14 spots to take
UC Davis grad photos.
There is no doubt that UC Davis is my favorite university. Then again, I’m biased because l went to school there. With its lush landscape and sun-filled skies, the campus is perfect for those who enjoy harmony with nature.
These are some of the locations I use for grad photos at UCD. I have pictures of past sessions and some tidbits of advice for certain spots. Whether you’re a photographer or a grad, I hope you find this guide useful and have a successful session at the University of California, Davis!
1. uc davis brick sign.
The official name of this spot is “East Gate” because it acts as the east entrance to campus. But, no one really calls it that and among UCD students, it’s known as “the brick sign.”
Unlike other campuses with huge signs, this one is small and quaint. You can stand in front of it, stand behind it, and even sit on it.
Keep in mind that this is the most popular spot, so it’s very common for a long line to form – especially towards the end of the quarter. If this is a spot that you really want for your photos, then consider getting here early and waiting in line before your session starts!
Directions to the sign: Google // Apple
2. social sciences and humanities building.
Due to its brutalist appearance and shiny facade, it’s commonly known as the Death Star. It’s a reference from Star Wars, and the inside is a maze that can be daunting for first-years. Ask any Aggie, and they’ll most likely tell you that they’ve been lost inside this building.
Directions to the Death Star: Google // Apple
3. phone booth.
This British cultural icon is located next to Memorial Union Terminal and is a rather under-appreciated location at UC Davis. Don’t worry though, it’s not an actual functioning phone booth. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the classic double-decker busses near here which were actually imported from London.
Directions to Centennial Walk: Google // Apple
5. west quad avenue.
You’ve most likely biked down this road. Maybe it was to get coffee at the CoHo. Or maybe you were walking down this tree-lined path to catch a Unitrans bus at the MU Terminal. This spot can bring back many Aggie memories.
Just be aware that this is the second most popular spot, and it can get pretty busy. And if you don’t go to school here, just know that it’s actually not a public road, so you’re perfectly fine taking photos here.
This road is only open to bikers, skateboarders, and the occasional UCD vehicle. That said, on school days, you’ll have to deal with the busyness of campus. On weekends, there are definitely fewer people passing by, but you’ll have to worry about other grads who are also taking grad photos.
Directions to Shields Library: Google // Apple
7. mrak hall egghead (aka eye on mrak).
Out of all 7 eggheads, this is the most popular because it has Mrak Hall as a background. If you want the sitting shot, climbing this statue can be a little bit of a challenge. Therefore, for my sessions, if you choose this location, I’ll give you my method for getting on top.
Directions to Eye on Mrak: Google // Apple
8. arboretum love lock bridge.
I would imagine that the tradition of putting “love locks” on this bridge was taken from the popular bridge located in Paris (which you actually can’t do anymore). But, you’re totally fine putting locks on this bridge. This spot is popular with couples who met at UC Davis.
Directions to the bridge: Google // Apple
9. t. elliot weier redwood grove.
During the hot days in Davis, this spot in the arboretum provides excellent shade and is much cooler than other places on-campus, especially later on in spring quarter. Also, this location is popular for other kinds of photoshoots. So don’t be surprised if you see other photographers taking photos of couples and families.
Directions to Redwood Grove: Google // Apple
10. vanderhoef quad fountain.
Officially known as Morris Fountain, this outdoor structure provides a “curtain” of water that falls into a rectangular pool. An ideal spot for your grad portraits if you want some water sparkles in the background of your photos. Keep in mind though that the fountain may be off for drought periods.
Directions to the Mondavi Center: Google // Apple
13. manetti shrem museum.
In the past few years, more grads have been taking photos in front of the Manetti Shrem Museum. With its modern architecture, a canopy made up of white beams drapes the area in front of the museum. This structure fantastically reflects the sun across the front plaza allowing ambient light to illuminate any subject. Suitable for those of you that want to mix it up a bit and want shots that are less nature-focused.
Directions to the museum: Google // Apple
14. campus vineyard.
Something that’s unique to UC Davis – this is one of the lesser-known locations. UCD has an on-campus vineyard used for viticulture teaching. This part of the university acts as the “gateway” to campus right when you come off the freeway. In fact, if you ever drove into campus for a tour, this field is what you passed by.
If you would like to open this in Google Maps, please click here.