Eight female graduates in maroon and gold caps and gowns celebrate outdoors, tossing caps in front of a university building.

College has a way of making four years feel both incredibly long and unbelievably fast. One day you're moving into your freshman dorm, and the next you're picking up your cap and gown.


Somewhere between late-night study sessions, football games, coffee runs, and internships, your time at Arizona State became a chapter you'll always look back on.


Every semester, thousands of graduates celebrate in the same iconic places across campus. But after photographing more than 500 ASU graduates over the past five graduation seasons, I've learned that memorable graduation photos aren't defined by where they're taken.


They're defined by the person in them and everything those four years represent.


That's also why I created this guide. Graduation photos should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

My goal is to take the guesswork out of planning so you can spend less time worrying about where to go, what to bring, or when to schedule your session, and more time enjoying one of the biggest milestones of your college experience. Inside, you'll find everything from the best photo locations and the busiest times on campus to planning tips and the little details that can make all the difference.


My hope is that when you look back on these photos years from now, they won't just remind you that you graduated. They'll remind you of the people, places, and memories that made your time at ASU unforgettable.

Young woman photographer smiling outdoors holding DSLR camera with rocky desert mountain landscape at golden hour.
Meet the Photographer

Hi! I'm Sierra

Over the past five graduation seasons, I've photographed more than 500 ASU graduates, helping students celebrate one of the biggest milestones of their lives.


I graduated from Arizona State University in December 2024, but my career as an ASU graduation photographer started long before I walked across the stage myself. While I was still a student, I built my photography business photographing fellow Sun Devils. By the time I graduated, that business had become my full-time career. Since 2022, I've spent countless days on ASU's campus learning which locations photograph best, when campus is busiest, and the little details that make graduation sessions feel effortless instead of stressful.


This guide is everything I've learned along the way. Whether you're planning months in advance or just picked up your cap and gown, my hope is that it helps you feel prepared, confident, and excited for your graduation photos.


Get in touch
Young woman in white dress tossing graduation cap in front of brick university building steps.

Everything You'll Find in This Guide


Before we dive in, here's what we'll cover:


The best graduation photo locations on ASU's Tempe campus

When to schedule your graduation photos

How to prepare for your graduation session

Answers to the most common ASU graduation photo questions

The Best Graduation Photo Locations at Arizona State University



While Old Main is often the first location that comes to mind, some of my favorite graduation galleries include so much more than the campus's most recognizable landmark. Mixing iconic locations with a few places that were meaningful during your time at ASU creates a gallery that feels personal and tells a more complete story.


Here are my favorite graduation photo locations around ASU.

