Introduction
Over the months of April and May I have had the privilege of photographing many Cal Berkeley seniors (10 in 2 months). Over this span of time I have accumulated a lot of knowledge about timing and locations for taking pictures at Cal.
5:00 -5:15PM - Meet at Doe Library
This is going to be the hub of all senior pictures and will be incredibly busy as it gets later. If lighting permits taking photos at he front of Doe earlier is the best! I have also found my favorite location to be off the the left of the front doors. This angle allows the sun to be behind your subject, while not being in the center of the door where all of the people congregate.
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5:15-5:30PM - Campanile Tower
This location provides good lighting even when it is super bright out (shaded from Doe). I have loved taking pictures in the tress, in the walkway, and on the stairs! Very versatile location.
5:30-6:00 PM - Sather Gate
Another classic spot! This will very busy. Be prepared to edit out a lot of people, but if you can time it right it’s perfect! The blue hue is lovely. Off the to the right if the gate ( if you're facing doe), there is a wall I have loved taking pictures on! This angle is great to eliminate people in the background and add some greenery shots.
6:00-6:15 PM - Cherry Blossoms
Cal is famous for their cherry blossoms and for good reason. There are a few different locations you can find them. The walk back to Doe is lined with them. There are other areas, but these lining trees have been my favorite.
6:15-7:00 PM - Doe Library
Now there is prime golden hour!!! Taking advantage of it at Doe is prefect. Snap some at the front, be prepared to wait in line. They ask you to not pop the champagne on the stone ( which I did not learn for a while). If you run into this issue walking up the steps to the lawn at the top overlooking Campanile you are fine to pop the bottles there and shouldn’t run into any problems.
While you're on the stairs make sure you get this epic shot with the Campanile in the back.
Have the grad sit at the top while you walk down the stairs and shoot upwards
7:00 PM - THATS A WRAP!
Grab some final shots of the grad sitting on the railing overlooking Doe for the last stop!
