Whether you’re graduating from GCU or another Arizona university, your senior session deserves more than a few cap-and-gown photos. Let’s create a personalized senior gallery that captures your story, your accomplishments and your favorite places around campus!

It Started Before My Own Walk Across Campus…

Before I had the privilege of photographing GCU seniors, I spent four years on campus earning my degree in Business Management.

I walked (and sometimes skated) between classes, worked on campus, ate in the same dining halls you’re probably hanging out in now, and grew my photography business from your very own, GCBC. Over the years, I also called several dorms home, including Saguaro Hall, Palo Verde, Agua Fria, and Verde River.

Now being a fellow alumni myself, there’s always a special place in my heart for everything GCU.

Photographing GCU senior sessions over the years has been incredibly special and returning to campus each time these days always brings up the best nostalgia.

I know where everyone studies during finals, where graduation photos look best at sunset, and which corners of campus always make people stop and smile.

I’ve got to create countless incredible memories, especially being a part of the GCU’s graduation ceremonies as a graduation photographer and even still doing it two years post grad.

After four years of skating all over campus, I’ve found the very best spots for senior photos and know my way around GCU like the back of my hand. This guide includes everything you need to know before booking your Grand Canyon University senior session with me, including my favorite photo locations around campus, outfit inspiration, helpful tips and tricks, and so much more!

The Best GCU Senior Photo Locations on Campus

1. The GCU Letters by the Global Credit Union Area

Every graduate wants this photo. It’s iconic, recognizable and screams school pride like no other.

The GCU logo can’t be missed across campus and the arena field gives us lots of room to play around.

These photos are taken about two hours before sunset, which make for a perfect time on campus to take photos.

More at the Global Credit Union Arena

2. Your College Building

Whether you spent late nights inside the Colangelo College of Business or found your community in the College of Arts and Media building, your college building deserves to be part of your story.

GCU is proud to offer ten different schools on campus:

• Colangelo College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Technology
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• College of Nursing and Health-Care Professions
• College of Arts and Media
• College of Theology
• College of Doctoral Studies
• Ingram Honors College
• College of Graduate Studies

3. Palm Tree Lane / Circle Building

One of my favorite spots on campus is right in front of Building 18, better known by students as the “Circle Building” because, let’s be honest, no one ever remembered the actual building number. Right outside is what I’ve unofficially dubbed “Palm Tree Lane,” one of the prettiest walkways on campus. With direct access to Lopes Way and right next to Prescott Field, it’s one of GCU’s most iconic locations and a perfect backdrop for senior photos.

I love how intertwined the modern architecture feels with the towering palm trees you can find all over campus.

4. The Purple Wall

I have to say this is an Instagram favorite… the iconic purple wall is a timeless choice for playful school spirit.

I mean, how could we not get this photo?!

5. Lopes Nation Wall

Last but not least, showcase more of your school pride in front of the Lope Nation Wall!

New To Campus? Don’t Worry.

Not every GCU graduate spent four years walking the campus, and that’s completely okay!

Whether you’re graduating through GCU online, transferred to GCU, or simply never had the chance to explore campus, I’ve got you covered!

I’ll guide you every step of the way, directing you to best parking spots and where to meet for photos at the best time of day.

To make planning even easier, I also provide a GCU Location Guide before your session so you can browse some of my favorite photo spots around campus and decide which locations you’d like to prioritize.

Together we’ll create a route that fits your vision while making the most of your session so you won’t have to worry!

What to Wear for Your GCU Senior Photos

Your graduation photos should feel like you, just elevated.

Start with Your Cap & Gown

We’ll capture the classic graduation portraits so make sure your gown is steamed beforehand since wrinkles are much easier to prevent than edit later.

Don’t forget to bring:

• Your cap and tassel
• Honor cords or stoles
• Medals or graduation regalia
• Diploma cover (if you have it)

Choose an Outfit That Feels Like You

After the traditional graduation photos, I always recommend changing into a second outfit. Not only does this add variety to your gallery but gives us the chance to create portraits you’ll want to display long after graduating season.

For women, flowy dresses, tailored jumpsuits or monochromatic outfits photograph beautifully around campus.

Neutral tones like white, cream, black, sage, soft purple or earthy colors compliment GCU’s architecture.

For men, a well-fitted button-down, blazer, or suit paired with loafers or clean dress shoes creates a polished look.

