Sac State Graduation Photos: Best Campus Spots, Timing & Cost

9 Sac State campus spots and the best time for each

1. 01

   Guy West Bridge

   Best timeGolden hour, or a weekday morning

   The orange suspension bridge over the American River is the most recognizable Sac State backdrop. Sac State describes it as a mid-1960s bike and pedestrian bridge modeled on the Golden Gate Bridge and named for the university's founding president. Shoot from the campus end for the full sweep of cables, then walk onto the deck for tighter frames. It is a working commuter route, so keep the path clear for cyclists.

2. 02

   The river trail beside the bridge

   Best timeThe last hour before sunset

   Below the bridge, the trail along the American River gives you dry grass, oaks, and water without leaving campus. This stretch connects to the American River Parkway (the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail), and Sac State's Alumni Grove sits alongside the river nearby. It is the softest, most natural-looking spot on this list and a good place for the casual outfit change.

3. 03

   University Library and the Library Quad

   Best timeWeekday morning

   The Library Quad is one of the most used grad photo spots on campus, according to the student newspaper, The State Hornet. You get open lawn, big trees, and the library facade in one place, which makes it the classic diploma frame. There is also a mural near the Library Quad if you want color behind the gown.

4. 04

   University Arboretum

   Best timeMidday is fine here; golden hour is better

   Sac State's arboretum is a botanical garden near the J Street entrance, founded in 1959 and run through the Department of Biological Sciences. The tree cover holds open shade longer than the quads, so this is the fallback when your only free window is the middle of the day. The State Hornet also lists the Arboretum tunnel near the north entrance as a popular spot.

5. 05

   Founders Rose Garden

   Best timeMorning, especially in spring bloom

   The rose garden was planted in memory of Stephen Walker, one of Sac State's founding administrators. Roses are at their best in spring, which lines up well with May graduation. Stay on the paths and out of the beds; shoot from the edges and use the blooms as foreground.

6. 06

   Sacramento State sign at J Street and Carlson Drive

   Best timeEarly morning, before traffic builds

   The campus sign at the north entrance on Carlson Drive at J Street is the frame that says exactly where you graduated. There is a second sign at the south entrance. Stand well back from the road, keep the group small, and get this one done quickly.

7. 07

   Lassen Hall murals

   Best timeAny time the wall is in even shade

   Lassen Hall has murals from two eras: a 1968 piece by Edward Rivera and a 2019 Wide Open Walls mural by Jillian Evelyn. Painted walls add color and personality, and they pair well with a bright stole or cords. Check that the wall is evenly lit; half sun and half shade on a mural is hard to fix later.

8. 08

   University Union and Shasta Hall murals

   Best timeWeekday morning or late afternoon

   The State Hornet names the murals by the University Union and Shasta Hall among the photo-worthy walls on campus. The Union is the busiest building on this list during the term, so plan these frames outside the lunch rush.

9. 09

   Your own college's building

   Best timeWhenever its entrance is in shade

   Plenty of graduates want one frame in front of the building where they actually spent four years: the engineering building, the nursing school, the business college. These photos often end up meaning the most to parents. The State Hornet also mentions the covered hallway between Alpine and Brighton Halls, which gives even light and clean lines.

Timing around spring and winter commencement

Outfit and regalia tips

Frequently asked questions