of the urban landscape beyond.
Botanical Gardens and Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
If you want something completely different from the architectural shots, the botanical gardens on the southeastern part of campus offer lush, green backdrops that feel worlds away from the academic quads. The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden specifically is a hidden gem that many graduates overlook.
This seven-acre garden features plants from around the world, creating diverse backdrops within a compact area. I've found great spots with tropical foliage, California natives, and even a small stream area that adds movement and tranquility to portraits. The natural light filtering through the canopy is gorgeous, especially in the late afternoon.
These garden sessions work particularly well if you want a more relaxed, less formal vibe. They're also excellent if you're combining graduation photos with family portraits—the natural setting tends to help everyone relax and look more comfortable in front of the camera.
Practical Tips for Your UCLA Graduation Photo Session
Now let's talk logistics. UCLA graduation sessions typically start at $200 in the LA area, which usually covers 45-60 minutes of shooting time—enough to hit 3-4 key locations on campus. If you want more locations or extended family photos, I recommend budgeting for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Here are some practical considerations I share with all my UCLA graduates:
- Parking: Visitor parking is available in several lots, but they fill up quickly during graduation season. Lot 2 off Westwood Plaza is usually your best bet. Arrive at least 20 minutes before your session start time.
- Permits: For casual graduation photos, you typically don't need a permit. However, if you're bringing lighting equipment, large groups, or planning a commercial shoot, check with UCLA about permit requirements.
- Weekday vs. Weekend: Weekdays during the academic year mean more students and activity on campus. Weekends and summer sessions are quieter, giving you cleaner backgrounds.
- Outfit Changes: Most graduates want photos in their cap and gown plus one casual outfit. Bathrooms near Ackerman Union are good for quick changes.
- Bring Props: Your diploma (or the holder), honor cords, stoles, and signs with your future plans all make great props. I also love when graduates bring items that represent their major or interests.
Timing and Weather Considerations
Southern California weather is generally cooperative, but May and June can sometimes surprise you with "June gloom"—overcast marine layer conditions, especially in the mornings. Honestly? I love shooting in overcast conditions. The clouds act as a giant natural softbox, creating even, flattering light without harsh shadows.
That said, if you want that classic sunny California look, aim for late afternoon sessions (4-6 PM) when the marine layer has typically burned off and golden hour approaches. The warm light during this window makes everyone look their best and adds that celebratory, glowing quality to your images.
For those interested in event photography coverage of the actual graduation ceremony, that typically runs $150-200 per hour—worth considering if you want someone capturing the formal moments while family members can be present and enjoy the ceremony.
Making Your Photos Uniquely Yours
While the classic Royce Hall and Janss Steps shots are must-haves, don't be afraid to get creative and show your personality. Some of my favorite UCLA graduation photos have included:
- Graduates with their favorite professors at meaningful campus locations
- Group shots with roommates or club members at spots that hold special memories
- Detail shots of decorated graduation caps with personal messages
- Candid moments of pure joy—jumping, laughing, celebrating
- Sunset silhouettes against the campus architecture
The goal isn't just to document that you graduated from UCLA—it's to capture this specific moment in your life, your personality, and what this achievement means to you. The best graduation photos balance the iconic campus landmarks with genuine emotion and personal touches that make them distinctly yours.
Whether you're planning a quick session hitting just the highlights or a comprehensive tour of campus locations, UCLA offers endless possibilities for stunning graduation photography. Take your time exploring, enjoy the moment, and don't stress about perfection. This is your celebration—let that joy and pride shine through, and the photos will be beautiful.