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

HKCREATE
Jan 22
7 min read

Updated: Jan 23

Smiling woman in a white dress and red graduation stole stands in front of a blurred church, with vibrant greenery and a sunny background.
SCU Santa Clara University, California Graduation Photoshoot in front of the Mission at Abby Sobrato Mall by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers

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

Grad Groups

The Best Props

The Best Photo Locations on Campus

Helpful Tips, Tricks, and Ideas

Graduates in white dresses and red stoles toss caps in the air, celebrating outside a church with palm trees in the background. Bright, joyful scene.
SCU Santa Clara University Abby Sobrato Mall graduation group of girls friends photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate

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.)

Nine women in white dresses joyfully walk hand in hand on a brick path, surrounded by palm trees and a church in the background.
Santa Clara University Group Graduation Photoshoot. Group of girls walking along the Abby Sobrato Mall holding hands. HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

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!

Graduates in white outfits with red stoles smile outdoors near palm trees and a building, celebrating, with a joyful, sunny ambiance.
Santa Clara University Graduation Group Photoshoots by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Graduates in white celebrate by a fountain, spraying champagne. One poses in front of a building with a yellow sash. Text: "OUR FAV PROPS."
Santa Clara University Graduation Photoshoots with props by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Group of women in white dresses and red sashes celebrating outdoors. They hold bottles and a "Brick House" sign, smiling and joyful.
Santa Clara University graduation group photoshoot at the Hut on campus. Girls having fun. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate

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

Graduates in white outfits and red stoles celebrate by tossing caps in front of a chapel; a woman poses with a cap and a man holds one.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoots by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate

Graduate in white dress and red stole holds cap in garden, smiling. Background of flowers and house suggests joyful celebration.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot at the Mission Gardens by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Woman in white dress holding a graduation cap, smiling on a flower-lined path with a chapel in the background. Sunny, joyful atmosphere.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot at the Mission Gardens by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Young woman smiles in front of a church, wearing a white dress and yellow stole with "Class of 2025" and "KAΘ" text. Bright, sunny day.
Santa Clara University Graduation Photoshoot at the Mission along the Abby Sobrato Mall.

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?

Graduate in a white dress with a yellow "Class of 2025" sash stands on a brick path, in front of a church. Warm, serene atmosphere.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate. Solo portrait of girl graduating wearing stoles in front of the Mission along the Abby Sobrato Mall path.

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

Young woman in white dress and red stole laughing joyfully outdoors. Blurred building with cross in background, bright sunny day.
Santa Clara University Campus graduation photoshoot. Girl laughing wearing stoles in front of the Mission along the Abby Sobrato Mall by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate

Young woman in a white dress with red graduation stole smiles in a garden with blooming red roses. Sunny day, cheerful mood.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot of a girl standing in front of roses at the Mission Gardens wearing stoles on her white dress. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Two graduates in caps and gowns celebrate in a flower-lined garden path. One holds a cap high. "GRAD GOWN" text is visible.
Santa Clara University Graduation Photoshoot with graduation gown and stole at the Mission Gardens by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Young man in black gown with red stole stands on a garden path. He smiles, surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery, near a beige building.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot of a man wearing graduation gown and cap standing in the Mission Gardens on campus. Photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

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!

Women in white dresses celebrate with champagne, splashing in a fountain. Text reads "CHAMPAGNE Cheers to all the years!" in a joyful scene.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls at the Abby Sobrato Mall Fountain on campus by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Women in white dresses splash champagne in a fountain, surrounded by trees and sunlight, creating a festive and joyful scene.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls at the Abby Sobrato Mall Fountain on campus by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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.

