Bay Area graduation photography
Stanford University Graduation Photographer
Clean, directed graduation portraits around Stanford's most iconic campus spots — the Main Quad, Memorial Church, Palm Drive, and Hoover Tower. I guide every session so you always know what to do and the photos feel natural.
About this location
Grad sessions at Stanford
Stanford is one of the most striking campuses in the Bay Area for grad portraits — sandstone arches, the mosaic facade of Memorial Church, and the long palm approach give sessions a grand, editorial feel. I've shot grad sessions across the Peninsula and South Bay and know which Stanford spots hold the best light through the afternoon, which areas stay quiet on busy ceremony days, and how to route a session so you get real variety without ever feeling rushed.
Stanford sessions include a $45 travel fee from San Francisco.
Spring graduation season (June) books quickly — inquire early if you have a specific date in mind.
What's included
Every grad session includes
✓Professionally guided posing and direction throughout
✓Multiple on-campus location selections
✓50+ professionally edited images
✓Private online gallery with download link
✓Up to 2-week standard turnaround
✓Clear communication from inquiry to delivery
Campus locations
Where we shoot at Stanford
Main Quad & Memorial Church
The signature Stanford backdrop. Sandstone arcades and the gold-mosaic facade of MemChu make instantly recognizable, timeless portraits. Soft, even light fills the arches through the afternoon.
Palm Drive
The long palm-lined approach to campus offers dramatic symmetry and depth. Best framed toward the foothills late in the day for a warm, polished look.
Hoover Tower
A landmark vertical backdrop with clean architectural lines. The surrounding lawns and walkways give plenty of variety within a short walk.
The Oval & Arizona Cactus Garden
Open lawn for wide, editorial compositions and the classic cap-toss, plus the unique textures of the historic cactus garden just a short walk away.
See all Stanfordgraduation photo spots & the best time for each →
New to grad photos? The Bay Area graduation photo guide covers what to wear, posing, how to prepare, and the best campus spots before your session.
Quick reference
Starting rate
$350 / hour
Session length
1, 1.5, 2 hours
Retainer
50% non-refundable
Balance
Due on or before the session date
Turnaround
Up to 2 weeks
Delivery
Private online gallery
Response time
Within 24 hours
Recent work
Recent Stanford sessions
Timing & light
Best time for Stanford grad photos
Stanford's sandstone arcades and the Memorial Church facade hold soft, even light through much of the afternoon, so there's flexibility in timing. Palm Drive and the Oval look their best late in the day, framed toward the foothills — a mid-to-late-afternoon start lets us work the Quad first and finish on Palm Drive in warm light.
Wardrobe
What to wear at Stanford
The warm sandstone and gold mosaic of MemChu pair beautifully with earth tones, cream, and richer jewel colors; stark white can blend into the stone, so a little color helps you stand out. Comfortable shoes help — there's a fair walk between the Quad, Hoover Tower, and Palm Drive.
Common questions
Stanford grad photo FAQ
What are the best photo spots at Stanford?
The Main Quad and Memorial Church are the signature backdrop, along with Palm Drive, Hoover Tower, and the Oval. The Arizona Cactus Garden is a unique option a short walk away.
What's the best time of day for Stanford grad photos?
The Quad and MemChu arches stay soft and even through the afternoon, while Palm Drive and the Oval shine late in the day — so a mid-to-late-afternoon session captures both looks.
Can we shoot around Commencement?
Yes. Stanford's June graduation season is the busiest stretch, so if you want photos near your ceremony date, inquire early to secure a time.
How much walking is involved in a Stanford session?
Some — the landmarks are spread across campus, so we plan an efficient route. Bring comfortable shoes and we'll cover the highlights without rushing.
Client experiences
What Bay Area grads say about working with me
Recent graduates from across the Bay Area on their session with me.
“Chris did my SJSU grad photos and I was absolutely in love with them! He is professional, knowledgeable, and knows how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. He guides you through the entire shoot, has a fast turnaround, and his knowledge of local Bay Area schools is helpful because he knows all the good spots to shoot at. Highly, highly recommend 😇”
“Chris exceeded my expectations, I'm so happy I booked my graduation shoot with him! Super professional, easy to work with, and the photoshoot was fun! During the session, he made me feel comfortable and gave great direction while still making everything feel natural. My photos turned out beautiful, I'll definitely be cherishing them!”
Plan your session
Everything for your Stanford grad shoot
More Bay Area campuses
Other campuses I shoot
Ready to book your Stanford grad session?
Send the date, campus, and headcount. I’ll reply within 24 hours with availability and next steps.