Graduation is one of those milestones that deserves more than a quick photo in your cap and gown. Whether you're graduating from UCF with your bachelor's, master's, or doctorate, your campus is part of the story. So why not make it part of your photos, too?


As a UCF alum and Central Florida photographer, I know just how many photo-worthy spots there are around campus. From iconic UCF landmarks to quieter corners that give your gallery a little more variety, here are some of my favorite locations for UCF graduation photos.

A smiling graduate in cap and stole from University of Central Florida embraces her partner near a fountain.
Young woman in white dress and graduation stole poses by illuminated fountain at sunset on university campus.
Young woman in white dress holding a white rose overhead, smiling at night outdoors.

1. Reflection Pond


If you want that classic UCF graduation photo, Reflection Pond is probably at the top of your list. The pond gives you a beautiful backdrop with Millican Hall in the distance and plenty of space for both traditional portraits and more candid images. It's especially great for those iconic cap-and-gown photos where you want the photos to immediately feel like UCF.


Try:

  • Walking along the pond
  • Sitting near the edge
  • Looking back toward Millican Hall
  • Tossing your cap
  • Taking a few photos with your family
Graduate in cap and gown tosses mortarboard in front of Millican Hall at University of Central Florida.
UCF graduate smiles in black and gold stole standing in fountain at University of Central Florida campus.
UCF graduate in black cap and gown with gold sash smiles outdoors on campus at golden hour.

2. Millican Hall


Millican Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings on UCF's campus, making it an easy choice for graduation portraits. The architecture gives your gallery a more polished, editorial feel and works especially well for a few classic portraits in your cap and gown. This is also a great spot for a photo that really says, "I graduated from UCF."

A smiling young woman in a black UCF jersey sits in empty stadium bleachers, holding a graduation cap.
Young woman in UCF #13 jersey smiling at football stadium, standing by chain-link fence with field and stands behind her.
UCF graduate smiling in white dress with black and gold graduation stole at Bounce House stadium.

3. UCF Stadium


For the ultimate school-spirit photos, head to the stadium.


UCF Stadium gives your session a completely different feel from the more traditional campus locations. The stadium, bleachers, and Knights branding are perfect for photos that feel bold, celebratory, and unmistakably UCF.


This is especially fun for grads who are big sports fans or want to incorporate their college pride into their session.


Bring your cap, gown, and school gear and have a little fun with it. These don't have to be perfectly posed.

Two UCF graduates in caps and stoles embrace and smile on a palm tree-lined campus walkway.
Young woman in white dress smiling and holding a black and gold ribbon aloft on a palm tree-lined path.
A blonde woman in a white strapless mini dress holds a graduation cap while posing on a palm tree-lined path.
A smiling couple poses on a palm-lined walkway, the woman wearing a black graduation gown with gold stole and cords.

4. Palm Tree Row


Want something that feels a little more Florida?


Palm Tree Row is such a fun addition to a UCF graduation session. The line of palm trees creates a clean, recognizable backdrop while adding a little sunshine and movement to your gallery.


It's especially pretty for walking photos and portraits where you want the focus to stay on you without a busy background.


And honestly, what feels more Florida than celebrating your graduation under a row of palm trees?

A smiling graduate poses on a wooden bridge in a black cap and gown with gold stole, surrounded by lush green trees.
Young woman in white mini dress and heels posing on wooden boardwalk surrounded by lush green forest.
Smiling female graduate wearing black cap and UCF stole poses outdoors among trees on wooden bridge.
UCF graduate smiling on wooden boardwalk in forest, wearing University of Central Florida graduation stole.

5. The Boardwalk


For a completely different look, head to the UCF Boardwalk.


The greenery and natural surroundings create a softer, more relaxed feel than some of the traditional campus landmarks. This is a great place to take a break from the more posed cap-and-gown portraits and capture some movement and candid moments.


Walk together, talk, laugh, or simply enjoy being outside. The boardwalk is perfect for photos that feel a little less like "graduation pictures" and more like you actually celebrating the moment.

Couple posing together at graduation ceremony near a horse statue, woman wearing cap and gown sash.
A smiling young woman in a white dress holds a UCF pennant and sash in front of the UCF knight statue on campus.
A smiling female graduate in black and gold regalia poses by a knight on horseback statue at UCF.

6. Pegasus Statue


Of course, you can't talk about UCF without mentioning Pegasus.


A photo with the Pegasus statue is a fun way to incorporate one of the university's most recognizable symbols into your gallery. This works especially well as one of your "must-have" photos rather than the entire session.


Think of it as the photo you'll look back on years from now and immediately know exactly where you were.

