Planning Your Santa Clara University Grad Photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate
- HKCREATE

- Jan 22
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 23

Graduating college is a major milestone, and what better way to celebrate all the hard work you've put in than planning a fun and memorable photoshoot?! Senior year is such an unforgettable time, and it's so important to document this pivotal moment! We want to capture the joy and anticipation during one of the most exciting times of your life!
Based on our grad session experiences at Santa Clara University, we've gathered the best tips and tricks to make your photoshoot memorable and enjoyable, as well as sharing our favorite SCU campus photo spots!
Planning a grad photoshoot can be a bit stressful, especially with all the studying and exams! As HKCreate Bay Area Photographers, we are here to help ease your worries and share some handy tips and ideas to make your grad session a breeze!

WHEN TO PLAN FOR YOUR SESSION
The best time to schedule your grad session is in April or early May to avoid the crowds of other photoshoots as graduation day nears! (Book early to ensure availability! Weekday sessions are ideal since there are fewer grad sessions compared to the busier weekends.)


BRING A FRIEND OR TWO, OR TEN!
What's a better way to enjoy your session than with the friends who've been there through it all? You've pulled those all-nighters and tackled big milestones together, so why not celebrate as a group? Get your bros or your girl gang and plan for an epic time filled with laughter and fun!



THE BEST PROPS FOR THE ULTIMATE GRAD PHOTOS
Props are an awesome way to add a bit of fun and mix things up in your session! You could bring along your diploma, cap, gown, stoles, tassels, cords, sunglasses, a dorm house sign, or even a bottle of champagne for some epic celebration shots!
*If choosing confetti, keep in mind that it will need to be cleaned up afterwards



GRAD CAP
Grad caps are awesome props since they give you something to do with your hands!
Pro tip: Be sure to order yours in time for the photoshoot! Or, if you're with a group, you can all share one cap for your solo portraits!


STOLES & CORDS
Grab your traditional graduation stole and add all your study abroad, academic honors, field of study, and affiliation stoles!
Add on your graduation cords to proudly wear all the academic honors, honor societies, leadership & service, and subject/field recognition! You earned each one, so why not show them off?

Pro tip: be sure to order them in time for your shoot, and if they are wrinkled or stained, to have them dry cleaned!




GRADUATION GOWN
Get some variety with your photos by putting on your graduation gown!
This group of friends (pictured) used just one gown for all their solo shots.
Pro Tip: If you're planning to have your gown in the photos, make sure you order it in time and have it pressed!


CHAMPAGNE: CHEERS TO THE YEARS!
One of our favorite grad props is the grande finale: popping the champagne! It's such a fun and exciting way to celebrate, especially when you're with friends. Cheers to all the years! At SCU, it's a tradition to do the champagne pop at the fountain on Abby Sobrato Mall.

Pro-tip: Make sure to bring champagne bottles that are easy to open, or have a cork opener handy. Bring a couple just in case the first one doesn’t do the trick!



SUNGLASSES
This is such a fun idea! Bring some funky frames and add a cool vibe to your session - you can't help but have a blast with them!



OCL HOUSE SIGN
You made so many memories at your Off-Campus-Living House with all your friends, so grab your OCL House Sign and hold it up proudly!




THE BEST SCU PHOTO LOCATIONS
The Santa Clara University Campus is the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California. Because of that, it boasts beautiful architecture and historic landmarks with vibrant gardens and lawns.
We have a few favorite spots we frequent that are the best in our opinion for your SCU Grad Session!


THE GARDENS NEXT TO THE MISSION (Right Side)
For some reason, every time we photograph this spot, the light is always magic! The colorful rose bushes and leading path to the Rose Garden makes for a great backdrop and is our go-to spot!



THE GARDENS NEXT TO THE MISSION (Left Side)
This area is a go-to for many photographers and we can understand why! With the larger pathway, you have more room for larger groups and the bright pops of red pairs perfectly with the SCU stoles! While this is a well-loved spot, it can get difficult to photograph as there are lines waiting for photos here. If you are wanting this area for your photos, make sure you schedule an earlier session in April so there's less hassle of waiting in lines!





THE MISSION SANTA CLARA DE ASIS
Founded in 1777 by the Franciscans, this Spanish mission is one of the oldest missions in California. With its cobblestone pathway, intricate architecture and statues, these hallowed halls are still in use as a Roman Catholic Church and sits in the center of the Santa Clara University's campus.
Since it is still a working mission, mass services and weddings are held throughout the week.





