Bay Area graduation photography
UC Berkeley Graduation Photographer
Clean, directed graduation portraits around Berkeley's most iconic campus spots — Sather Gate, the Campanile, Memorial Glade, and more. I guide every session so you always know what to do and the photos feel natural.
About this location
Grad sessions at Berkeley
UC Berkeley is one of the best campuses in the Bay Area for grad portraits — varied architecture, mature trees, and landmark spots that photograph beautifully at any time of day. I've shot here across multiple graduation seasons and know which spots work best in morning light versus afternoon, which areas fill up fast on ceremony days, and how to route the session efficiently so nothing feels rushed.
Berkeley sessions include a $35 travel fee from San Francisco.
Spring graduation season (May) 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 Berkeley
Sather Gate
The most iconic Berkeley landmark. Best in early morning before it fills with foot traffic. The arch frames portraits cleanly against the plaza.
Campanile (Sather Tower)
Strong architectural backdrop with great contrast. The surrounding plaza and wide angles give plenty of variety within a few steps.
Memorial Glade
Open lawn with mature trees and soft light. Works especially well for wide, editorial compositions and group shots.
Faculty Glade
Tucked away with redwood canopy and dappled light. One of the more serene and less crowded spots on campus.
See all Berkeleygraduation 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 Berkeley sessions
Timing & light
Best time for Berkeley grad photos
Sather Gate and the Campanile plaza are best in early morning, when the light is soft and the campus is quiet before foot traffic builds. Memorial Glade and Faculty Glade hold beautiful dappled light later in the day, so a morning start lets us catch the landmarks first and finish under the trees.
Wardrobe
What to wear at Berkeley
Berkeley's stone, brick, and deep-green canopy make a rich backdrop, so solid, saturated colors read better than busy patterns. Bring your stole and any honor cords — they pop against the gown — and a second casual look photographs well on Memorial Glade once the cap-and-gown frames are done.
Common questions
Berkeley grad photo FAQ
What are the best photo spots at UC Berkeley?
Sather Gate, the Campanile (Sather Tower), Memorial Glade, and Faculty Glade are the signature backdrops. In one session we usually hit two or three landmarks plus a quieter, tree-shaded spot for relaxed frames.
When should we shoot to avoid crowds at Sather Gate?
Early morning is best — Sather Gate and the central plaza fill with foot traffic as the day goes on, so an early start keeps the iconic shots clean.
Can we take photos around commencement day?
Yes, though ceremony days and the surrounding weekend are the busiest and book up first. If you want photos near your ceremony date, reach out early so we can lock in a time.
How early should I book a Berkeley grad session?
Spring (May) is peak season and fills quickly. Inquiring a few weeks to a month ahead gives the best choice of dates, especially for weekend and golden-hour slots.
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 Berkeley grad shoot
From the journal
Recent Berkeley sessions
More Bay Area campuses
Other campuses I shoot
Ready to book your Berkeley grad session?
Send the date, campus, and headcount. I’ll reply within 24 hours with availability and next steps.