Graduation Photos at Western University: Best Campus Spots

Short answer: the best graduation photo spots at Western University are the front of University College and the top of UC Hill, Beryl Ivey Garden behind University College, and the D.B. Weldon Library at the centre of campus. Go about an hour before sunset on a weekday for soft light and the fewest people in your frame.

Western's campus in London, Ontario is made for graduation portraits: stone buildings, ivy, big trees and open lawns, all within a short walk of each other. Here is how to use it well.

Where are the best graduation photo spots at Western?

University College and UC Hill

University College is the building most graduates picture when they think of Western, and the top of UC Hill gives you seating and a clear view back toward the front of the building. It is also where Western runs its free alumni photo stations on convocation days, so on those days expect crowds — and a private session on another day if you want the place to yourself.

Beryl Ivey Garden

Tucked behind University College, Beryl Ivey Garden is a calm, green contrast to the stone fronts around it. It works well for quieter, more editorial portraits, and for family members who want a relaxed group photo away from the ceremony rush.

D.B. Weldon Library

Weldon Library sits at the centre of campus and is a landmark for most students. Its steps and surrounding paths give clean lines and a natural "you studied here" story for your portraits.

Doorways, walls and quieter corners

Some of the strongest frames are not the famous ones. Entrances such as the one at Elborn College, ivy-covered walls and archways, and plain stone walls all give texture without competing with you.

What is the best time of day to shoot at Western?

• Golden hour, roughly the hour before sunset, for warm, flattering light — check the sunset time for your date.
• Weekday late afternoons, when campus is calmer than around ceremony days.
• Overcast days are fine: soft, even light is kind to gowns, flowers and faces.

Convocation-day photos or a private graduation session?

Western offers complimentary alumni photo stations with professional photographers and instant digital downloads, and photographers capture graduates crossing the stage. Those are a great way to record the day itself. A private session is different: you choose the locations, nobody is rushing you, and there is time for friends, family, flowers and a change of outfit.

How to prepare

• Bring your gown and hood if you have them, plus a plain outfit for variety.
• Wear comfortable shoes — campus portraits involve more walking than you expect.
• Bring a bouquet or a sunflower; it gives your hands something to do.
• Tell your photographer which building matters most to you before the day.

Larah is a London, Ontario photographer who shoots graduation sessions at Western, Fanshawe and across the city. Graduation sessions start at $300 CAD and include 1–2 hours, 15+ edited high-resolution images and the full original images. See the Service page for packages, or get in touch to check availability. You can also browse recent graduation work.