A couple stands on a fountain ledge, joyfully spraying champagne. They're surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot at the Abby Sobrato Mall Fountain on campus by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Three women in white dresses laugh joyfully while spraying champagne in front of a fountain. Green trees and a building in the background.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls at the Abby Sobrato Mall Fountain on campus by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Group of women in white dresses and red sashes celebrate with champagne outside "The Hut" building, smiling and cheerful. Palm trees visible.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls standing holding champagne bottles wearing sunglasses. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Women in white dresses with red sashes cross a street cheerfully; later, they gather playfully around a pool holding a "Flamingo" house sign.
Santa Clara University graduation group photoshoot of girls smiling laughing and having fun. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Group of women in red sashes hold a sign reading "atlantis!" in colorful letters, smiling outdoors by a fountain with trees in the background.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls holding house sign smiling and laughing joyfully. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Group of women in white dresses and red sashes hold a blue "MOONSHINE" sign. They're smiling outdoors with palm trees in the background.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls holding house sign smiling and laughing joyfully. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Seven women in white dresses and red stoles joyfully pose on church steps holding a "Brick House" sign. Ornate architecture in the background.
Santa Clara University graduation group photoshoot of girls smiling and laughing holding house sign in front of Mission. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Group of women in white dresses laughing, holding a "Welcome to Flamingo" house sign in front of Mission on Abby Sobrato Mall. Sunny outdoor setting with trees and a bell tower.
Santa Clara University Graduation photoshoot group of girls smiling and laughing in front of the Mission. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Group of smiling people in white dresses and red sashes hold a "Brick House" house sign in front of the Mission. They stand on steps with a beige building background.
Santa Clara University group graduation photoshoot of girls wearing stoles. Joyful and fun mood. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

A woman in a white dress with a red stole smiles in front of a church. Text reads "Best SCU Photo Locations." Sunny day, green and floral setting.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot. Girl wearing red stole in front of the Mission church on campus. Joyful mood. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Woman in white dress with red stole poses confidently in a colorful Mission garden at Santa Clara University campus. Graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Smiling woman in a white dress with a red stole holds a graduation cap. She's standing on a flower-lined path near a small chapel.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot portrait of a girl in front of the mission gardens by Bay Area photographers HKCreate.

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!

Woman in a white dress smiling in a garden path lined with colorful roses. Beige building in the background. Bright and cheerful mood.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot portrait of a girl in front of the mission gardens by Bay Area photographers HKCreate.

Young man with a red stole stands in a colorful garden path, smiling. Background includes flowers, greenery, and a small building.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot portrait of a girl in front of the mission gardens by Bay Area photographers HKCreate.

Young woman in a white dress and red stole smiling in a garden with colorful flowers. Path leads to an archway; sunny day.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot portrait of a girl in front of the mission gardens by Bay Area photographers HKCreate.

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!

Nine women in white dresses with red stoles stand on a path in a garden, smiling and holding a sign reading "atlantis." Roses and trees surround them.
Santa Clara University graduation group photoshoot of girls at the Mission gardens by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Seven people in white with red stoles stand smiling in a garden with vibrant flowers and palm trees, creating a joyful, celebratory mood.
Santa Clara University graduation group photoshoot at the Mission gardens by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Group of women in white dresses and red stoles walk on a path lined with colorful flowers, smiling under a sunny sky with palm trees.
Santa Clara University graduation group photoshoot of girls at the Mission gardens by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Two people in red stoles sit on brick steps, smiling at each other. Wooden door in background, warm atmosphere, wearing formal attire.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot in front of the mission santa clara de asis on campus. Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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.

Group of women in white dresses and red sashes smiling and posing outside a beige building with wooden doors. Joyful mood.
Santa Clara University the Mission Santa Clara De Asis graduation photoshoot group of girls by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Eight women in white dresses and red stoles celebrate on steps of a historic building with a joyfully ornate facade.
Santa Clara University the Mission Santa Clara De Asis graduation photoshoot group of girls by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Three women in white dresses with red stoles sit on brick steps, smiling at each other. The background features a wooden door.
Santa Clara University the Mission Santa Clara De Asis graduation photoshoot group of girls by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Group of women in white dresses celebrate outdoors at Abby Sobrato Mall, with one holding a graduation cap. Happy and sunny setting with trees.
Santa Clara University Graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate. Joyful, warm and happy mood.

A woman in a white dress and red graduation stole laughing outdoors with a chapel in the background, exuding joy and celebration.
Santa Clara University the Mission Abby Sobrato Mall graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

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!

Six people in colorful outfits walk together on a sunny campus path. They wear red sashes, smiling, with palm trees and a chapel behind them.
Santa Clara University the Mission Abby Sobrato Mall graduation photoshoot group of friends by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Graduates in white dresses and red stoles joyfully throw caps in the air outside a chapel, surrounded by palm trees and greenery.
Santa Clara University the Mission Abby Sobrato Mall graduation photoshoot group of girls by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Four women in white dresses stand arm-in-arm, facing a church with a cross, on a sunlit path, creating a warm, joyful mood.
Santa Clara University the Mission Abby Sobrato Mall graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Woman in a white dress smiles while walking outside a church with a cross, under a clear sky. Warm, serene mood.
Santa Clara University the Mission Abby Sobrato Mall graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Smiling woman in a white dress walks on a sunlit plaza, with a white building and cross in the blurry background, conveying joy.
Santa Clara University the Mission Abby Sobrato Mall graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

