5 captivating spots to consider for ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú graduation photos
Cal State Long Beach Class of 2024: Are you looking for an interesting grad photo location on campus this Commencement season? While there are many iconic and popular photo spots, ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú campus photographer Sean DuFrene offers a few campus spots that aren’t as frequently visited, along with tips of what to keep in mind when you’re setting up the shot.
Here are five locations to consider when taking your grad photos during Commencement season:
1. The Window Wall sculpture
![ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú student Richthida Bovannak](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_max_width/public/images/2024-04/Richthida%20Bovannak-02%20%281%29_0.jpg?itok=09K2gNZx)
Created by Robert Irwin in 1975, is in front of the art store, next to the Fine Arts 4 building. If you frame yourself in the center of the wall, you will be able to capture a beautiful scenic background. Your grad regalia doesn’t always need to be the focal point of the photo. You can don your cap with your outfit, place your regalia in the scene in a more natural way and allow your sense of fashion to shine.
2. The Lovers Bench for a New Millennium sculpture
![ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú student Giovanna Quevedo](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_max_width/public/images/2024-04/Giovanna%20Quevedo-05.jpg?itok=NT48dcOy)
was created by Eugenia Butler in 1993. You can find this spot in the study area behind the Horn Center. A shallow depth of field will help you stand out in the photo from the surrounding environment.
3. The Hardfact sculpture
![ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú student Gigi Givens](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_max_width/public/images/2024-04/Gigi%20Givens-02.jpg?itok=U9n1lm6T)
was created by Kosso Eloul in 1965 and is located on the grassy area next to the Molecular & Life Sciences Center. The best time to take a photo is during an ideal sunny Southern California day. If you choose to take your photos on a gloomy day, fill your background with buildings or nature.
4. Trees next to the Bob and Barbara Ellis Education (EED) building
![ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú student Cheweka Lawson](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_max_width/public/images/2024-04/Cheweka%20Lawson-01.jpg?itok=SWQAr5Lh)
There’s a narrow walkway next to the Bob and Barbara Ellis Education building where you can stand with a scenic background of trees for your photo. In shady environments like this one, try to find rays of sunshine to place on your face to add a special effect from the sun.
5. The Carlson/Bloc Tower
![ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉú student Simon Torwie](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_max_width/public/images/2024-04/Simon%20Torwie-01.jpg?itok=HEwpKE2P)
This was created by Andre Bloc from 1965-1972. If you're tall, like a 6'8" middle blocker on the men's volleyball team, you can have fun and create grad photos near other tall objects on campus.