Congratulations, all your hard work has paid off! Now it is time to take some photos to mark your achievement!
Unfortunately, contracting a professional photographer can be costly, and communicating what you want for your photos can be difficult if you are not particularly familiar with photographer vocabulary. Yet doing it yourself can get hard, end up looking basic, and choosing where to take your pictures can be next to impossible. So to fight that, we chose five locations that will help you get the graduation pictures you are looking for!
(Once you choose your spot, we suggest also taking a look at our types of photo composition article here to make sure you get the best results)
Allerton Park
This is an amazing option if you are looking for a place to take photos that has both natural and elegant energy. Though half an hour away from Parkland’s campus, it is usually mostly empty, making it a great option if you can make the commute! One of the biggest attractions of this park is the Sun Singer, but there are so many other great areas for photo taking. The fields of flowers, the Fu Dog Garden, the House of the Golden Buddhas, and the Sunken Garden are all amazing places to take pictures. The first picture is from the House of the Golden Buddhas, and the last two were taken at the Fu Dog Garden.
Lake of the Woods – Mahomet
Yes, the red bridge is a popular option, but it is a bit overplayed. What is best about this park is that it has different unique environments to take different shots. There is the main park which is known for its gardens, ponds, schoolhouse, and of course, the red bridge. But there are other areas. There are deep woods that have been cleared out and made easy to get to, as well as beautiful patches of prairie at the park by the high school in Mahomet. There are creeks and rivers that are extremely pretty this time of year, with everything being in bloom at both. These two pictures are from the park by the high school in Mahomet. So even though the red bridge is the go-to option for taking photos at Lake of the Woods, there are many other areas that are just as good for potential photos.
Japan House
It is no secret that the Japan House is a great option for those in the CU area who want a more natural look to their graduation photos. So do not be surprised to find a good amount of people. Though in the later stages, the cherry blossoms are still in bloom this time of year! If cherry blossoms are not the vibe you are going for, you will be able to find many beautiful paths and plants around. It has a bit of a sophisticated and clean feel. Here are two photos taken around the time the blossoms are in bloom.
The Idea Garden
Located right next to the Japan House, this is a convenient option if you are looking for a variety of scenery without the travel. While smaller in size, the Idea Garden has many different types of plants and greenery that make great backgrounds for photos. It also has a lighter vibe than the Japan House.
Riverbend
This park in Mahomet is known for its pretty lake and even prettier woods. The park is able to give off a beach-like vibe though it is nowhere near an ocean. The forest in this park is extremely green and lush at this time of year, which can serve as a really nice background.
Now that you have a short list of great places to get your photos; have fun walking the stage, celebrating, and most importantly, congratulations!
