San Diego Graduation Photographer

San Diego has three great university campuses and a coastline that makes every graduation portrait look like it belongs in a magazine. I shoot graduation sessions at SDSU, UCSD, and USD — and regularly combine campus portraits with add-on locations at La Jolla, Mission Beach, Balboa Park, and Coronado.

I have been photographing San Diego graduation sessions since 2013. I know which campus spots produce the best portraits, the best time of day for each location, and exactly how to build a session that gives you the most variety in the least amount of time.

San Diego Campuses I Shoot

San Diego State University (SDSU)

SDSU sits on a hilltop in the heart of San Diego and the campus gives us strong architectural backdrops, wide open plazas, and that classic San Diego sky. Hepner Hall is the most iconic building on campus — the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with its red tile roof and archways is instantly recognizable. The Love Library plazas give us a central campus feel with plenty of space to move. And Mission Beach is just 15 minutes away for a perfect beach add-on.

UC San Diego (UCSD)

Geisel Library is one of the most iconic graduation portrait locations in the country. The dramatic brutalist architecture is unlike anything else on the West Coast. Warren Mall and the Sun God statue are also strong campus locations, and La Jolla Cove is a 10-minute drive for a stunning coastal finish to any session.

University of San Diego (USD)

USD’s Spanish Renaissance campus is criminally underrated for graduation portraits. The white stucco architecture, the blue-domed Immaculata church, colonnaded walkways, and panoramic views of Mission Bay create a backdrop that is completely unique among San Diego universities.

San Diego Add-On Locations

La Jolla Cove — 10 minutes from UCSD, world-class coastal scenery, great for late afternoon golden hour.

Mission Beach / Pacific Beach — 15 minutes from SDSU, classic San Diego beach vibes, excellent for casual or lifestyle portraits.

Balboa Park — lush greenery, fountains, and the stunning Spanish Colonial Revival architecture of one of San Diego’s most famous landmarks. Works as a standalone location or a campus add-on.

Coronado Beach — 30 minutes from most campuses, the Hotel del Coronado backdrop and wide open beach make for stunning portraits.

When to Book Your San Diego Graduation Session

San Diego graduation sessions are available fall and spring. Spring is the busiest season — SDSU, UCSD, and USD all have May ceremonies and spots fill up fast. Reach out at least 4 to 6 weeks before your graduation date. The earlier you book, the better your pick of dates and times.

What to Expect

Sessions are relaxed, fully guided, and planned around you. We move through 2 to 4 locations and I handle all posing direction from start to finish. A sneak peek lands in your inbox that same evening. Your complete edited gallery is delivered within one week through a private online gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shoot at multiple San Diego campuses in one session?
In most cases it makes more sense to pick one campus and add a non-campus location like La Jolla Cove or Balboa Park. Multi-campus sessions are possible but require more time. Reach out and we can build the right plan for your graduation.

What are the best graduation photo locations in San Diego?
Geisel Library at UCSD and Hepner Hall at SDSU are the two most iconic campus spots. For non-campus locations, La Jolla Cove and Balboa Park are consistently stunning. La Jolla Cove especially — the combination of the cliffs, the water, and the California light is hard to beat.

How early should I book for SDSU or UCSD graduation season?
As early as possible. May graduation season at San Diego schools starts filling up in late February and March. If you have a specific date in mind, do not wait.

How much does a San Diego graduation session cost?
Full pricing is on my pricing page. Sessions include professional editing, multiple locations, and a private gallery.

Do you shoot beach graduation photos in San Diego?
Yes, and it’s one of my favorite add-ons. La Jolla, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Coronado are all options depending on where you’re coming from and what vibe you want. Beach add-ons pair perfectly with campus portraits to give your gallery real range.