Best Locations at Saginaw Valley State University for Graduation Photos

Graduation is one of the biggest milestones in your life, and your graduation photos should celebrate all the hard work that got you there. One of the most common things I help SVSU grads with is the photo locations on campus!

After photographing graduates from a variety of majors across campus, I've found several locations that consistently create some of the best graduation photos. Whether you're looking for iconic SVSU landmarks or places connected to your degree, here are my favorite locations around campus.

1. The Bell Tower

The Bell Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks on SVSU's campus and easily one of the most popular locations for graduation photos.

Its classic design creates a timeless backdrop that instantly says "college graduation." Whether you're taking wide campus shots or close-up portraits, the Bell Tower works beautifully in almost every season.

For graduates who lived on campus, the Bell Tower is even more meaningful. Its familiar chimes ring every 30 minutes and become part of everyday life at SVSU. It's one of those sounds you'll probably never forget after spending years on campus.

2. Founders Hall

Founders Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings on campus and one of my personal favorite locations for graduation photos.

The architecture, columns, and overall design create a polished and professional look that works well for any graduate. It's a location that feels timeless and photographs beautifully throughout the year.

Fun fact: Founders Hall is also where I got married, so this location holds a special place in my heart. Every time I photograph a graduate there, it brings back great memories while creating new ones for someone else.

3. The I <3 SVSU Sign

Located near the Ryder Center, the I <3 SVSU sign has quickly become one of the most popular graduation photo locations on campus post-commencement.

It's fun, recognizable, and a great way to celebrate your time as a Cardinal. This location is also one of my favorite places for champagne pop photos. The open space nearby gives graduates plenty of room to celebrate earning their degree while creating some exciting and fun images.

4. The Cardinal Head

Just a short walk from the I <3 SVSU sign is another campus favorite.

The large cardinal head provides a bold backdrop that instantly shows off your school pride. Since it's located in the same area, it's easy to incorporate both locations into your graduation session without adding extra walking.

For graduates who want photos that clearly represent SVSU, this spot is always worth visiting.

5. Buildings Connected to Your Major

Some of the most meaningful graduation photos come from locations tied directly to your degree.

Whether you spent years attending classes, studying for exams, or completing clinicals in a particular building, including that location helps tell your story.

Some popular options include:

• Bachand Hall and stairway for Nursing students

• Scott L. Carmona College of Business

• Brown Hall for Criminal Justice students

• Ott and Gilbertson Hall for Education majors

• Arbury Fine Arts Center for Performing Arts students

This is also a great opportunity to bring props that highlight your accomplishments. Graduation cords, honor stoles, decorated caps, textbooks, instruments, teaching materials, nursing supplies, and other items related to your major can help personalize your photos and celebrate everything you've achieved.

6. The Main Entrance Off Bay Road

The main entrance is one of the first things students see when arriving on campus and one of the last landmarks they pass before graduation.

It's a classic SVSU location that helps tell the story of your college journey. The landscaping and entrance features make it a great addition to any graduation session.

7. The Gazelle Fountain

The Gazelle Fountain is one of the most beautiful locations on campus and creates a unique backdrop for graduation photos.

While the fountain itself looks great, fun fact: it's rarely turned on during graduation photo season, so don't be surprised if there's no water running during your session.

Even without the water, it's still one of the most recognizable spots on campus.

8. The New Cardinal Head Signs

SVSU recently added new cardinal head signs near Curtiss Hall and Brown Hall.

These newer landmarks offer a fresh and modern look compared to some of the more traditional graduation photo locations around campus. They're a great option for graduates who want something a little different while still showing off their Cardinal pride.

9. The Football Field Entrance

The football field entrance is another great location that often gets overlooked.

Whether you're a student-athlete, a football fan, or simply looking for more variety in your graduation gallery, this location adds something different to your session. The surrounding structures and stadium atmosphere create a unique backdrop that stands out from other campus locations.

10. The Red Side Entrance Sign

One of the newest graduation photo opportunities on campus is the red SVSU sign located near the football field and Ryder Center entrance.

Because it hasn't been used as often as some of the other locations on this list, it offers graduates the chance to create something a little more unique. In fact, you might even be one of the first graduates to have professional photos taken there. (And if you book with me, you could be my first!)

If you're looking for a location that stands out from the traditional graduation photo spots, this is a great choice.

Planning Your SVSU Graduation Session

The best graduation galleries usually combine a mix of iconic campus landmarks and locations that are meaningful to you personally.

Whether you're celebrating a nursing degree, teaching degree, business degree, or anything in between, your graduation session should reflect your college experience and the hard work it took to get here.

If you're looking for an SVSU graduation photographer, I'd love to help capture this exciting milestone. After photographing graduates across campus for years, I can help you choose the best locations and create photos you'll be proud to look back on long after graduation day.