You did it. After years of early mornings, late night study sessions, and more coffee than any human should ever consume, you are graduating from Barnard College and or Columbia University. Now it’s time to mark this milestone with photos that actually look as incredible as the achievement feels.

Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus is one of the most photogenic in the country. Pair it with blooming trees of a New York City spring, and you have a backdrop that’s genuinely world class, just like the education you just received.

Let’s start with the obvious: Columbia’s main campus is stunning and poignant. Designed by MKim, Mead. & White (who also did Penn Station and the Boston Public Library). Every angle offers smething that looks like it belongs on a university brochure, because it probably has been.

But beyond the architecture, what makes Columbia so special for Columbia and Barnard students, is the energy of the place. This is one of the most storied academic institutions in the world, in the greatest city in the world. Your photos should carry that weight.

And in the springtime, the whole campus transforms. Flowering trees line the walkways, the lawns turn a deep, saturated green, and the light in late April is soft and warm.

Columbia and Barnard’s campus is compact but packed with iconic spots. Here’s a breakdown of the must shoot locations for your graduation session.

The Low Steps: This is THE Columbia photo. The sweeping granite steps leading up to Low Memorial Library at the most iconic image on campus for good reason. The neoclassical columns, the wide tseps, and the view back down toward the main quad make this spot a non negotiable stop in any graduation session. Come early morning to avoid the heaviest foot traffic and the the best light.

The Butler Library Facade: Across the main lawn from the Low Library, Butler Library offers a completely different but equally powerful backdrop. The lines, repetition, and symmetry photograph beautifully.

College Walk: The main pedestrian boulevard running east to west through campus is lined with trees that are in full bloom by late April. This is perfect for walking shots, candid moments, and in between laughing photos.

Avery Hall: The are of Avery Hall offers beautiful arched walkways, detailed stonework, and quieter corners that lend themselves to intimate, editorial portraits.

Barnard Campus: For Barnard College graduates, the Barnard campus just across Broadway offers additional gorgeous spots. The Diana Center and the Barnard Hall Lawn are particularly beautiful with green spaces that feel like a private garden in the middle of Manhattan.

Revson Plaza: Located between upper and east campus, Revson Plaza overlooks Amsterdam Ave. It’s the perfect spot for that quintessential New York City shot with taxis and architecture.

Here is an example of a Barnard College graduate and her campus session.