Top 8 Grad Photo
Spots at Berkeley
UC Berkeley is one of the most historic college campuses in California and capturing the essence of what makes Berkeley so special is essential for any graduation photo shoot. Below are some of the best and most iconic photo spots for UC Berkeley graduates planning their photoshoots. I've also included an interactive map so you can see where all of the spots are.
1. Sather Gate
Sather Gate separates central campus from Sproul Plaza and lies adjacent to Strawberry Creek. It is one of the oldest and most iconic UC Berkeley landmarks. Featured in the 1960s free speech movement as well as many modern protests, the Gate has been a congregation point for as long as it has been around. The aged metal embodies Berkeley’s history and makes for the perfect setting to combine the old with the new during your grad photo shoot. This is also a great spot to do your cap toss!
Best Lighting: 2 hours before sunset - 15 minutes after sunset
2. Doe Library Reading Rooms
There are several large rooms within the main Doe Library which lies adjacent to the Memorial Glade. The main reading rooms offer the perfect setting to capture the scholarly aspects of UC Berkeley. Some common photos here include posing with a book or sitting on one of the ornate chairs. This location is best for solo photos but there are some opportunities for group shots as well.
Best Lighting: 2 hours before sunset - 1 hour before sunset
3. Doe Ledge
Doe Ledge lies at the intersection of University Dr and South Hall Rd in central campus and overlooks Doe Memorial Library as well as the Memorial Glade. This spot is perfect for panoramic views of the iconic Doe Library as well as some reverse shots capturing the Campanile. It also happens to be great for portraits and stole toss photos! This spot is great for both group and individual photos.
Best Lighting: 1 hour before sunset - sunset
4. Campanile (Sather Tower)
The Campanile is visible (and audible) from all over campus and lies at the top of Campanile Way just above Doe Memorial Library. This is probably the most iconic landmark on campus. While there are certainly many great photos to be taken a few hundred yards West or North of the tower, I personally find that the best Campanile shots are taken from Doe Ledge (and lawn) and the Berkeley Hills/Big C.
Best Lighting: 1 hour before sunset - sunset
5. Cherry Blossoms
The most iconic cherry blossoms are located in West campus just above Crescent Lawn, along University Way. This is the perfect location for those seeking some floral portraits for some of their grad photos. The cherry blossoms are typically in full bloom for a week or 2 between late March and early April so if these are important to you, try to plan your shoot accordingly. That said, this location is still beautiful for several weeks after the blossoms bloom.
Best Lighting: 45 minutes before sunset - sunset
6. Hearst Mining
The Hearst Mining Circle is located in Northeast campus between Evans and Stanley Hall. This is a great location to take group photos on the steps of the building or in the field in front of the ring sculpture. There are also great portrait opportunities inside where the historic architecture offers beautiful leading lines for amazing graduation photos. This would be a great location to pop champagne as well!
Best Lighting: 1.5 hours before sunset - sunset
7. Doe Steps
Located directly outside Doe Memorial Library and adjacent to the Memorial Glade, this is a great spot to do a group cap toss or champagne popping photo. The historic architecture and iconic front doors to the library make it a wonderfully memorable spot to take your grad photos.
Best Lighting: 1 hour before sunset - sunset
8. Wheeler Ledge
This spot is just outside Wheeler Hall at the edge of South campus. It is the perfect place to do a stole toss or a cap toss since it offers a wide panoramic frame of Wheeler Hall.
Best Lighting: 1.5 hours before sunset - sunset