Two UCF graduates in black and gold University of Central Florida stoles pose holding hands outside a campus building.
Graduate in black cap and gown sits on steps outside John Lil Library, looking up thoughtfully.
A smiling graduate in black cap and gown with gold sash sits on concrete steps outside a university library.

7. The John C. Hitt Library


The library is a great choice for grads who want something a little more editorial and architectural.


The building provides clean lines, large windows, stairs, and plenty of opportunities for both classic portraits and candid images. It's also a fun way to incorporate a part of your everyday college experience into your graduation gallery.


And if you spent countless hours studying there, there's something pretty fitting about ending your UCF chapter with a few photos at the library.

UCF graduate tosses cap above the University of Central Florida seal on the floor of a campus building.

8. Student Union Pegasus Seal


This works especially well as one of your “must-have” photos rather than the entire session. UCF has a tradition of not stepping on the Pegasus seal until after you graduate, making it the perfect photo opportunity to celebrate the moment you officially become a UCF graduate.


Whether you want a classic cap-and-gown photo standing over the seal, a fun post-graduation celebration, or a few photos with your friends, this is one of those little UCF traditions that makes your graduation gallery feel extra meaningful. Just make sure you save the step onto the seal for after you’ve officially graduated!

Young woman in white mini dress and heels posing in front of a Business Administration building.
UCF graduate in black cap and gown poses proudly outside Nicholson School of Communication building at University of Central Florida.
Smiling UCF graduate poses in black and gold graduation stole inside a gym facility.

9. Your Favorite Spot on Campus


This one might be the most important.


Think beyond the locations that everyone else is using.


Where did you spend time between classes? Where did you meet your best friend? Where did you study? Where did you celebrate after getting the news that you passed that difficult class?


Those places may not be the most "Instagram-worthy" locations on campus, but they can make your gallery feel much more personal.


Your graduation photos don't have to be a checklist of landmarks. They should also tell the story of the time that brought you here.

How Many Locations Should You Choose?


You definitely don't need to photograph at every spot on campus.


For most graduation sessions, I recommend choosing 2–4 locations that give you different looks depending on your session length.


Classic UCF

  1. Reflection Pond
  2. Millican Hall
  3. Pegasus

UCF Spirit

  1. Stadium
  2. Pegasus
  3. Pegasus Seal

Florida + Natural

  1. Palm Tree Row
  2. Boardwalk
  3. Reflection Pond

Campus Life

  1. Student Union
  2. Library
  3. Your favorite campus spot

A Little Bit of Everything

  1. Reflection Pond
  2. Stadium
  3. Boardwalk


The goal isn't to rush around campus checking every location off your list. It's to have enough variety of meaningful locations while still giving you time to actually enjoy the experience.

When Should You Take UCF Graduation Photos?


Graduation season can get busy around campus, so timing matters.


If you're able to schedule your session outside of peak graduation events, you'll generally have more flexibility with locations and crowds.


For the prettiest light, I also love scheduling sessions closer to golden hour. The softer light can make your cap-and-gown portraits feel warm and polished without looking overly staged.


And if you want a specific location, don't wait until the last minute to book.

What Should You Bring to Your UCF Graduation Session?


Your cap and gown are obviously the stars of the show, but a few extras can make your gallery more personal.


Consider bringing:


Graduation cords

Stoles

Medals

Class ring

Diploma or diploma cover

College-specific accessories

Textbooks

Flowers

Champagne

Your favorite UCF sweatshirt or T-shirt

Your friends or family

Any meaningful items from your time at UCF


You don't need to bring everything. Choose the things that actually feel like you.

Don't Forget to Steam your Cap and Gown + Outfits


Nobody likes wrinkly clothes! Make sure your outfits and cap and gown are steamed or pressed ahead of time. One of my favorite ways to structure a graduation session is to include a little bit of everything so make sure your attire reflect a variety!


Start in your cap and gown for those classic UCF portraits, then change into an outfit that feels more like your everyday style-a jersey, t-shirt, scrubs, etc.


This gives you photos that celebrate the achievement while also capturing who you are at this point in your life.

Ready for Your UCF Grad Photos?


Your graduation deserves photos that feel like more than a checklist of poses.


We'll incorporate the UCF locations that matter to you, mix in natural moments with gently guided portraits, and create a gallery that feels like you celebrating one of the biggest milestones of your life.


And as a UCF alum myself, I know how special it feels to look back at the campus where you spent so much of your time.


Whether you're looking for classic cap-and-gown portraits, fun photos with your friends, or a full graduation experience around campus, I'd love to help you creatively capture this chapter.


Graduating from UCF soon? Let's create something you'll love looking back on.

Smiling blonde graduate holding mortarboard cap in jersey and jeans on wooden bridge outdoors.
Lets Start Planning!