The University of Southern California is a campus that feels alive with energy, history, and tradition. Nikki, a Class of 2024 graduate, brought her own vibrant spirit to her portrait session, creating an unforgettable celebration of her achievements. From the East Coast to Los Angeles, Nikki’s journey has been one of determination and adventure. Having studied Communications and Chinese, she’s planning for a start in her marketing career across the world in Asia. With her background in bodybuilding (competing in the bikini division), Nikki brought confidence and elegance, with her inspiring personality shining through.

Nikki chose a chic, modern white dress for her portraits—a short, stylish piece that paired perfectly with the timeless elegance of USC’s campus. We began our session on a warm November morning, opting for a late-morning schedule instead of my usual sunset shoots. With USC’s tall buildings casting long shadows and the softer light of fall, planning for ample daylight was key. The decision paid off, as the bright but gentle lighting beautifully highlighted the textures of the architecture and the vibrant energy of our shoot.

Capturing USC’s Iconic Landmarks

We started at Mudd Hall of Philosophy, where the Romanesque architecture offered a quiet elegance. The corridors, with their intricate arches and columns, were illuminated by soft morning light, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Morning is a perfect time to shoot at Mudd Hall, as the light filters into spaces that would be too dark later in the day, making this location particularly magical.

From there, we moved across campus to some of USC’s most iconic spots:

• The Steps of Troy: A classic backdrop that celebrates the Trojan spirit, located within the student center complex.
• Tommy Trojan and Traveler: These statues are synonymous with USC pride, and they added a touch of tradition to the session.
• Alumni Park and Doheny Library: The lush greenery of Alumni Park combined with the ornate façade of Doheny Library brought a balance of natural beauty and academic history to the photos. Plus, they were decorated with Cardinal and Gold canopies that day, which added beautiful secondary colors to our images.
• Bovard Administration Building: The grand steps and brick-lined arches of this landmark provided a stately backdrop, contrasting beautifully with Nikki’s contemporary style.
• Center for International and Public Affairs: The grand halls with high ceilings provided an incredible backdrop full of bright light and architectural marvel.
• The USC Sign near The Village: This final stop was a classic spot to get the full "University of Southern California" signage.

Why Off-Season Sessions Are Worth Considering

This session was unique not only for its timing but also for the season. Scheduling in November meant the campus was lively with students and tours but far less crowded than during peak graduation season in spring. With fewer graduates vying for popular photo spots, we were able to move seamlessly through the session without any delays. The off-season also gave us more flexibility to capture Nikki’s portraits in the best lighting without the pressure of crowds—a compelling reason to consider booking your session outside of traditional grad season.

A Celebration of Nikki’s Journey

Nikki’s portraits are a testament to her bold and adventurous spirit. From the light-filled corridors of Mudd Hall to the sunlit Steps of Troy, each photo reflects her hard work, her dreams, and the excitement of what’s to come. USC’s campus, with its blend of historic charm and modern energy, provided the perfect backdrop for celebrating this milestone.

For graduating seniors and their families, a thoughtful and personalized portrait session is a meaningful way to honor years of dedication and achievement. Whether you’re planning for peak season or considering the quieter charm of an off-season shoot, USC offers a stunning array of settings to tell your story. It’s always an honor to be part of such special moments, capturing not only what the day looks like but how it feels.