UC Merced, CAlifornia
UC Merced Graduation Photos with Lauren | Editorial Senior Session at Sunset
Lauren’s UC Merced graduation session on December 1st was one of the most peaceful and beautifully lit shoots I’ve done this season. UC Merced has such a unique, stunning campus — wide open spaces, clean architecture, reflective water, and golden fields that look completely different depending on where you stand. Every corner feels like a new backdrop, which makes it perfect for an editorial-style grad session.
We planned the shoot for sunset, and the timing could not have been more perfect. The sky was soft and warm, and the light wrapped around the buildings in the most flattering way. As we walked through the campus, each area gave us a totally different vibe — modern in one direction, nature-inspired in another, and golden-hour magic everywhere in between.
For Lauren’s session, we went with a more editorial, effortless, and memory-focused style. Nothing overly posed or stiff — just natural movement, soft direction, and room for her personality to shine. She wanted photos that felt like her: timeless, beautiful, and genuine. The entire shoot felt calm, relaxed, and meaningful as she celebrated such a huge milestone.
We mixed in cap-and-gown portraits, some fun lifestyle-inspired shots, and candid moments that captured her excitement for this next chapter. The drive to Merced was gorgeous too — rolling hills, open skies, and that warm Central Valley sunset that always hits different this time of year.
Lauren’s session is a perfect reminder of how special grad photos can be when they’re truly about documenting a moment in your life, not just posing for a picture.
If you're graduating from UC Merced or Fresno State and want an editorial-style session that’s natural, beautiful, and meaningful, I’d love to help you document your story.
You can inquire about grad sessions by clicking the button below!
