Congratulations University of San Francisco Class of 2026!
Graduating from the University of San Francisco is a major milestone, and professional graduation photos are a wonderful way to commemorate your achievements. With its historic architecture, lush greenery, and sweeping city and Bay views, USF’s campus offers a variety of beautiful backdrops for memorable portraits. Whether you’re capturing solo moments or celebrating with friends, a graduation photoshoot here preserves the memories of your time at the university in a timeless, personal way.
Why Take Graduation Photos at the University of San Francisco Campus?
The USF campus is full of character and memorable settings, making it ideal for graduation portraits. Photos here not only mark the end of your academic journey but also preserve the memories of your time at the university, from friendships and late-night study sessions to personal growth and accomplishments.
Graduation photos are perfect for:
- Family announcements
- Prints, for your home or graduation party
- Professional profiles, such as LinkedIn
- Social media posts
Best Locations for Photos at the University of San Francsico:
Lone Mountain Main Building
Lone Mountain is one of USF’s most recognizable backdrops. The historic architecture of the building make it perfect for classic cap-and-gown portraits. I like to get photos here in front of the main door, sitting on the steps, and some farther away shots to show the scale of the building in the background.
Palm Tree-Lined Courtyard
The palm-lined walkway in front of Lone Mountain is the perfect place to start your grad portraits. The symmetry of the palms with the building in the background create a classic, polished look that works beautifully for both solo portraits and group shots. We would definitely do some walking photos here!
Gleeson Plaza
Gleeson Plaza is a versatile spot with open spaces, fountains, and surrounding campus architecture. It’s ideal for capturing celebratory moments like a champagne pop, relaxed candid portraits, and the space offers a great opportunity for group photos as well.
St. Ignatius Church
St. Ignatius Church offers a grand, stunning architectural backdrop. The building exudes historic charm and adds a sense of tradition and ceremony to your graduation portraits.
Significant Buildings Related to Your Major
Consider taking photos near buildings that are meaningful to your academic journey. This adds a personal touch to your session and highlights where key experiences and achievements took place.
The Library
I absolutely love taking photos inside USF’s library. I heard some student nickname it the “Harry Potter” library - and for good reason! Its bookshelves, warm wood tones, and cozy nooks provide a dramatic yet elegant indoor backdrop for portraits, perfect for capturing a scholarly, timeless vibe.
The Steps
The grand staircase joining together the upper and lower parts of campus make for a great photo op. I love to take photos sitting or standing in the archway, and some from the top of the stairs with sweeping views of the city in the background.
John Lo Schiavo Center for Science
Inside this "Center for Science and Innovation" is a specific hallway I like to take photos in, pictured below. The hallway is lined in a way that feels ultra-modern and sleek. Consider taking some headshots here!
What to Wear & Bring for your University of SF Graduation Photos:
The Basics: Cap & Gown
Even if you don’t plan to wear your cap and gown for the entire session, bringing them is important. They can be used as props, whether tossing your cap in the air or draping your gown over your shoulder. If you will wear your cap, practicing how it sits in advance helps you feel confident during photos.
Outfit Tips
Neutral tones like white, tan, beige, or black work well against USF’s architecture and greenery. Avoid bold patterns or visible logos. Dresses, jumpsuits, or tailored outfits all photograph beautifully, and accessories can help elevate your look. Be sure your clothing is camera-ready—wrinkles, visible straps, and tags are difficult to edit out.
Touch Ups
I would recommend you bring a small bag with essentials like lip balm, powder, or a comb for quick touch-ups. If your session involves walking across campus, consider a second pair of shoes for comfort. Longer sessions allow time for an outfit change, whether for a casual look, professional photos, or something representing a club or team you were part of.
Props & Champagne
You’re welcome to bring props that highlight your school spirit or your field of study. Ideas include a university flag, favorite textbooks, or items connected to your major—like a stethoscope for nursing students. To end your graduation session on a celebratory note, many grads include a champagne pop. The excitement of popping champagne create lively, memorable photos that perfectly capture the joy of celebrating your achievement.
When to Schedule Your USF Graduation Photos
Spring graduation season fills up quickly, so booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date and time. Early mornings, late afternoons, and weekends tend to be quieter, which helps minimize other students in your shots. Keep in mind that full galleries are typically delivered within 4–6 weeks, with 5+ sneak peeks available within a week. Please plan your session accordingly if you need photos by a certain date for announcements or social media.
Solo vs. Group Graduation Sessions
Group sessions are a fun way to celebrate with friends, roommates, or student organizations while still capturing individual portraits. During a group session, we’ll move across campus, taking both larger group shots and quick individual photos at each location.
Solo sessions provide more time at multiple backdrops, with guided posing and a mix of classic and candid shots for a fully personalized experience.
Jennifer Hoehn Photography
What to Expect During Your Graduation Photoshoot with Me
No prior photoshoot experience is needed! My approach is very guided and supportive. During your session, I’ll advise poses, help with natural movement, and capture a mix of poised and candid moments. My main focus is making sure you feel comfortable and confident throughout our time together!
Pricing & Packages for Solo Graduates
Diamond
Diamond
2 hour session
2 locations / 2-3 outfits
5+ "Sneak Peeks" delivered online within 1 week
200+ professionally edited, high-resolution images delivered online within 4-6 weeks
$1,500
Gold
Gold
1 hour session
1 location / 1-2 outfits
5+ "Sneak Peeks" delivered online within 1 week
100+ professionally edited, high-resolution images delivered online within 4-6 weeks
$800
Silver
Silver
30 minute session
1 location / 1 outfit
5+ "Sneak Peeks" delivered online within 1 week
50+ professionally edited, high-resolution images delivered online within 4-6 weeks
$600
FAQ
How long does a session last?
By far my most popular package option is my hour-long "Gold" session. This seems to be the perfect amount of time to get comfortable in front of the camera, and play around with different poses and backdrops within a location. I also offer a 30 minute "Silver" session, which can be great if you're on a tighter budget. But with half the time and half the amount of photos returned, expect a lot less variety in the images. My 2 hour long "Diamond" session I would only recommend for Group Sessions, or for Solos that want to explore multiple locations and outfit changes.
Can I bring my friends & family?
Friends and family are welcome to accompany you! They can help hype you up from behind the camera, and help carry your things across campus to save time. Please let me know in advance if anyone is accompanying you and if you want a few photos with them.
What about the weather?
Weather is always something to keep in mind when planning your graduation photoshoot. I do allow people to reschedule their sessions in the case of rain. It can also be a fun, spontaneous look to "embrace" the rain, use my clear umbrellas, or take the session indoors to the library or other buildings.
I do not allow rescheduling for wind or cloudiness - overcast days actually provide some of the best, softest lighting!
How many edited photos will I receive?
It depends on which package you select. I deliver 50+ edited photos with my Silver Package, 100+ with my Gold Package, and 200+ with my Diamond Package.
Inquire here to book your University of San Francisco graduation photoshoot!
If you’re looking for USF graduation photos and want a photographer who knows the campus and how to capture timeless, meaningful images, I’d love to work with you. Spring dates are limited, so early booking is recommended. I'm excited to talk more!
