This past spring we had the privilege of photographing some truly incredible Loyola seniors and doctoral graduates as they celebrated the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next. From the colonnaded walkways along the lake to the iconic green door of Dumbach Hall, every corner of the Sheridan campus tells a story and we love helping Loyola graduates tell theirs.
Loyola Graduation Champagne Photos – Lake Michigan
The champagne celebration by Lake Michigan has become one of our signature Loyola moments. There’s something about that wide open horizon, the deep blue water, and the sheer joy of popping a bottle after years of hard work that makes for photographs you’ll keep forever. We shoot these at the lakefront pier and along the scenic walkways that line the eastern edge of campus — spots that remind you Loyola might have the best campus setting of any university in Chicago.
Celebrating with the Class of 2026 – Commencement Weekend at Loyola
Commencement weekend at Loyola has an energy all its own. The “Congratulations Graduates” banner goes up on the main lawn, Lu Wolf makes his rounds, and the entire campus buzzes with pride. Booking your session during commencement weekend means you get all of that atmosphere built right into your photos — the banners, the decorations, and if the timing is right, a moment with Lu Wolf himself. These are the details that make Class of 2026 portraits feel like a true time capsule. We were lucky enough to time a few of our sessions during Loyola’s graduation weekend, which meant one very special guest appearance – Lu Wolf, the Loyola Ramblers mascot. These photos are always a crowd favorite and make for some of the most fun and memorable images from the entire day. If you’re booking your Loyola graduation session during commencement weekend, let us know, we’ll do our best to make the timing work.
Loyola Chicago Family Graduation Portraits – Dumbach Hall
Graduation is a family milestone as much as it is a personal one. Some of our most treasured images from Loyola sessions are the ones where parents, siblings, and grandparents step in front of the camera too. The green door of Dumbach Hall and the surrounding brick architecture create a warm, classic backdrop that works beautifully for both solo portraits and family groups. We always set aside time during our Loyola sessions for family photos it’s something you’ll be glad you did.
Loyola Chicago Graduation Photos – Cudahy Library and Campus Arches
The architectural details at Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus are unlike anything else in Chicago. The Cudahy Library entrance with its arched doorway and wide stone steps is one of our most requested spots, it frames every graduate beautifully and gives the photos a timeless, editorial quality. Just steps away, the colonnaded lakefront walkway offers a completely different mood: airy, open, and elegant. Together these two locations cover the full range of what makes Loyola’s campus so special to photograph.
Doctoral Graduation Photos at Loyola University Chicago
Photographing doctoral graduates at Loyola is always an honor. The years of research, the late nights, the dedication it takes to reach this milestone, it shows in every frame. We made sure to use the full campus and the lakefront to create portraits that match the magnitude of the achievement. The purple doctoral regalia photographs beautifully against both the Gothic brick architecture and the open blue of Lake Michigan for Max.
Loyola University Chicago Graduation Photos – Class of 2026
We recently had the pleasure of photographing Emma’s senior session at Loyola University Chicago as she celebrated completing her Marketing degree. Despite the fierce winds rolling in off Lake Michigan, a true Loyola rite of passage. Emma brought incredible energy and smiled through every gust. We explored the iconic campus architecture, the beautiful spring blossoms, and finished with a champagne celebration she absolutely earned. Congratulations Emma, Class of 2026!
After recently graduating from the Loyola University in Chicago, Lizza and Liam chose the Campus on Sheridan for their senior photos. As Chicago Senior Photographer my goal is to capture their personality and combine that with the architecture of the place they’ve been around for few years.
I’m excited to share this first Loyola senior session!
We started the senior photo session along the Loyola Campus with Lizza. The location is perfect for capturing Loyola’s University Campus unique architecture.
We were also able to capture the feel of summer and a glimpse from the Lake Michigan.
Later, I photographed Liam at the campus on Sheridan St. for the second part of the senior photo session.
The Loyola campus is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in Chicago! Love The Gothic campus architecture combined with the modern glass building of the Library right by the Lake.
The summer colors highlight the cobblestone pathways of the campus’s alleys.
I love working with seniors and I love talking about their dreams of the future.
I wish them nothing but the best in the years ahead. Congratulations on graduation!
Click here to view some high-school senior sessions in Crystal Lake IL.