When should I take my Notre Dame Graduation Portraits?
What time of Day?
Honestly, it depends on which locations you want most in the background of your photos, because, for example, the Grotto doesn’t have great afternoon light. However, if you are camera shy or want the most efficient use of time, I recommend a morning time slot so we’re not waiting in line at these grad photo locations.
What time of Year?
Most clients prefer late April to early May, both because they have their graduation regalia, and because that’s when flowers start to pop up on campus. I’d like to mention that in the last year fully a third of my grad clients have chosen to do photos after graduation; that way they don’t have to worry about lines at grad photo locations, there’s no photo prep work during finals season, and the weather is much warmer and less variable than it is in April/May. Want more information about when I recommend taking your Notre Dame graduation portraits? Check out my blog that goes into more detail here.
When should I reach out to my Grad Photographer?
Most clients reach out to me about 3 months to 6 weeks before their preferred photoshoot date. Because there’s a number of universities in the Chicago and northern Indiana area that graduate in early May, I strongly recommend reaching out on the earlier side if there’s a date you know you want.
Another consideration is your photographer’s turnaround time from photoshoot to delivered gallery; if you know you need your finished photos at a certain time, that may dictate your photoshoot date. I personally promise a finished gallery no later than three weeks from your photoshoot date, and will deliver the gallery sooner if it’s complete sooner.
Map of Notre Dame Grad Photo Locations
These are some of my favorite spots on the University of Notre Dame campus for graduation photos. Keep on scroll to see photos from each photo location!
Top Locations for Notre Dame Grad Pictures
Main Building
This is a very popular location for champagne pops as it has the beautiful golden dome of the Main Building in the background of your photos, and can fit a group if you’re doing a group graduation photoshoot. Interested in doing a champagne pop during your Notre Dame graduation portraits? I provide preferred champagne brand recommendations and on-site instructions, or you can read about it here!
If you want the whole building in your shot, unless you’re doing a sunrise or sunset shoot or have an overcast day, you’re going to be blasted with light in your face. Bring sunglasses, and expect to do shots from different angles than this front-on view.
Outside the Basilica
These are the angles of Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart that you can expect during an afternoon photoshoot. While the inside of the Basilica is absolutely stunning, Notre Dame graduation photos are not allowed inside.
The Grotto
Photographing at the Grotto is recommended for morning only; the light is pretty unflattering in the afternoon.
Touchdown Jesus and Hesburgh Library
Touchdown Jesus has poor lighting except for at sunrise, sunset, or on overcast days. You can expect to have the sun in front of you for photos here, so plan on bringing sunglasses or doing photos showing you looking up at the mural.
The above angle for the Hesburgh Library is great for morning photoshoots.
Knute Rockne Gate
Wildly enough, the best light for this angle of Knute Rockne Gate is going to be the middle of the day. If you’re doing an afternoon shoot, I recommend starting here for the best light, then moving on to other locations on campus.
Law School
This is one of my favorite locations on campus for photos! These arches are so beautiful and make a gorgeous backdrop for your Notre Dame grad photos!
This location is great for afternoon or morning photoshoots, and for group shots!
This cute, verdant archway has wisteria and orange trumpet flower vines growing on it – it’s closer to the comp sci building and it beautiful any time of day.
Kristen Hazelton is a multi award-winning Chicago, IL and San Francisco Bay Area high school senior, university graduate, and family photographer. She also photographs in San Diego, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, Monterey, CA, and Seattle, WA. She is a firm believer in human rights and welcomes LGBTQ+ and nonbinary clients. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!
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