5 spots to take
UC Berkeley grad photos.

As the first UC campus, UC Berkeley had all the fun when it came to construction. UCB is made up of numerous buildings with some built in the Beaux-Arts architecture style, and nowadays, these landmarks make up the most popular spots for grad photos.

Here’s a guide on a few of the most iconic locations to take graduation portraits at the University of California, Berkeley.

 
 

1. sather gate.

Sather Gate used to serve as the south entrance to UC Berkeley and as the university expanded, it now separates the central part of campus from Sproul Plaza. This spot gets extremely busy during grad season, and a natural crowd of people will form a semicircle around the landmark just to get photos of the gate in the background.

Also, unless you’re doing this location at crack of dawn or toward the end of the day, you’re most likely not going to get a clean shot here. There are so many people walking by, but honestly, just embrace it. Personally, I find that it showcases the liveliness of campus.

Cal Grad Photo, Sather Gate, UC Berkeley
Cal Graduation Photo, Sather Gate, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Portrait, Sather Gate, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Picture, Sather Gate, UC Berkeley
Cal Graduation Picture, Sather Gate, UC Berkeley
Cal Graduation Portrait, Sather Gate, UC Berkeley

Directions to the gate: Google // Apple

2. hearst memorial mining building.

A California Historical Landmark, the Hearst Memorial Mining Building originally housed UC Berkeley’s College of Mines, hence the name “Mining and Metallurgy” at the top of the main entrance’s large doors.

The steps of the building are a popular spot to show off the expansive, neoclassical architecture that Cal offers. Also, if the building is open, consider taking photos inside and take advantage of the massive and detailed foyer.

Cal Grad Photo, Hearst Memorial Mining Building, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Portrait, Hearst Memorial Mining Building, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Picture, Hearst Memorial Mining Building, UC Berkeley
Cal Graduation Portrait, Hearst Memorial Mining Building, UC Berkeley

Directions to the building: Google // Apple

3. doe library.

Considered UC Berkeley’s most popular spot for grad photos, Doe Library showcases the university’s Beaux-Arts aesthetic. Even if you didn’t spend time in this library, the columns and details of the pillars in the background would make for a beautiful backdrop.

This is one of the few spots where you can actually sit for your photos rather than stand. That said, the ledge is higher than you think, so you might need some help getting on top. Afterward, consider taking some standing shots and if the library is closed, you can get some shots in front of the huge green door.

Cal Grad Photo, Doe Library, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Pic, Doe Library, UC Berkeley
Cal Graduation Pic, Doe Library, UC Berkeley
Cal Graduation Portrait, Doe Library, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Portrait, Doe Library, UC Berkeley
Cal Graduation Photo, Doe Library, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Picture, Doe Library, UC Berkeley

Directions to the library: Google // Apple

4. campanile esplanade.

Also known as Sather Tower, the pathway with the trees on the side perfectly frame the Campanile in the background.

Cal Graduation Photo, Doe Library, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Photo, Doe Library, UC Berkeley

Directions to the tower: Google // Apple

5. cherry blossom trees.

This grove of Japanese cherry trees lines University Drive. It was planted to honor UC Berkeley’s graduates of Japanese ancestry.

If you want to take advantage of these pink hues, it only blossoms for a couple of months, so schedule your session in March or April.

Cal Grad Photo, Cherry Blossoms, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Portrait, Cherry Blossoms, UC Berkeley
Cal Graduation Photo, Cherry Blossoms, UC Berkeley
Cal Graduation Portrait, Cherry Blossoms, UC Berkeley
Cal Grad Picture, Cherry Blossoms, UC Berkeley

Directions to the trees: Google // Apple

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