Graduation is one of the biggest milestones of your college experience, and choosing the right locations can make your photos even more meaningful. As a CU Boulder graduation photographer, I always encourage graduates to incorporate places that represent their time on campus—whether that’s your favorite study spot, the building where you spent countless hours in class, or the mountain views that make Boulder so special.

One of the things I love most about graduation sessions at CU Boulder is how much variety we can fit into a single session. From historic campus architecture to iconic Flatirons backdrops, there are so many incredible locations within just a few minutes of each other. Here are my favorite places for CU Boulder graduation photos.

1. Chautauqua Park

If you’re hoping for those classic Colorado mountain views, Chautauqua Park is hard to beat. Located just minutes from campus, it’s one of the most iconic places in Boulder and a favorite destination for students throughout their college years. The trails, open meadows, and dramatic Flatirons create a stunning backdrop. It’s the perfect place to capture a mix of classic portraits, candid photos, and wide scenic images that showcase Colorado’s beauty.

One thing to keep in mind is that Chautauqua can be incredibly windy, especially during the spring graduation season. While the mountain backdrop is absolutely worth it, the open landscape offers very little protection from the wind. If conditions are especially gusty, it’s helpful to be flexible and either embrace the windswept look or pivot to another nearby location. Fortunately, most locations on the CU Boulder campus are surrounded by buildings that provide much more shelter, making them a great backup option if needed.

2. Farrand Field

Farrand Field is one of the most recognizable locations on campus. With the Flatirons rising behind campus and beautiful open green space, it’s a beautiful stop for a graduation session.

3. Norlin Library

Norlin Library is one of CU Boulder’s most iconic buildings. Its grand stone architecture, columns, and historic details create timeless graduation portraits that never go out of style.

One thing to consider when choosing this location is the lighting. During evening sessions, the front of Norlin Library sits in full sun, meaning you’ll typically be looking toward bright light. While we can still capture photos here, it’s something to be aware of if you’re sensitive to bright sunlight. The only exception is on an overcast day, when the light becomes much softer and even across the building.

4. UMC Rooftop Terrace

If you want to include a flatiron view but do not want to head to Chautauqua, University Memorial Center offers one of the best elevated views on campus. From here, you can capture Boulder in the background while still keeping the campus feel. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the mountains begin to glow.

5. Macky Auditorium

Macky Auditorium is another campus landmark that photographs beautifully. The historic stone architecture and distinctive design add elegance and character to graduation portraits. If you appreciate classic architecture, this stop is definitely worth including.

6. Folsom Field

For Buffalo fans, Folsom Field is an iconic place to celebrate graduation. Whether you attended football games every fall or simply want to include one of the university’s most recognizable landmarks, it’s a fun addition to your session. The stadium exterior, surrounding plazas, and nearby campus views all work well for graduation photos.

7. Varsity Lake and Bridge

Varsity Lake is a beautiful spot on campus. The peaceful water, charming bridge, and surrounding trees create a softer, more natural setting that’s especially beautiful in the spring. It’s an excellent location for graduates looking for something a little different while still staying on campus.

8. Pearl Street

If you’d like to capture more of Boulder beyond campus, Pearl Street is a fantastic option. The brick pedestrian streets, colorful storefronts, and local atmosphere add a completely different look to your gallery. It’s perfect if you want a mix of urban charm alongside your traditional campus photos.

9. Old Main

10. Lost Gulch Overlook

For graduates wanting truly breathtaking mountain views, Lost Gulch Overlook is one of the most spectacular locations near Boulder.

Because it’s located about 20 minutes from campus, I typically recommend choosing Lost Gulch as the only location during a one-hour session. If you’d also like photos around campus, I recommend booking at least a 1.5-hour session so there’s enough time to enjoy both locations without feeling rushed (more time if you are booking with a group).

Personalize Your Graduation Session

While these are some of the most popular CU Boulder graduation photo locations, I always encourage graduates to make their session personal. Consider including:

• Your major’s academic building
• A favorite study spot
• Your residence hall
• A campus organization or club location
• A place where you’ve made meaningful memories with friends

These personal touches help tell the story of your college experience and make your graduation photos even more meaningful.

Creating a Well-Rounded CU Boulder Graduation Gallery

One of my favorite things about photographing graduation sessions at CU Boulder is the incredible variety available in such a small area. We can combine the mountain scenery of Chautauqua Park with the beautiful campus architecture, spring flowers, iconic landmarks like Farrand Field, and even venture into downtown Boulder for a completely different look.

The result is a gallery that captures not only your accomplishment but also everything that made your time at CU Boulder unforgettable. Whether you want breathtaking Flatirons views, classic campus portraits, or vibrant downtown scenery, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to celebrate your graduation.

Book Your CU Boulder Graduation Photos

If you’re looking for a CU Boulder graduation photographer, I’d love to help you celebrate this exciting milestone. Every session is customized to include the locations that mean the most to you, creating a gallery that reflects your unique college experience. Learn more about my CU Boulder graduation photography packages, view pricing, and reserve your session today. Spring availability is limited, so booking early is the best way to secure your preferred date.