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Top places and locations for graduation photos around USC

Matt Walsh and Erin Shaw

mwalsh@thestate.com

Updated May 4, 2017 7:10 PM

It’s that time of the year again. This weekend Gamecock parents will flock to Columbia to watch their children walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. Since graduations bring families together in the Famously Hot City, we gathered a list of some of the best places to make photos in town. Some of them are the standard go-to locations, and some are more on the wild side.

Thomas Cooper Library reflecting pool

In March, massive crowds of students rushed into the library fountain to celebrate USC’s historic Elite Eight and Final Four berths as well as the women's team's national championship. Now, it’s the spot for students commemorating their biggest college win of all: graduation.

This is a great location for photos, whether or not you get into the fountain. Its also right in the center of campus so you can hit this spot while giving your parents the obligatory tour.

State House

Between downtown and campus, smack in the middle of everything, The South Carolina State House is a beautiful location for family pics and graduation photos, especially if you are a law student, or political science major. This iconic location features swirling walkways, low hanging trees, gardens and views of downtown Columbia from the top of the stairs facing Gervais Street. The best time of day to make your photos at the state house is late afternoon, when the sun is setting over the Congaree River.

Williams Brice

Willy B is a touch out of the way, as you would have to drag the fam all the way down Assembly to George Rogers Blvd. to get these photos. You will also face a security guard, as the stadium is not “open” to the public, as others are. Only the most committed Gamecock football fans will make this trek.

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West Columbia River Walk Park

This is a great spot to get a photo with iconic Columbia scenery in the background, especially from the bluffs, where you get a great view of the skyline.

Horseshoe

Duh. This is an obligatory location.

Finlay Park, looking back at the City

This is another location that is a bit off the beaten path, however there is a beautiful view of the skyline that can make a nice backdrop for selfies.

Colonial Life Arena

With all of the success of the South Carolina Basketball teams this year, CLA is a trending place to make a graduation selfie, and with new improvements to the area, its not a bad spot.

One of the Gardens at the University of South Carolina

USC has a number of beautiful gardens surrounding the Horseshoe that can make for a great selfie.

Erin Shaw Contributed to this report.

This story was originally published May 3, 2017 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Top places and locations for graduation photos around USC."