5 captivating spots to consider for CSULB graduation photos

Published May 1, 2024
By Elizabeth Schmidt Campus Update

Cal State Long Beach Class of 2024: Are you looking for an interesting grad photo location on campus this Commencement season? While there are many iconic and popular photo spots, CSULB campus photographer Sean DuFrene offers a few campus spots that aren’t as frequently visited, along with tips of what to keep in mind when you’re setting up the shot.  

Here are five locations to consider when taking your grad photos during Commencement season:  

1. The Window Wall sculpture

CSULB student Richthida Bovannak
CSULB fourth-year student Richthida Bovannak is majoring in fashion merchandising with a minor in marketing. This photo was taken at 10:30 a.m.  

Created by Robert Irwin in 1975, Window Wall is in front of the art store, next to the Fine Arts 4 building. If you frame yourself in the center of the wall, you will be able to capture a beautiful scenic background. Your grad regalia doesn’t always need to be the focal point of the photo. You can don your cap with your outfit, place your regalia in the scene in a more natural way and allow your sense of fashion to shine.  

 

2. The Lovers Bench for a New Millennium sculpture

CSULB student Giovanna Quevedo
Giovanna Quevedo is a fourth-year nutrition and food science student. This photo was taken at 2 p.m.

This sculpture was created by Eugenia Butler in 1993. You can find this spot in the study area behind the Horn Center. A shallow depth of field will help you stand out in the photo from the surrounding environment.  

 

3. The Hardfact sculpture

CSULB student Gigi Givens
CSULB fourth-year finance student Gigi Givens stands in front of the Hardfact sculpture. This photo was taken at 4:15 p.m.  

This sculpture was created by Kosso Eloul in 1965 and is located on the grassy area next to the Molecular & Life Sciences Center. The best time to take a photo is during an ideal sunny Southern California day. If you choose to take your photos on a gloomy day, fill your background with buildings or nature.  

 

4. Trees next to the Bob and Barbara Ellis Education (EED) building

CSULB student Cheweka Lawson
CSULB fourth-year English literature student Cheweka Lawson stands amongst the trees. Lawson’s Tribal affiliation is from the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Nation. This photo was taken at 1:30 p.m.

There’s a narrow walkway next to the Bob and Barbara Ellis Education building where you can stand with a scenic background of trees for your photo. In shady environments like this one, try to find rays of sunshine to place on your face to add a special effect from the sun.  

 

5. The Carlson/Bloc Tower

CSULB student Simon Torwie
CSULB fourth-year international business student Simon Torwie is a middle blocker on the men’s volleyball team. He’s an international student from Arta, Balearic Islands, Spain. This photo was taken at 3 p.m.  

This tower was created by Andre Bloc from 1965-1972. If you're tall, like a 6'8" middle blocker on the men's volleyball team, you can have fun and create grad photos near other tall objects on campus.