Smiling blonde woman in white dress raises maroon graduation cap outside brick university building with stairs.
Young woman in white dress and yellow graduation stole raises diploma by a fountain, celebrating her graduation day.
Blonde woman in white backless dress holding burgundy clutch on brick pathway outside red brick building.
Arizona State University sign with yellow flowers, students walking on campus with red brick buildings under blue sky.
Two college graduates in Pi Kappa Alpha stoles pose proudly outside a red brick university building on graduation day.
A blonde woman in a white maxi dress stands on an ornate balcony with palm trees and a red building behind her.
Graduate in cap and gown poses beside large gold 2026 sign on college campus with fountain and brick building behind.
Young woman in white dress and maroon graduation cap and gown poses on brick path at sunset.
Two college graduates in maroon and gold stoles hold caps while walking hand in hand outside a brick university building.
Smiling blonde graduate in maroon gown with Alpha Phi sash poses on sunlit campus steps.
Smiling female graduate wearing gold stole holds diploma on brick campus path with red brick building background.
Young woman in white dress holding maroon graduation cap on university steps with cactus backdrop.
Smiling blonde graduate in white dress holds maroon cap aloft, wearing Alpha Phi sash on brick campus steps.
Graduate in maroon cap and gown raises tassel bouquet triumphantly in front of historic brick university building steps.
Smiling graduate in maroon gown raises cap triumphantly outdoors near palm trees and brick building.
Smiling blonde woman in white backless gown holding maroon graduation cap on brick path.
Smiling graduate in white dress holds maroon cap, wearing gold sash on brick university steps.
Smiling graduate in maroon cap and gown poses by Normal School 1894 brick wall, holding cap triumphantly.
A young woman in a white dress and yellow graduation stole walks along a palm-lined campus pathway.
Smiling blonde college graduate holding Arizona State University cap and wearing gold sash outdoors near brick building.
A young woman in a white dress and gold graduation stole holds her cap by a 2020 sign on a sunny campus.
Blonde woman in white backless dress holding burgundy clutch, posing outdoors near brick building on sunny day.
Young woman in maroon graduation gown with gold stole smiles on a balcony, celebrating her academic achievement.
Blonde woman in maroon graduation gown smiles on ornate balcony with palm trees and brick building.
Graduate in white dress and sash tosses bouquet on steps of historic brick building.
Smiling young woman in white dress holding maroon graduation cap with gold sash outdoors on a sunny day.
Smiling blonde woman in white dress leaning on ornate railing near brick building in warm sunlight.
Young woman in white dress holds maroon graduation cap aloft on bridge, wearing ASU sash and stole.
Smiling graduate in white dress and gold sash poses on brick path surrounded by palm trees at sunset.
A young woman in a maroon graduation gown and gold stole raises her cap triumphantly on a sunny campus.
Graduate in maroon cap and gown tossing mortarboard into air beside palm trees on sunny campus walkway.
A smiling female graduate in white gown with colorful sashes poses by a fountain on a sunny campus.
Smiling blonde graduate in white dress and Pi Beta Phi sash raises maroon cap outdoors on brick plaza.
Smiling female graduate in maroon cap and gold stole poses in front of large 2020 graduation sign outdoors.
Arizona State University sign with red brick buildings and yellow flowers on the Tempe campus.
Young woman in white dress with gold graduation stole holds maroon cap by a fountain outdoors.
Blonde woman in white backless mini dress and heels posing on ornate balcony with palm trees at sunset.
Two college graduates in regalia sit smiling by a fountain on campus, one wearing a Pi Kappa Alpha stole.
Graduate in maroon cap and gown walks up stone steps of a university building on graduation day.
Smiling blonde woman in white mini dress and heels poses on ornate balcony with palm trees at sunset.
Two college graduates pose on steps wearing Greek organization stoles, smiling together in graduation attire.
Smiling blonde woman in white gown holding burgundy graduation cap on brick path with red building backdrop.
Young woman in white dress and gold graduation stole poses outdoors near brick building steps.
A joyful woman in a white dress pops champagne outdoors near a red brick building and palm tree.
Blonde woman in white sleeveless dress leaning on ornate railing in warm golden sunset light.
Smiling blonde woman in white dress holding Pi Beta Phi graduation cap on sunny campus lawn.
Smiling college graduate wearing gold stole and honor cords poses on a red building balcony with palm trees.
Three women in Pi Beta Phi graduation sashes and white gowns pose by a fountain celebrating their college graduation.
Young woman in white dress tossing graduation cap in front of brick university building steps.

Old Main

If you're only taking photos in one location, Old Main is the place to do it.


As the oldest building on ASU's campus, it's become the iconic backdrop for graduation photos and is one of the most recognizable landmarks at Arizona State University. The grand staircase, the fountain, historic architecture, brick walkways, and surrounding palm trees create a timeless look that never goes out of style. It's a location I include in almost every graduation session because it instantly says, "I graduated from ASU."