A group of women in white dresses and red sashes walk hand in hand, smiling. They're on a paved path with palm trees and a chapel in the background.
Santa Clara University the Mission Abby Sobrato Mall graduation photoshoot group of girls walking by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Four women in white dresses with colorful sashes smile together in front of a church with a cross, surrounded by palm trees and flowers.
Santa Clara University the Mission Abby Sobrato Mall graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Three women in white dresses and red stoles walk hand in hand on a sunny campus path, surrounded by palm trees and green lawns.
Santa Clara University the Mission Abby Sobrato Mall graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

Four women in white dresses and red stoles smile under a floral arch at St. Clare Garden on the Santa Clara University campus. Another woman stands alone, smiling. Graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers.

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.

Young woman in graduation attire stands on a garden path under an arch with white flowers, wearing a red stole and white dress, smiling.
The Arch at the St. Clare Garden on the Santa Clara University Campus graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers

Woman in a white dress with colorful cords stands under a floral arch in a garden, with a calm expression. Lush greenery surrounds her.
The Arch at the St. Clare Garden on the Santa Clara University Campus graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers

Smiling woman in white dress with red stole stands under floral arch in garden, sunlit pathway in background.
The Arch at the St. Clare Garden on the Santa Clara University Campus graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers

Six people in bright outfits and red stoles joyfully lift a friend in a garden, under an arch of flowers, with sunny, lush surroundings.
The Arch at the St. Clare Garden on the Santa Clara University Campus graduation photoshoot by HKCreate Bay Area Photographers

A couple in a white dress and red stoles embrace happily by a fountain with water splashing. Green trees in the sunny background.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers at THE FOUNTAIN ON ABBY SOBRATO MALL

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!

Women in white dresses celebrate by spraying liquid in a sunlit fountain, surrounded by trees and greenery, creating a joyful scene.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers at THE FOUNTAIN ON ABBY SOBRATO MALL

Young man smiling, wearing a red graduation stole in front of a fountain. Background of trees and buildings, exuding a joyful mood.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers at THE FOUNTAIN ON ABBY SOBRATO MALL

Three women in white dresses joyfully spray champagne by a fountain. Background shows trees and a building, lit by warm sunlight.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers at THE FOUNTAIN ON ABBY SOBRATO MALL

Seven women in white dresses with red stoles celebrate in a fountain, spraying champagne. Trees and a building are visible in the background. Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers at THE FOUNTAIN ON ABBY SOBRATO MALL. Joyful, warm and happy mood.

Seven women in white dresses celebrate with champagne in a fountain, surrounded by greenery and trees, exuding joy and laughter.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers at THE FOUNTAIN ON ABBY SOBRATO MALL

Smiling woman in white dress with red stole sits by fountain on the Santa Clara University campus. Trees and building in background. Bright and cheerful mood.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers at THE FOUNTAIN ON ABBY SOBRATO MALL

Eight women in white dresses and red stoles celebrate by a fountain, in a lush garden setting. They express joy with raised arms.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers at THE FOUNTAIN ON ABBY SOBRATO MALL

Woman in white dress with red sash walks in ornate hallway. Right: Six women in white with red sashes hold bottles, smiling outside "The Hut."
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot at the Hut and O'Connor Hall Breezeway by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Smiling woman in a white dress with a red graduation stole stands in an elegant arched hallway with ornate patterns on the floor.
Santa Clara University O'Connor Hall Breezeway graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

