It’s graduation season and you know what that means — a lot of caps and gowns floating around town for photo ops. To celebrate that special moment, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots around the city for a collegiate close-up.

📚 Classic campus

There’s nothing more traditional than posing around your future alma mater. Show pride in your degree by posing in front of your major’s classroom building, or snap some shots with campus monuments like SJSU’s Tommie Smith + John Carlos statue or Santa Clara University’s Sobrato fountain.

🏙️ Great views

Take the drive up to Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve for a panoramic view of our city — make it extra golden by going during sunset. Communications Hill’s grand staircase is a great spot to get the breathtaking backdrop of Silicon Valley.

The Japanese Friendship Garden offers a lush backdrop for your photos. | Photo via @titosuavex

🍃 Nature lovers

Take advantage of the stunning greenery + ponds at the Japanese Friendship Garden or pose around the lake at Vasona Lake County Park for some glimmering shots. Casabella Park or Murillo Lake Park by Evergreen Valley High School also offer great backdrops of lush lawns and lakes.

🌈 Colorful backdrops

Downtown San Jose is a treasure trove for bright + vibrant murals to take pictures with, so show your pride in the city with the classic “Greetings from San Jose” mural by J.Duh. Pose by the colorful Santana Row wall of weathered doors and windows for an antique vibe.

📸 Book a session

These local photographers still have openings for graduation portraits. Tell them SJtoday sent you.

Need a few more options to thumb through? Check out our round up of the most Instagram-worthy locations around the 408.