Young woman in white dress holding burgundy graduation cap walks along palm tree-lined path in sunny desert setting.
Smiling graduate in maroon gown and gold sash holds cap among palm trees on sunny campus walkway.
Two college graduates wearing gold graduation stoles walk together outdoors among palm trees.
Young woman in white dress holding champagne bottle celebrates outdoors along palm tree-lined pathway in heels.
Two graduates in maroon caps and gowns walk hand in hand along a palm tree-lined path.
A smiling graduate in a white romper holds a maroon cap and gown while walking among palm trees on a sunny day.
Young woman in white dress holding maroon graduation cap walks along palm tree-lined path in warm sunlight.
Two graduates in formal attire walk hand-in-hand along a palm tree-lined path, raising their mortarboards in celebration.
A smiling graduate in maroon cap and gown celebrates outdoors among tall palm trees, joyfully raising her cap.
Woman in white dress holding graduation cap walks palm tree-lined path in golden hour light.
Two graduates in maroon caps and gowns celebrate outdoors along a palm tree-lined walkway.
Young woman in white romper holding a maroon graduation cap poses on a palm tree-lined pathway in golden hour light.
Young woman in maroon graduation gown and cap raised high, celebrating outdoors among palm trees on a sunny campus.
Young woman in white mini dress and heels drinking from champagne bottle outdoors near palm trees.
A young woman in a white dress poses joyfully on a palm tree-lined walkway in a sunny resort setting.
Smiling graduate in maroon cap and gown with gold sash poses outdoors among palm trees on graduation day.
A smiling graduate in a white dress and gold sash poses on a palm tree-lined path outdoors.
Young woman in white dress drinking champagne bottle outdoors, palm trees background, golden hour lighting.
Young woman in white dress celebrates graduation, holding cap and maroon gown among palm trees on a sunny campus.

Palm Walk

Palm Walk is one of the most recognizable spots on ASU's Tempe campus.


Framed by rows of towering palm trees, the long walkway adds beautiful depth to portraits and is one of my favorite places for natural, candid moments.


One thing to keep in mind is that Palm Walk is one of the busiest pathways on campus, with students constantly walking to and from class throughout the day. If you want fewer people in the background, I recommend scheduling this part of your session in the morning or on a weekend when campus is a little quieter.

A smiling graduate in a black dress and gold sash poses outdoors on a campus bridge with red flowers in the background.
Elegant blonde woman in a burgundy dress reading a book while sitting on a stool in a modern library.
Smiling blonde graduate celebrates in front of Hayden Library steps, raising her cap while posing in black dress and heels.
Woman in gold dress standing on books reaching for shelf in modern library aisle with white bookcases.
Blonde woman in black dress with maroon and gold graduation regalia sits on stone steps holding a cap.
Blonde woman in burgundy graduation gown reading a book while seated beside library shelves filled with books.
Young blonde woman in black strapless dress smiling outdoors on green lawn with palm trees and buildings in background.
Young blonde woman in black dress wearing maroon graduation stole poses in library for graduation photo.
Young woman in white graduation gown and gold stole raises maroon cap on university campus steps.
A smiling woman in a yellow graduation gown and stole sits on a library floor holding a book.
Two college graduates wearing gold stoles pose together on a sunny campus terrace.
Young blonde woman in yellow satin dress poses with books in a library.
Young man in white shirt and gold graduation stole smiling on a terrace with pink flowers and trees.
Young woman in cream dress with maroon and gold graduation stole holds cap in library hallway.
Young woman in yellow dress holding maroon graduation cap smiles outdoors on sunny college campus.
Blonde woman in gold dress holding books in library aisle with burgundy wrap.
Woman in gold satin dress posing elegantly between library bookshelves wearing blue heels.
Young woman in gold satin dress posing elegantly beside white library bookshelves with heels.
Young woman in graduation attire poses on a balcony outside Hayden Library at Arizona State University.
Young woman in black dress wearing red and gold graduation stole poses in a library for senior portraits.
Young woman in white dress and yellow graduation sash raises hand outdoors at Stanford University campus.
Smiling blonde woman in black strapless dress poses outdoors on green lawn with palm trees and building in background.
Two smiling college graduates in gold stoles share a joyful moment on a campus terrace.
Blonde woman in black dress with maroon graduation stole poses in a modern library for graduation photos.
Woman in gold satin dress sitting on library floor reading a red book among white bookshelves.
Young woman in graduation sash making hand sign, posing outdoors at sunny campus with terracotta architecture.
Two smiling young women posing outdoors on grass with palm trees and building behind them.
Young woman in black dress and gold graduation stole smiling outdoors at university campus on a cloudy day.
Woman in yellow satin dress adjusting blue heels beside white bookshelves in a library.