A woman in a white dress and red graduation stole smiles in a marble hallway. Sunlit archway and green grass visible in the background.
Santa Clara University O'Connor Hall Breezeway graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Couple embracing under an ornate archway, decorated with marble and patterned tiles. Both are dressed in white, conveying a romantic mood.
Santa Clara University O'Connor Hall Breezeway graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Young man stands in ornate hallway wearing a blue satin stole with Greek letters. The setting features tiled floors and arched ceilings.
Santa Clara University O'Connor Hall Breezeway graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Two men in white shirts and blue sashes point at the camera in a marble hallway. Their sashes feature Greek letters, indicating fraternity.
Santa Clara University O'Connor Hall Breezeway graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Seven women in white dresses hug and smile in a sunny park with palm trees. The mood is joyful and serene.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls standing on the lawns next to the De Saisset Museum by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Eight women in white dresses, smiling and holding hands, stand among palm trees on green grass under a sunny sky.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls standing on the lawns next to the De Saisset Museum by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Graduate in white dress and red stole holds cap up, smiling. Stands on one leg in front of a church with a garden and palm trees.
Santa Clara Graduation photoshoot of girl in front of the Mission at Santa Clara University on campus by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Eight women in white dresses and red stoles celebrate outdoors, holding a "MOONSHINE" house sign. Background: church, palm trees, and flowers.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls standing on the lawns in front of the Mission and cross by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Four people in red sashes smiling in front of a beige building with lush green lawns and flowers, conveying a joyful mood.
Santa Clara University Nobili Residence Hall graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Smiling woman with long hair in a white dress and pink sash, surrounded by vibrant red roses, standing outside a building with windows.
Santa Clara University Nobili Residence Hall graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Four people in colorful dresses and red sashes smile outside a beige building with ornate architecture, creating a festive, celebratory mood.
Santa Clara University Nobili Residence Hall graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Smiling woman in white dress with red stole stands amidst pink flowers, blurred background with tiled roof and columns. Celebratory mood.
Santa Clara University Nobili Residence Hall graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Woman in a white dress and red stole, smiling in a garden with blooming pink roses. Background features greenery and a rustic roof.
Santa Clara University Nobili Residence Hall graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Nine women in white dresses and red stoles laugh and embrace in a sunny garden with trees and a building in the background.
Santa Clara University gardens behind the mission graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Smiling person in white shirt and navy pants stands on grass. Green trees and building in sunny background create a cheerful mood.
Santa Clara University gardens behind the mission graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Smiling woman in a white dress stands in a sunny park, surrounded by green trees. Her hand rests on her hip. Bright and relaxed mood.
Santa Clara University gardens behind the mission graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Eleven women in white dresses with red sashes pose cheerfully in a sunlit garden setting, with trees and a building in the background.
Santa Clara University gardens behind the mission graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Women in white dresses and red sashes holding bottles, smiling outside "The Hut." Background shows windows and palm trees, sunny atmosphere.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot group of girls by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Barefoot women in white dresses and red stoles celebrate on a crosswalk. One holds a "Brick House" sign. Joyful scene with clear sky.
Santa Clara University Graduation photoshoot group of girls in front of the Hut by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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.

Group of women in white dresses with red stoles walk across a crosswalk, smiling and holding drinks. Bright, sunny day with trees in the background.
Santa Clara University Graduation photoshoot group of girls in front of the Hut by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Women in white dresses and red sashes sit against a brick wall, laughing, holding champagne bottles. Sunlit building reflections in windows.
Santa Clara University Graduation photoshoot group of girls in front of the Hut by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Group of women in white dresses and red stoles, holding champagne bottles, joyfully cross a street near a building labeled "The Hut."
Santa Clara University Graduation photoshoot group of girls in front of the Hut by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Group of women in white dresses, barefoot, excitedly holding drinks under a 7-Eleven sign on a sunny day. Energetic and cheerful mood.
Santa Clara University Graduation photoshoot group of girls by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate. Fun, warm and joyful mood.

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!

Women in white dresses joyfully toast with drinks outside a convenience store. Visible signs say Big Gulp and Monster. Happy and lively mood.
Santa Clara University Graduation photoshoot group of girls at 7-11 by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate. Fun, warm and joyful mood.

Group of smiling women in white dresses with red stoles, posing joyfully in front of a peach house with a "Flamingo" sign, palm trees in background.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot dorm house group of girls by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Three women in white dresses and red sashes stand on a porch, smiling. The house is beige with white trim, creating a happy, sunny scene.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot dorm house group of girls by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Smiling woman in white dress outdoors; couple celebrating graduation, man kissing woman's cheek, red sash, in front of ornate building. Text: Helpful Tips & Ideas.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

Two women in white dresses, one carrying the other playfully on her back, with the Mission at the Santa Clara University campus and greenery in the sunny background.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Smiling woman in a beige blazer outside, standing on a path with green grass and trees in the background. Soft, warm light.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

Nine women in white dresses walk arm-in-arm on a sunny day, facing the mission along the Abby Sobrato Mall at the Santa Clara University campus. Palm trees and a green lawn create a serene background.
Santa Clara University graduation photoshoot by Bay Area Photographers HKCreate.

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!

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