Shumway Fountain
Graduation Photos

USC Photo Spot

Why Shumway Fountain is Perfect for Graduation Photos

The Patsy and Forrest Shumway Fountain near Alumni Park is a stunning water feature surrounded by lush landscaping. The cascading water adds movement and energy to your graduation portraits in a way that static architectural backdrops simply cannot match. It is a refreshing change of pace that brings variety to any USC session.

What makes Shumway Fountain stand out for photography is how it interacts with light. In the late afternoon, the sun catches the water surface and creates shimmering reflections and sparkle behind you. I position graduates in front of the fountain and use a wide aperture to blur the water into a soft, dreamy backdrop filled with golden bokeh dots. Combined with off-camera lighting on your face, the effect is cinematic.

The surrounding landscaping adds to the location's appeal. Mature trees and manicured gardens provide additional backdrop options within steps of the fountain itself. I often start with the fountain for the dramatic water shots, then pivot to the nearby greenery for softer, nature-focused portraits. This gives your gallery two distinct looks from one location.

Shumway Fountain is one of the quieter spots on campus for graduation photos. Located near Alumni Park on the north side, it does not see the heavy foot traffic of Trousdale Parkway. You will usually have the fountain to yourselves, which means more time for creative experimentation and less time waiting for other groups to clear out.

I recommend shooting here between 4pm and 5:30pm for the best water sparkle and golden hour warmth. Pair it with Doheny Library or Mudd Hall for a session route that covers the north and west sides of campus.