The California Institute of Technology, founded in 1891, is renowned as one of the world’s leading institutions for science and engineering. Nestled in Pasadena, California, the campus blends historic and modern architecture, reflecting its rich legacy of innovation and academic excellence. Notable for its contributions to groundbreaking research, Caltech boasts affiliations with 46 Nobel laureates and maintains a close relationship with NASA through the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The campus features iconic landmarks and offers a unique blend of history, science, and architecture, making it an inspiring backdrop for graduation photos.

Megan and I began our portrait session at Ricketts House, part of Caltech’s historic South Houses. Built in 1931, these buildings feature a Mediterranean-style design, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the photos. The architectural details of this dorm, from arched hallways to stuccoed walls, added depth to our shots. Megan’s layered white dress and graduation regalia fit beautifully within this elegant setting, capturing a perfect mix of personal pride and academic accomplishment.

From Ricketts, we moved to the Throop Memorial Garden. With its lush greenery and carefully curated plant life, this garden provided the ideal setting for portraits that felt natural and serene.

Our next stop was the Caltech Library. Known for its sleek modern design, the library also boasts an architectural bridge that connects different sections. The modernist style of this area brought a contemporary touch to the shoot. Interestingly, Caltech’s architecture has even appeared in pop culture—parts of the campus, including the bridge featured here, were used in Legally Blonde alongside USC and UCLA. One specific scene features Elle Woods riding across the bridge on a bike.

The Beckman Auditorium, nicknamed the “wedding cake” by students for its unique, circular design, provided a playful and iconic backdrop for the next set of portraits. We wrapped up the day near the Beckman Institute, where mission-style influences are evident in the building's arches and tiled roofs, and the Neuroscience Research Building, which features modern, glass-and-metal architecture. The contrast between these two styles perfectly represented Megan’s dynamic academic journey through her years at Caltech—a blend of tradition and innovation.

For graduates seeking a creative and meaningful graduation portrait experience, Caltech offers both historical charm and modern elegance—a perfect setting to commemorate years of hard work and accomplishments.

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