7 spots to take
UCLA grad photos.

Unlike other universities, many of UCLA’s buildings have stylistic unity and were built in the Romanesque style. This type of architecture features large sculpted columns, numerous patterns of bricks, and small details, often with symbolic meaning.

Many of these features can be found across UCLA — not just in the buildings, but on the sidewalks, the stairs, and the surrounding environment. Overall, the campus has a very cohesive feel to it (well, at least the north part), which will give your graduation portraits a very “movie-like” appearance.

Here are some iconic spots to take graduation portraits at the University of California, Los Angeles.

 
 

1. royce hall.

This is pretty much your go-to location at UCLA (and by far the busiest). The architecture of Royce Hall is magnificent, and there’s so much you can do with this building. There are steps, walkways, arches, and columns which you can take advantage of and showcase that Romanesque style that Bruins always brag about.

UCLA Grad Photo, Royce Hall, Los Angeles
UCLA Grad Photo, Royce Hall at Dickson Court Lawn, Los Angeles
UCLA Grad Photo, Royce Hall, Los Angeles
UCLA Graduation Pic, Royce Hall, Los Angeles

Directions to Royce Hall: Google // Apple

2. powell library.

Powell Library is one of four original buildings constructed at UCLA and takes inspiration from the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan, Italy. It features an exterior made up of red bricks and carefully-crafted details.

UCLA Grad Photo, Powell Library, Los Angeles

Directions to Powell Library: Google // Apple

3. top of janss steps.

Part of UCLA sits on a hill, giving you an amazing view of the lower part of campus from Janss Steps. The rails right around the steps are also good for sitting photos. I mean, you most likely climbed up these stairs multiple times. You might as well get a photo to commemorate all the stair-climbing you did.

UCLA Grad Photo, Janss Steps, Los Angeles
UCLA Graduation Portrait, Janss Steps, Los Angeles
UCLA Grad Portrait, Janss Steps, Los Angeles

Directions to Janss Steps: Google // Apple

4. shapiro fountain.

UCLA is so lucky to have this fountain because it’s by far the best one I’ve seen within the UC system. When you walk up Janss Steps, Shapiro Fountain greets you along with Royce Hall to the left and Powell Library to the right. Depending on the direction of how you’re shooting, you can get each of these iconic locations as a background for your photos.

Just a note, the fountain can be turned off for water conservation or maintenance, so hopefully, you’re lucky, and it’s turned on for your session.

UCLA Grad Photo, Shapiro Fountain, Los Angeles
UCLA Graduation Picture, Shapiro Fountain, Los Angeles
UCLA Senior Pic, Shapiro Fountain, Los Angeles
UCLA Senior Photo, Shapiro Fountain, Los Angeles
UCLA Graduation Pic, Shapiro Fountain, Los Angeles

Directions to Shapiro Fountain: Google // Apple

5. lawn by janss steps.

A popular hangout spot, you’ll usually catch Bruins chatting with friends, having picnics, and even studying around the grassy near Janss Steps. If you want to reminiscence on those memories, it’s easily a recommended spot. It has pink flowers in the background, and you’re able to frame the tall pillars of Royce Hall in the back.

UCLA Grad Photo, Lawn by Janss Steps, Los Angeles
UCLA Senior Photo, Lawn by Janss Steps, Los Angeles
UCLA Grad Pic, Lawn by Janss Steps, Los Angeles
UCLA Senior Pic, Lawn by Janss Steps, Los Angeles

Directions to Janss Steps: Google // Apple

6. the bruin statue.

A prominent campus landmark at UCLA, The Bruin is 10 feet long and stands at a mighty six feet tall in Bruin Plaza. Among Bruins, a common pre-exam ritual is to rub the back paw of the statue which is believed to bring good luck during midterms and finals.

UCLA Grad Photo, Bruin Bear, Los Angeles
UCLA Grad Portrait, Bruin Bear, Los Angeles
UCLA Graduation Photo, Bruin Bear, Los Angeles

Directions to Bruin Bear: Google // Apple

7. sculpture garden.

Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden features over 70 outdoor sculptures. It was envisioned as a way for students and staff at UCLA to experience art in everyday life. During spring, the five-acre garden has a full bloom of jacaranda trees adding some purple pop to your photos.

During peak grad season, if you want to escape the bustle of Royce Hall and the area around it, then I highly recommend this spot. You’ll have more room to yourself and won’t have many people in the background of your pictures.

UCLA Grad Portrait, Sculpture Garden, Los Angeles
UCLA Grad Photo, Sculpture Garden, Los Angeles

Directions to Sculpture Garden: Google // Apple

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