8 spots to take
USC grad photos.

USC features many iconic landmarks at its quaint University Park Campus which is only 229 acres – much smaller than other schools. The campus has a cohesive look to it featuring a myriad of red bricks and cream-colored limestone.

Here are eight spots for your graduation portraits at the University of Southern California.

 
 

1. bovard auditorium.

For more than 100 years, Bovard Auditorium has hosted speeches and performances and is a campus cornerstone at USC. Built in the Romanesque Revival style, it’s one of the more popular spots to show off the architectural beauty the campus possesses. The extremely-detailed central arc is the most common spot for graduates to take their photos at.

USC Grad Photo, Bovard Auditorium, University of Southern California
USC Graduation Portrait, Bovard Auditorium, University of Southern California
USC Graduation Photo, Bovard Auditorium, University of Southern California
USC Grad Portrait, Bovard Auditorium, University of Southern California

Directions to Bovard Auditorium: Google // Apple

2. tommy trojan statue.

A campus cultural landmark, USC’s Tommy Trojan is officially called Trojan Shrine, and it serves as a handy meeting spot among the community. The statue was made into a bronze Trojan warrior in 1930 and modeled after USC football players. This sculpture is perfect for showing off your school spirit and solidifying yourself as a proud USC graduate.

USC Grad Photo, Tommy Trojan Statue, University of Southern California
USC Graduation Photo, Tommy Trojan Statue, University of Southern California
USC Grad Pic, Tommy Trojan Statue, University of Southern California

Directions to Tommy Trojan: Google // Apple

3. prentiss memorial fountain.

Some of the other fountains at USC can be overly grandiose and loud because of all the water coming out from them. This one, however, is simple and only has a few streams of, bringing more attention to yourself rather than the fountain. If the flowers are blooming, you can add a pop of red to your photos.

USC Grad Photo, Prentiss Memorial Fountain, University of Southern California
USC Graduation Photo, Prentiss Memorial Fountain, University of Southern California
USC Grad Picture, Prentiss Memorial Fountain, University of Southern California
USC Graduation Picture, Prentiss Memorial Fountain, University of Southern California

Directions to Prentiss Memorial Fountain: Google // Apple

4. founders park.

A less popular spot for photos is Founders Park located just to the right of Bovard Auditorium. There’s a diagonal path leading up to the side of the building that works great for showing off all those bricks that you normally see at USC.

USC Grad Photo, Founders Park, University of Southern California

Directions to Founders Park: Google // Apple

5. steps of troy.

Found at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center are extravagant stairs which have the qualities of an ideal Trojan inscribed on them: faithful, scholarly, skillful, courageous, and ambitious.

USC Grad Photo, Steps of Troy, University of Southern California
USC Senior Photo, Steps of Troy, University of Southern California
USC Senior Picture, Steps of Troy, University of Southern California

Directions to Steps of Troy: Google // Apple

6. mudd hall.

The Mudd Hall of Philosophy was modeled after a medieval Tuscan monastery and combines Romanesque, Byzantine, and Middle Eastern design elements. The walkway is lined with pillars and features red bricks displayed prominently in the back. It gives off a classic architectural look for your graduation photos.

It’s considered USC’s most popular spot during grad season and a line can form. Consider hitting this spot first, if it’s something you want.

USC Grad Photo, Mudd Hall, University of Southern California
USC Graduation Photo, Mudd Hall, University of Southern California
USC Senior Photo, Mudd Hall, University of Southern California
USC Senior Pic, Mudd Hall, University of Southern California
USC Graduation Portrait, Mudd Hall, University of Southern California

Directions to Mudd Hall: Google // Apple

7. traveler statue.

Right across from Tommy Trojan in Hahn Plaza is USC’s true school mascot, Traveler. It’s modeled after a white Andalusian horse and is considered a symbol of ancient Troy.

You’re not allowed to climb the statue, but many people do it anyway. Just know, it can be a struggle to get on top, so consider taking some shots next to USC’s majestic mascot.

USC Grad Photo, Traveler Statue, University of Southern California
USC Graduation Portrait, Traveler Statue, University of Southern California
USC Graduation Photo, Traveler Statue, University of Southern California

Directions to Traveler: Google // Apple

8. exposition park rose garden.

This spot is off-campus, but it’s just a short walk across the street nearest to Mudd Hall. The park features a wide array of flowers, all in different colors, to choose from for your photos. Of course, red roses are the usual go-to for any USC Trojan.

Keep in mind the season though. The plants start blooming around March or April.

USC Grad Photo, Expo Park Rose Garden, , University of Southern California

Directions to Exposition Park: Google // Apple

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