Cal State LA Grad Pictures & Senior Portraits

CalStateLA Grad Photos That Feel Like You

You have put in the work, survived midterms and finals, and spent years walking across Cal State LA on the hill above Los Angeles on your way to class. Now it is time to celebrate all of that effort with graduation photos that actually feel like you—not stiff, cookie-cutter pictures that could belong to anyone.

Our CalStateLA graduation sessions are designed around real students who want images that look natural, flattering, and fun. We know the best angles, the most flattering light, and how to pose you so you look confident without feeling awkward. Whether you want solo portraits, photos with friends, or a full family session, we will help you create images you will be proud to share and print.

Best CalStateLA Spots for Grad Pictures

Because we have photographed many graduation sessions on campus at Cal State LA, we know which locations look amazing on camera and when they look their best. Some of the most popular spots for CalStateLA grad photos include:

• Main walkway and plaza: Clean lines and open space that work well for both solo and group portraits.
• Luckman Fine Arts Complex: Modern architecture and stairways that add drama and shape to your images.
• Campus overlook areas: Views looking out toward the city that remind you where you earned your degree.
• Library and surrounding courtyards: Great for academic-feeling portraits with softer backgrounds.
• Golden Eagle and student center area: Busy but photogenic spaces that feel like the heart of campus.

If you already have a favorite corner of Cal State LA on the hill above Los Angeles that means something to you, we can absolutely build that into your session plan. This is your story and your time at CalStateLA—your photos should reflect that.

What Is Included in a CalStateLA Graduation Session

Every graduation session is a little different, but a typical CalStateLA grad photoshoot usually includes:

• Pre-session planning: We will talk about outfits, locations, timing, and any must-have shots (family, friends, or significant others).
• Multiple looks: Cap and gown, a dress or suit, and a more casual outfit are all welcome.
• Guided posing: You will never be left wondering what to do with your hands; we will guide you through every pose.
• Solo and group photos: Time for individual portraits plus options for roommate, friend, or family photos.
• CalStateLA campus or studio (or both): Many grads choose a mix of classic campus locations and clean studio portraits.

We are happy to help you plan outfits in advance, especially for group sessions where you want everyone to coordinate without looking too matched.

Props and Personal Touches

Adding personal details is a great way to make your grad session feel unique. Some ideas our graduates like to include are:

• Cap and gown, plus your stole, cords, or honor regalia.
• Flowers or leis from family and friends.
• Champagne or sparkling cider to pop at the end of the session.
• Signs or items that show your major or future plans.
• Anything that represents your time at the school: textbooks, instruments, sports gear, or club apparel.

If you are not sure what to bring, we can suggest a few options based on your major, activities, and the overall look you want.

Friends, Roommates, and Family Sessions

Graduation is a milestone that many people help you reach, and it can be even more meaningful to include them in your photos. We often photograph:

• Roommate and friend groups who want fun, candid-style photos together.
• Couples sessions for grads who met in college and want to remember this chapter of their story.
• Family portraits before or after the ceremony, including parents, siblings, and grandparents.

If you are planning a group session, we will help organize the flow of the shoot so everyone gets the images they want without feeling rushed.

CalStateLA Campus vs. Studio Portraits

Many grads choose to combine CalStateLA campus photos with classic studio portraits. This gives you a nice mix of images you can use in different ways:

• On-campus portraits that show off the architecture, landscaping, and atmosphere of your school.
• Studio portraits with clean, timeless backgrounds that are perfect for resumes, LinkedIn, or professional use.

We can structure your session to include both options if you like, or focus entirely on campus if that is your priority.

Planning, Parking, and Timing

Campuses can be large and busy, especially during graduation season. When you book, we will go over practical details like:

• Where to meet at the start of your session.
• How much walking is involved and whether we should keep locations close together.
• Parking suggestions or drop-off points near your first location.
• Accessibility considerations for any family members who may be joining.

A little planning up front helps your session run smoothly so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

After Your Session: Viewing and Ordering

After your photoshoot, your images will be carefully selected and edited. You will receive access to an online gallery where you can:

• View all of your finished grad photos.
• Mark favorites to use for announcements, social media, and prints.
• Order prints, wall art, or albums to share with family and friends.

Whether you want just a few favorite images or a full collection, we will help you choose options that make sense for you.

Why Work With a Photographer Who Knows CalStateLA

Photographing graduation sessions on campus at Cal State LA takes more than just a nice camera. Experience on the actual campus matters. Because we have worked with many graduates at Cal State LA on the hill above Los Angeles, we know:

• Which locations look best at different times of day.
• How to work around crowds and still get clean, beautiful images.
• How to move quickly between spots so you get a lot of variety in a short amount of time.
• Which angles flatter both you and the background scenery.

That knowledge helps you get more from your session and reduces stress on a day that is already full of activity.

Ready to Book Your CalStateLA Grad Session?

Your time at Cal State LA on the hill above Los Angeles is something you will remember for the rest of your life. Graduation photos are a way to mark that accomplishment and share it with the people who helped you get there. If you are ready to start planning your CalStateLA grad pictures, we would love to talk.

Use the contact form on this site or give us a call to ask about availability. Tell us a little about your major, your preferred dates, and whether you want solo, group, or family photos, and we will help you plan a session that fits your schedule and style.