Hayden Library

Hayden Library is one of the most versatile graduation photo locations on ASU's campus.


From the bookshelves inside to the surrounding lawn and walkways outside, it's easy to capture a variety of different looks in one stop.


It's also one of the quieter photo locations on campus, making it an easy addition to almost any graduation session. Just be mindful of students studying while taking photos inside the library.


Smiling blonde woman in white lace romper and heels holding a maroon graduation cap on a pathway.
Two smiling graduates in white dresses and gold stoles hold maroon caps outside a brick building.
Blonde woman in white lace dress with gold sash holds maroon graduation cap outside brick building.
Smiling graduate in white dress holds maroon cap with gold tassel, wearing gold stole outside brick building.
Smiling graduate in white dress and gold honor stole holds maroon cap outdoors near flowering hedges.
Two smiling female graduates in white dresses wearing gold graduation stoles pose together outdoors near a brick building.
Blonde woman in white lace dress with gold graduation sash posing in front of a brick building.
Young woman in white dress and gold graduation stole kneels proudly holding maroon cap outside university building.

West Hall

If you're looking for the classic college campus look, West Hall is a perfect location. The historic building, white columns, and symmetrical walkways create a timeless backdrop that feels elegant without being overly busy.


Because the front of the building receives direct sunlight for much of the day, I recommend photographing here in the early morning or closer to sunset for the most flattering light.

Young woman in white midi dress holding burgundy clutch, posing outdoors in sunlit garden with lush green trees.
Young woman in white dress holding graduation cap, sitting on steps outside a university building.
Young woman in white strapless dress sitting gracefully on green grass in a sunlit garden.
Young woman in white dress holding gold graduation stole leans against white brick wall for graduation photos.
Young woman in white halter dress holding burgundy clutch, posing gracefully on a porch railing with lush greenery behind her.
Woman in white sundress with bow shoulders holds burgundy clutch outdoors in golden hour light.
Young woman in light blue dress and gold graduation stole holds maroon cap outdoors on campus walkway.
Woman in white midi dress holding burgundy clutch stands on green lawn before white building with flowering trees.
Young woman in white dress holding maroon graduation cap with gold stole outdoors on campus grounds.
Woman in white midi dress holding burgundy clutch stands on green lawn beside blooming jacaranda tree.
Young woman in graduation attire with maroon cap and gold stole sits on steps outdoors at university campus.
Young woman in white graduation gown with gold sash holds maroon cap while posing outdoors on campus steps.
Young woman in white dress with gold graduation stole crouches on grass holding maroon cap.
Woman in white midi dress twirling barefoot on green lawn, popping champagne confetti cannon near flowering trees.
Smiling graduate in white dress with gold honor stole holds maroon cap on sunny campus walkway.
Young woman in white dress holding gold graduation stole, posing outdoors near white building and trees.
Young woman in white graduation gown wearing Alpha Phi sorority stole, smiling outdoors on a sunny day.
Woman in white midi dress and nude heels holding burgundy clutch, smiling outdoors on green lawn.
Woman in white strapless maxi dress sitting on grass in sunlit garden, shielding eyes from sun.
Young woman in white skirt and yellow top poses outdoors near red flowering tree and white building at dusk.
Woman in white sundress sitting on steps, holding a burgundy graduation cap, posing outdoors in warm sunlight.
Young woman in white dress and graduation stole sits on steps holding maroon cap outdoors.

