The best places to

Lighting here is highly dependent on timing. During golden hour, the light filters through the palms and creates soft highlights with subtle shadow patterns on the ground. This adds texture without overpowering the subject. Midday light can be harsher and more top-down, so positioning becomes more critical to avoid unflattering shadows.

Perfect backdrop for popping champagne!

Perfect for standing shots as well as sitting!

this is your “clean portfolio shot” location. It produces some of the most polished, high-end looking images in the entire session — the kind that feel like they belong in a professional portfolio rather than just a grad gallery.

Photographer insight: this spot is less about variety and more about nailing a few strong, high-impact images. If executed well, these shots often become the “hero” images of the entire graduation gallery.

Can be taken diagonally or straight on!

Aim to shoot earlier in the day when the natural light is softer and the space is less crowded. Weekdays are usually quieter, and wearing lighter or neutral tones works best to complement the warm interior lighting.

Shoot about 1–2 hours before sunset to get soft light hitting the front of the building. This spot can get busy, so be patient between shots or go on a weekday for fewer people in the background.

Cherry blossoms are only in bloom for a short window in early spring, so timing is key. Plan your shoot during peak bloom and aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get softer lighting.

Shoot from a lower angle on the steps to fully capture the Campanile in the background and create a more powerful, elevated look. This area can get crowded, so aim for early morning or be ready to time your shots between foot traffic.

Perfect spot to showcase props!

One limitation: this spot is more one-dimensional. You won’t get a ton of variety here compared to architectural locations, so it’s best used for a few strong, intentional shots rather than a full sequence.

Lighting is the main variable to control. Because of the building’s height and flat facade, golden hour or slightly diffused light produces the most balanced results. Harsh midday light can flatten the scene and create strong downward shadows, so positioning slightly off-axis or using the building’s shadows becomes important in those conditions.

Shoot about an hour before sunset so the light comes through the walkway at an angle, adding depth and warmth to your photos. Use the center of the path for symmetry shots, then switch to slight angles for more dynamic compositions.

Start your session about an hour before sunset to get soft, even lighting across the front of the church. Use the open lawn to create distance from the building for a more cinematic look, and try incorporating movement (like walking or cap toss shots) to take advantage of the space.

Shoot when the light is coming in from the side to create soft highlights and shadows along the hallway for added depth. Use the center for symmetrical shots, then shift slightly off-center to create more dynamic compositions.