10 years photographing NSU Graduates
Krista Lee Locklin
Photographer
As a professional graduation photographer who has photographed hundreds of NSU Florida graduates, I can confidently say that NSU Florida’s Main Campus offers some of the most visually diverse and polished backdrops in South Florida.
Whether you’re celebrating your undergraduate degree, master’s, or doctorate, choosing the right locations on campus makes a huge difference in the final look and feel of your graduation photos.
Here are my top, tried-and-true graduation photo locations at NSU. These spots photograph beautifully, feel timeless, and really show off the best side of campus.
Shark Fountain
(Most Popular Location)
The Shark Fountain is hands down the most requested and recognizable graduation photo location at NSU Florida. Featuring the iconic shark statue and water feature, this spot instantly signals “Nova Southeastern University” and is a must-have for most graduates.
From a photographer’s perspective, this area works especially well for classic cap-and-gown portraits, wide shots that showcase the full fountain, and celebratory poses.
Because it’s so popular, timing and posing matter here — quick direction and experience help ensure you get strong images without feeling rushed.
BEige
Nova Southeastern University Sign
(In front of Horvitz)
The beige Nova Southeastern University sign in front of the Horvitz Building is one of the most timeless and versatile graduation photo locations on campus. Its neutral tones with pops of greenery photograph beautifully in the background, making it an excellent choice for classic, elevated graduation portraits.
One of the biggest advantages of this location is the variety it offers throughout a session. The open area around the Horvitz Building allows for multiple angles and compositions, and the sky behind it can look completely different depending on the time of day.
Late afternoon and golden hour are especially stunning here, often producing soft light, glowing highlights, and dramatic South Florida skies that add depth and warmth to your images without overpowering them.
This spot is a favorite for graduates who want timeless photos that still feel unique. This location is versatile and pairs well with NSU Florida regalia, career specific attire (scrubs, white coat, etc) or your graduation dress, suit, or other outfit!
Library Walkway
(In front of the Alvin Sherman Library)
The Library Walkway is one of the most elegant and balanced graduation photo locations on NSU Florida’s Main Campus.
Framed by tall palm trees and clean brick pathways, this area creates a naturally symmetrical look that feels elegant, bright, and unmistakably South Florida.
From a photographer’s perspective, this location shines because of its depth and openness. The long walkway allows for beautiful leading lines, while the surrounding palms add softness and movement without distracting from the graduate. It’s an ideal spot for headshots, full-length portraits, walking shots, and natural poses that feel confident and timeless.
Don't forget to take a few photos on the steps if you spent your last 4 years studying in the lib!
This area photographs especially well in early morning or late afternoon light, producing clean skin tones and a light, airy feel in the morning and a golden, more dynamic light in late afternoon.
For graduates who want images that feel refined, classic, and editorial, without being overly formal, the Library Walkway is a great choice. It is also very close to these next locations!
*Tip: for those golden images, choose your session time during golden hour!
Blue NSU Letters
(by the Flight Deck)
The large blue NSU letters near the Flight Deck are another favorite, especially for graduates who want bold, modern images. This location photographs clean and graphic, making it perfect for standout portraits that feel polished and contemporary.
I often recommend this spot for graduates who want at least one image that clearly features the university name in a fun, celebratory way. It pairs especially well with smiling, energetic poses and works great for announcements and social media.
Gold Circle Lake
Gold Circle Lake is one of the most scenic locations on NSU’s campus and a favorite for graduates who want something a little more natural. With water, greenery, and open space, this area adds variety to a graduation gallery and creates a peaceful, celebratory atmosphere.
This spot works particularly well for relaxed walking shots, photos along the sidewalk near the lake with the Alvin Sherman Library in the back or Horvitz, and wide images of the lake with the fountain and fin that feel less structured while still being unmistakably NSU.
In late April and May, the trees surrounding the lake come into bloom, creating a vibrant backdrop that adds a fresh, seasonal feel to graduation portraits.
Special Locations Available on Request
Beyond these well-known spots, NSU Florida’s Main Campus has several lesser-known and specialty locations that are available on request. These areas are perfect for graduates who want something more unique or meaningful — whether it’s tied to a specific program, building, or personal experience on campus.
As a professional photographer familiar with NSU’s layout, I help guide graduates toward locations that fit their vision while keeping sessions efficient and stress-free.
Last Location suggestion: Beach
In addition to campus locations, the beach is also an option in south Florida! Dania, Fort Lauderdale or another beach location can be a beautiful add-on or alternative location for graduation photos.
South Florida beaches offer coastal backdrops and if you're a marine biology major or just a beach fan, they may accurately represent a big part of your college experience in SoFlo.
Whether you’re envisioning something natural, or clean and editorial, beach sessions create a completely different look in an exciting way.
If you’re interested in incorporating the beach into your graduation session or want help deciding which location fits your vision best, feel free to reach out to me—I’m always happy to chat and help you plan.
Final Thoughts from a Graduation Photographer
The best graduation photos come from a combination of strong locations, thoughtful posing, and an understanding of how each space photographs. The lighting is different at each location every day, and after hundreds of sessions planning around the sun and south Florida's crazy weather, I can help you plan your session for the best time (weather permitting of course).
NSU Florida’s Main Campus offers an incredible variety of backdrops, and with the right guidance, your session can feel both effortless and personalized.
If you’re planning graduation photos at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, choosing a photographer who knows the campus makes all the difference — not just in how your photos look, but in how the experience feels from start to finish. Let's plan your photoshoot now!