Secret Garden

One of my favorite ways to add variety to a graduation gallery is stopping by the Secret Garden. The mature trees, white brick walls, and peaceful setting create a more natural backdrop that's a beautiful contrast to ASU's iconic campus landmarks.


If you're looking for a softer, more relaxed portrait style, this is one of my favorite places on campus.


Graduate poses outside the W. P. Carey School of Business building, holding a maroon tassel at Arizona State University.
A smiling graduate in maroon cap and gown poses in front of the W.P. Carey School of Business building.
Smiling graduate in white dress and gold stole holds diploma outside W.P. Carey School of Business.
Smiling graduate in white dress raises cap in front of W.P. Carey School of Business building.
Graduate in maroon gown tosses cap in front of W.P. Carey School of Business building at Arizona State University.
Graduate in maroon cap and gown hugs a woman outside W.P. Carey School of Business building.
Smiling graduate in maroon cap and gown poses in front of W.P. Carey School of Business building.
Smiling graduate in white dress holds maroon cap and gown outside W.P. Carey School of Business building.

WP Carey School of Business

For W. P. Carey graduates, this is one of the most meaningful places to include in your graduation gallery. The iconic W. P. Carey School of Business sign is a great way to celebrate the college where you spent the last several years working toward your degree.


While ASU's campus landmarks are a must, I always encourage graduates to include at least one location that's personal to their own college experience. Those photos often become some of the most meaningful in your gallery.


Tip: No matter your major, consider including a building, college, or campus location that's meaningful to your ASU experience. Whether it's W. P. Carey, or another place where you spent countless hours, those personal locations help tell your story and make your graduation gallery yours.


When Should You Take Your ASU Graduation Photos?


The timing of your graduation session can make a big difference in your experience on campus. After photographing ASU graduates over the past five graduation seasons, I've learned that choosing the right time of day can help you avoid crowds and make the most of each location. Here are my biggest recommendations when planning your graduation photos

Schedule an Early Morning Session if Old Main Is Your Priority


If getting photos on the iconic Old Main stairs is at the top of your list, I highly recommend scheduling your graduation session on a weekday morning or afternoon.


Old Main is one of the busiest graduation photo locations on campus, especially during the weeks leading up to graduation. By sunset, it's common to see a long line of graduates waiting for their turn on the stairs.


Scheduling earlier in the day gives you a much better chance of photographing the staircase without other groups waiting or taking photos in the background.

Save the Nature Spots for Sunset


Sunset creates beautiful, golden light, but it's also the busiest time of day for graduation photos at Old Main. During graduation season, it's common to see lines for the Old Main stairs, the fountain, and the large ASU graduation numbers as students wait for their turn to take photos.


I recommend taking advantage of the evening light at locations like Palm Walk, the Hayden Library lawn or Secret Garden instead.


Not only are these spots beautiful during golden hour, but Old Main also becomes more shaded as the sun gets lower, making it darker to photograph.



You'll often get the best combination of beautiful light and fewer crowds by saving the more open, natural locations for sunset and photographing Old Main earlier in the day.

Don't Wait Until Graduation Week


If your schedule allows, I recommend taking your graduation photos at least a few weeks before graduation rather than waiting until graduation week.


As commencement gets closer, campus becomes much busier with graduates, families, and photographers. Popular locations like Old Main can have long lines throughout the day. Planning ahead gives you a more relaxed experience and makes it easier to enjoy your time on campus.

Keep Campus Events in Mind


ASU hosts events throughout the semester that can affect Old Main photo locations. Homecoming, alumni events, ROTC ceremonies, and other campus activities occasionally take over spaces like Old Main or nearby lawns.


It's worth checking the ASU events calendar before choosing your session date. A little planning can help you avoid unexpected crowds or temporary closures.

How to Prepare for Your Graduation Session


A little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few things I always recommend before your photoshoot.