THE ABBY SOBRATO MALL
The Abby Sobrato Mall is the best spot to capture the mission and towering palm trees in the background. With its long path it provides a variety of photos, and is especially great for group shots!









THE ARCH AT THE ST. CLARE GARDEN

The Arch at the St. Clare Garden next to the fountain at the end of the Abby Sobrato Mall is a beautiful spot for your individual pics! When the arches are blooming with the roses, there's no doubt anyone would want a photo in front of it! That being said, this spot can get a bit crowded with lines waiting for their turn, so keep in mind when planning your session to be flexible as there may be wait times for those prime photo spots.






THE FOUNTAIN ON ABBY SOBRATO MALL
The Fountain at the end of the Abby Sobrato Mall is a staple for SCU Grad photos! With the Abby Sobrato Mall walkway leading to the Mission in the background, it encapsulates the SCU campus completely and you can't help but pop the champagne - because it's tradition!








ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS
These hallowed halls have meaning and maybe there's an area that shaped your SCU experience that you would want to photograph! A few we've been to are frequented spots but there's also others that could be little gems you never would have thought of for your photoshoot!



O'CONNOR HALL BREEZEWAY
With it's stunning marble walls and ornate archway, this spot adds an architectural element to your senior portraits! The gorgeous tile and clean lines create a perfect backdrop!




LAWNS NEXT TO DE SAISSET MUSEUM
The lawns next to De Saisset Museum has vibrant green lawn and towering palm trees that give Cali vibes commemorating your time in California!


LAWN IN FRONT OF THE MISSION
The lawn in front of the Mission has the classic Mission in the background with the wooden cross and manicured lawn and yard flowers. A great spot for a closer look of the Mission!


NOBILI RESIDENCE HALL
Constructed in 1930, the Nobili Residence Hall is a campus relic with ornate architecture and manicured lawns and rose bushes. Located behind the Mission, this area is great for a photo spot!




GARDENS BEHIND THE MISSION
Santa Clara University has many beautiful gardens on campus and while we haven't been able to photograph every area, we've been to a few!





OFF CAMPUS: THE HUT
The Hut is an SCU staple! As the campus bar, this hot-spot is known for it's awesome food as well as a great hangout.





OFF CAMPUS: 7-11
This was such a fun idea incorporating the 7-11 that's next to the SCU Campus. All those late-night snacks and energy drinks that helped you through those late night cramming sessions needs to be honored!


OFF-CAMPUS LIVING HOUSE
The Off Campus Living houses are rare gems and hold all of the memories of you and roommates throughout the thick and thin!



HELPFUL TIPS & IDEAS
Make sure to try on your outfit before your session. You definitely don't want any wardrobe issues during your photoshoot! Give yourself a few days beforehand in case you need to hit the stores last minute. If your dress straps keep slipping off your shoulders, skin tape is a handy trick!
It's awesome to show off that amazing tan, BUT those pesky tan lines can take away from a dramatic off-the-shoulder dress. If you've got noticeable tan lines, try using a makeup airbrush to blend them for the photos. And don't forget about watch tans!
Carrying all your props and champagne bottles can get tiring, so make sure to pack everything in a sturdy bag, backpack, or cart!

If you're planning a champagne pop, having a towel handy to dry off is a smart move! (Just a reminder, you're responsible for cleaning up all corks, foil, covers, and bottles after the photoshoot. We want to keep the campus nice for everyone else's grad sessions!)
We can't control the weather, so bringing extra makeup and hair products for touch-ups in case of high temperatures or windy weather is a good idea!
Bring a business blazer and snag a LinkedIn photo! "Oh the places you'll go!"
And last but not least - HAVE FUN!
For more information on our Grad Sessions, fill out our contact form and book a session today!

ABOUT HK CREATE PHOTOGRAPHY
Located in the Bay Area in San Jose, California, HK Create is a sister photography duo who love connecting with people to capture lasting memories. Known for their joyful, candid, and creative photos, these natural light photographers want your experience to be more than just getting awesome photos, but aim for connection, interaction and authenticity in your photos, while embracing the joy and chaos that comes along with it!
Interested in booking a session with us? Click here!



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