But my best advice? Wear something that makes you feel confident! Your confidence will always photograph better than following the next best trend.

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Need More Senior Inspiration?

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Graduation Props For Your Graduation Photoshoot

While props aren’t necessary for your graduation shoot, they can add a fun, personal touch to your gallery when they actually represent your college experience.

Some of my favorite additions include:

🎓 Champagne for a celebratory pop

💐 A bouquet of flowers that complements your outfit

📚 A favorite textbook or notebook from your major

☕️ Coffee from your favorite campus study spot

🎊 Confetti (only where permitted and always cleaned up afterward)

🐶 Your dog, if they’re part of your college story

🧑‍🧑‍🧒 Parents or grandparents for a few meaningful portraits

👭 Your roommates or best friends for a few celebratory photos before we finish

What Your GCU Senior Session Will Feel Like With Me

The biggest thing I hear before a session is: “I’m awkward in front of the camera.”

Almost every senior says it.

The good news? You don’t need to know how to pose.

My sessions are designed to feel more like a walk around campus rather than a photoshoot.

We’ll start at one of GCU’s iconic landmarks and gradually work our way through campus as the light changes. I’ll guide you through every pose so there’s no need to worry or stress before our session together.

As a GCU graduate myself, I know how quickly these four years go by. It’s incredibly special getting to come back and help other Lopes preserve this milestone before the next chapter begins.

Winter Vs. Spring Commencement Photo Timeline

One of the most common questions I get is, “When should I schedule my graduation photos?“

The short answer: earlier than you think! Arizona’s beautiful weather means graduation season can book up quickly, especially during golden hour sessions.

🎓 Spring Commencement (April & May Graduates)

Spring is the busiest season for GCU photos, so I recommend scheduling your session between January and early March.

• Book your session: November through January
• Take your photos: January through early March
• Graduate: Late April

🎓 Winter Commencement (December Graduates)

Winter graduates have some of the best weather for senior photos in Arizona. Something about the softer sunsets and cooler temperatures make fall one of my favorite seasons to photography seniors on campus.

• Book your session: August through October
• Take your photos: October through mid-November
• Graduate: December

No matter which commencement you’re celebrating, I always recommend scheduling your session 6-8 weeks before graduation.

This allows plenty of time to receive your final gallery, order graduation announcements, and enjoy your photos before the excitement of commencement day begins.

More Frequently Asked Questions For My Graduation Photoshoot

When should I schedule my GCU senior photos?

The best time is during your final semester, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before graduation. This gives you plenty of time to receive your gallery, order announcements, and share your photos before commencement.

What time of day is best for graduation photos?

Golden hour, about an hour or two before sunset, creates the softest light and most flattering portraits. Morning sessions are another great option if your prefer quieter campus walkways.

How long does a GCU senior session last?

Most sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes. We’ll visit several locations across campus, change outfits if you’d like and create a gallery with plenty of variety.

Can my family join for a few photos?

Yes! Graduation is a celebration for everyone who supported you along the way. We can absolutely set time aside for family portraits at the end of your session.

Can I bring my best friends or roommates?

Definitely. Some of my favorite graduation galleries include a few photos with the people who made college unforgettable. We can capture individual portraits first before bringing everyone together.

What if I don’t know how to pose?

You don’t have to. I’ll guide you through the entire session, from where to stand to what to do with your hands. Together we’ll create relaxed, genuine, and natural images that encapsulate you authentically.

What happens if the weather is bad?

While Phoenix gives us sunshine majority of the year, we’ll keep an eye on the forecast and reschedule if needed to ensure you have the best possible experience.

Do you help choose locations around campus?

Absolutely! Since I graduated from GCU myself, I know which locations photograph beautifully and can build a route that fits your style while making the most of our time together.

Ready to Celebrate Your Time at GCU?

Graduating college is more than crossing a stage. It’s the late night study sessions, lifelong friendships, personal and professional growth, with most importantly, all the moments that shaped who you are today.

As both a GCU graduate and GCU senior photographer, I love returning to campus to celebrate fellow Lopes as they reach this exciting milestone. Because I know the campus so well, you can relax, be fully present, and enjoy your session while I take care of finding the best locations, lighting, and photo opportunities.

My knowledge of campus allows us to create a personalized experience together that will help us capture genuine moments that reflect your personality and college journey!

If you’re looking for a GCU senior photographer, I’d be honored to celebrate this milestone with you.