Business School
Graduation Photos

UCI Photo Spot

Why Business School is Perfect for Graduation Photos

The Paul Merage School of Business at UCI is a standout for graduation photos. The modern glass-and-steel architecture gives your portraits a sharp, professional edge that you will not find at the older, tree-heavy spots on campus. If you are graduating from the business school, this is your building. And even if you are not, the sleek design makes an impressive backdrop for any graduate.

The building's courtyard is the star of the show. Clean lines, open space, and a mix of glass walls and concrete create a contemporary aesthetic that photographs beautifully. I use the reflective glass surfaces to add depth to compositions, sometimes catching your reflection alongside your actual portrait for a creative double-image effect.

The exterior walkways along the building feature covered areas with geometric ceiling patterns that create interesting shadow play on sunny days. These covered sections also provide reliable shade, which means consistent, flattering light regardless of cloud cover or sun position. It is one of the most forgiving locations on campus in terms of lighting flexibility.

Because the business school is on the south side of campus, it gets less foot traffic from general visitors than Aldrich Park or the Student Center area. You will often have the courtyard to yourselves, which makes for a more relaxed shooting experience and cleaner backgrounds.

I recommend pairing the business school with the Infinity Fountain, which is a short walk north. The contrast between the fountain's water and the school's glass-and-steel creates variety in your gallery, and both locations photograph well in the same afternoon time window.