By: Vivian Tsang
For many seniors, graduation, arguably the most highly anticipated event of the school year, is finally approaching. For those attending out-of-state colleges, these last few months before the start of your quarter will likely be one of the last times you can assemble with all your friends and rejoice. What better way is there to preserve the memories and high school friendships you’ve built over the last four years by taking aesthetic group graduation photos? There are numerous locations within a 50 mile radius that offer landscapes perfect for taking photos, for free or little admission charge. On the day of your photoshoot, bring your cap and gown, dress to impress, and remember to be comfortable!
Here is a list of eight nearby locations (in no particular order) that will be perfect for your graduation photoshoot endeavors!
- Elizabeth F. Gamble Gardens – This private nonprofit garden is located in Palo Alto. It is fairly a small garden, but offers a peaceful vibe with luscious trees, various flowers such as roses and tulips, a white gazebo, and benches. This is a popular place for wedding receptions, anniversary events, and graduation photos. Remember to check in with the office one to two weeks prior to your photoshoot to make sure you don’t encounter conflicts with other visiting groups.
- San Francisco – Take your photos on the shore where you can hear the sound of the rushing waves and feels the soft breeze against your face. Capture the best feature in the background of your photos – the Golden Gate Bridge.
- San Jose Municipal Rose Garden – Designed and built in the 1920s, this area is known for its beautiful rose bushes of every color, luscious trees, and assortment of decoratives including urns, water fountains,and benches. If not for a photoshoot, come for a picnic!
- Japanese Friendship Garden – This place, located in a walled section of Kelly Park in San Jose, is based off of Japan’s famous Korakuen Garden in Okayama, which was built to entertain important guests and daimyos (great lords in Japan). There is a giant red bridge, small waterfalls, ponds filled with koi, and a tea house. It will definitely meet your expectations if you are looking for a vibrant and serene landscape to take photos.
- College campuses – Among the most popular places to take photos is probably the Stanford University campus which offers fountains, beautiful columned buildings, and prestige. If not Stanford, try the California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock, California!
- Vasona Lake Country Park – Located in Los Altos, this is a popular place to hike and offers a very stunning park with another bridge. The park surrounds Vasona Reservoir, which hosts several boating and sailing activities. This expansive outdoor area can definitely accommodate the largest of groups.
- Hills – The nearest hill is near Jacklin Square. Drive up North Park Victoria drive, turn right on Country Club Drive, and proceed until you are at a favorable altitude, at a location that will offer you enough unrestricted space to take photos. Maybe you’ll encounter an onslaught of xalis pes-caprae, an invasive yellow flower variety perfect for the minimalistic crouching in the grass photos. The hills offers a nostalgic and beautiful aerial view of Milpitas. If you come at the perfect time, you may be able to encapsulate the warm glow of the sunset in your photos.
- Monterey County – Drive up along the coastal trail and park at the various stops to take photos. Go on the 17-Mile Drive and take in the peaceful ocean view, attractive houses, and friendly sea otters. If you’re planning an end of the year trip, this may be the one! Taking graduation photos can be an extra aspect.