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When graduation season rolls around, if there's anyone who cares more about all of the ceremonies and celebrations than the students, it’s their family members. Especially for parents, graduation season means it’s time to take lots and lots of photos … and honestly, who can blame them? Graduating from Notre Dame is a huge accomplishment, and the day offers wonderful opportunities to capture moments of excitement and joy. When it comes to graduation pics, though, there’s one tradition that I think is somewhat overhyped: photos in front of the Golden Dome.

Look, I get it. The image of the Dome above your head, as you wear your graduation attire and hold your diploma with a huge smile on your face, is an unmistakably classic look. The Dome in the background lets people know right away that you didn’t just finish college; you graduated from the University of Notre Dame. It’s a common and easy way to showcase your incredible accomplishment without saying a word.

But that’s just the thing; it’s common. Everyone takes Dome photos, not just at graduation, but all the time. I’ve taken five selfies in front of the Dome within the last month alone, and I don’t even graduate until 2028 (or 2029, depending on who you ask).

Each student’s Notre Dame story is uniquely different from everyone else’s. Because of that, I would suggest that a much more meaningful way to showcase your graduation from Notre Dame is to take photos near buildings, locations, statues or even trees that not only have personal meaning to you, but demonstrate your deep knowledge of Notre Dame’s culture and traditions.

If you want some general suggestions, I’ve come up with a few.

Take a photo inside the room where you attended your first-ever lecture as a freshman, and maybe even pose in the chair where you sat on your first day.

Get a picture of yourself at your favorite on-campus study spot. For me, that would be the DeBart study lounge, but I know the upper floors of the library are popular for some folks.

If you’re an engineer, go to the second floor of Fitzpatrick Hall and take a photo in front of the gorgeous stained-glass window. If I could, I would recommend taking a picture inside the Engineering Innovation Hub, but I’m pretty sure the graduation outfit violates nearly every safety precaution in the book.

Take a picture by one of the lakes, but don’t go to the popular spot across from the Grotto; instead, walk around the lake and take a picture in a spot that’s meaningful to you. As a Coyle Crew member, I’d pick the starting line of the Fisher Regatta.

Snap a pic near (or inside) Stepan Center to say one final farewell to the Exam Hall of Doom and celebrate the fact that you’ll never have to take a test in there again.

Now, just to be clear, I’m not suggesting that you not take Dome pics at graduation. I know I definitely will. Don’t stress about it, though, and don’t make it your number one priority; Instead, focus on taking photos near places that invoke strong memories and remind you of your special accomplishments throughout your time at Our Lady’s University. Years later, when you look back at those pictures, you’ll remember more than just the fact that you graduated from Notre Dame; You’ll be reminded of all the incredible personal stories that made your experience here so uniquely wonderful.