Steam Your Cap, Gown & Stole

A wrinkled gown or stole is one of the easiest things to notice in photos, and one of the easiest things to fix. Hanging everything up the night before or giving it a quick steam beforehand can make a huge difference in your final gallery.


Wear an Outfit You Can Move In

Choose an outfit that feels like you, but make sure it's one you can comfortably walk, sit, and move around in. Graduation sessions often include walking across campus, sitting on steps, and moving between locations, so it's worth trying your outfit on beforehand to make sure it feels just as good as it looks.

If you're planning to wear heels, consider bringing a comfortable pair of shoes to wear between locations and changing into your graduation shoes once you arrive.


Bring Meaningful Details

The most memorable graduation galleries include details that tell your story. Whether it's your honors cords, sorority stole, flowers, sports equipment, or something related to your future career, those personal touches help celebrate everything that made your college experience meaningful.


Bring the People Who Matter Most

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating with the people who helped you get there. Parents, siblings, grandparents, roommates, best friends, and significant others can all be part of your graduation gallery, whether they're in a few photos or simply there to celebrate alongside you.


Check the Little Details Before You Start

Before you begin taking photos, take a quick minute to look over the details. Straighten your stole, make sure your tassel is sitting correctly, smooth out your gown, empty your pockets, and remove anything from your wrists that you don't want in your photos. These small adjustments only take a minute, but they can make a big difference in your final images.

FAQ

When should I take my graduation photos?

For the best experience, I recommend scheduling your graduation photos a few weeks before graduation rather than waiting until graduation week. Popular locations like Old Main become much busier as commencement approaches, and you'll have more flexibility with dates and times earlier in the season.

What time of day is best for graduation photos?

It depends on your priorities. If Old Main is at the top of your list, a weekday morning or afternoon typically offers the best chance of photographing the iconic staircase without long lines. If you're hoping for beautiful golden light, sunset is perfect for more open locations like Palm Walk or the Secret Garden.

Where Should I Park for ASU Graduation Photos?

If you're planning photos around Old Main, there are two convenient parking options nearby:


ASU Fulton Center Garage is the closest public parking garage to Old Main.


First United Methodist Church (215 E University Dr.) offers paid parking Monday through Saturday through AirGarage and is located directly next to Old Main. The church parking lot is not available on Sundays

Are Champagne Photos Allowed at ASU?

No. Arizona State University is a dry campus, meaning alcohol is not permitted on university property. If you'd like the look of a champagne spray photo, non-alcoholic sparkling cider is a great alternative and photographs almost identically.

When Does the Number Sign Go Up?

The large ASU graduation sign is typically installed in early April for spring graduation and early November for fall graduation.

What Are the Best Graduation Photo Locations at ASU?

Old Main, Palm Walk, Hayden Library, West Hall, and the Secret Garden are some of the most popular graduation photo locations on ASU's Tempe campus.


Scroll back to the location guide above for photos, recommendations, and tips for each location.

Woman in brown dress holding a DSLR camera smiling in Arizona desert with saguaro cactus background.

 

Ready for a Stress-Free Graduation Session?

 



If you've made it this far, I hope this guide helped answer your biggest questions and made planning your graduation photos feel a little less overwhelming.


After photographing more than 500 ASU graduates over the past five graduation seasons, I've learned that the best graduation photos come from more than just beautiful locations. They come from knowing the campus, planning around the crowds, finding the best light, and creating an experience where you can simply enjoy celebrating everything you've accomplished.


When you book with me, my goal is to make the entire process feel easy, from helping you choose the best locations and timing to guiding you through your session so you can focus on celebrating this milestone.


What you can expect:


✓ An experienced ASU graduation photographer who knows the campus inside and out.


✓ A relaxed, organized experience with guidance every step of the way, so you never have to wonder what comes next.


✓ A timeless gallery that celebrates both the iconic ASU landmarks and the moments that made your college experience unforgettable.


Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and I'd be honored to help you celebrate it.




Book your ASU Graduation Session