Peter the Anteater
Graduation Photos

UCI Photo Spot

Why Peter the Anteater Statue is Perfect for Graduation Photos

If there is one photo every UCI graduate needs, it is a shot with Peter the Anteater. The bronze mascot statue near the Student Center is the most beloved landmark on campus and the single most recognizable symbol of UC Irvine. It instantly tells the world where you earned your degree, and it is the photo your family will frame on the mantle.

The statue sits on a raised platform in an open area, which gives me room to shoot from multiple angles. The classic shot is standing next to Peter with your hand on the statue, but I also love shooting from a low angle to make both you and the statue look larger than life. For couples or friend groups, I position people on either side of Peter for a balanced composition that includes everyone.

The biggest challenge at Peter is the crowds. During graduation season, especially on weekends, there can be a steady stream of graduates waiting for their turn. I manage this by timing our arrival carefully. Early in the session (before 3:30pm) or later in the evening (after 5:30pm), the area is noticeably quieter. Weekday sessions nearly eliminate the wait entirely.

Another advantage of shooting with a professional here is lighting. The statue sits in an open area that gets direct sun, which can create harsh shadows on your face. I bring off-camera lighting to fill those shadows and balance the exposure between you and the bright sky. The result is a clean, evenly lit portrait where both you and Peter look great, rather than a silhouette or a squinting snapshot.

I recommend pairing the Peter statue with the nearby Infinity Fountain and the UCI Sign off Bison. All three are within a short walk and give you a well-rounded set of iconic UCI photos for your gallery.