Graduates

Natural Light Shared Cal Poly Grad Session

January 1, 2025

A Day in San Luis Obispo

Frankie and Ashley’s graduate session was such a joy to photograph. As proud Cal Poly graduates, they wanted their grad photos to feel like a love letter to the place they’ve called home for the past four years. To make it extra special, I traveled from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo to capture them in their element.

We made the most of their session by shooting in both personal and iconic locations. Starting at Cal Poly’s campus before exploring downtown SLO—like the Campus Bottle Shop, a cornerstone of local nostalgia, and the diner where Frankie worked throughout the years. Our day ended at the foothill trailhead, with the rolling hills becoming a gorgeous finishing backdrop to the day.

The light was soft, golden, and quintessential California. I love photographing in SLO. Its landscapes offer a quiet elegance that beautifully complements moments of celebration like this.

Why Shared Graduation Sessions Are a Great Choice

There’s something really special about shared graduation sessions. For Frankie and Ashley, this wasn’t just about marking the end of an era—it was a celebration of their friendship, a bond forged through their shared college experience.

Shared sessions are filled with moments that feel natural—spontaneous laughter, easy smiles, and the comfort of being in familiar company.

Graduation sessions are more than portraits; they’re an opportunity to preserve this time in a way that feels personal, timeless, and entirely yours.

Celebrate Your Journey

Learn more about my college graduation photography packages here, or reach out to book your session today. Let’s make something timeless together.

With love,

Claire

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BEHIND THE LENS

ABOUT CLAIRE

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Growing up, I spent hours immersed in my family’s old photographs, listening to the stories that wove even deeper richness into every frame. Those images—both from before I was born and from my own childhood—became a bridge to forgotten parts of myself, rekindling my love for who I am and deepening my connection to my family. Stories evolve with each retelling, but images remain, carrying an essence that resonates through time—echoing gently in the threads of memory where future generations will find us, and where we often rediscover ourselves. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating these timeless images for you and your loved ones—not just to capture a moment, but to preserve the spirit of who you are, for today and the future.


The

        WHAT TO WEAR guide

This guide helps you make confident wardrobe choices with simple tips on color coordination, textures, and layers that look natural and effortless in front of the camera. With guidance for sessions of all types, it’s your go-to resource for creating looks that feel authentic and remain effortlessly classic over time.

The

          WHAT TO WEAR guide

© CLAIRE JANTZEN 2025