California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State), is surrounded by beautiful, green scenery that welcomes the surrounding community to come and walk through it and enjoy what the campus has to offer.
The community can watch the geese play in the ponds, or listen to the relaxing water of our fountains and ponds while sitting down on the grass and enjoying the beautiful views.
Stan State has the beautiful scenery of the Sequoia Lake, the Gazebo, the Reflecting Pond, Warrior Lake, Village Lake and many other great areas that are surrounded by the beautiful trees.
Many community members and photographers choose the scenery that Stan State has to offer as a background to have their pictures taken for any special occasion.
Not only do photographers choose Stan State for pictures, but also people who exercise are seen on campus running or walking their dogs.
Elderly people also take advantage of the beautiful view that Stan State has by the Sequoia Lake. They sit down in the benches that are by the lake, and appreciate the view they have upon their eyes.  
Barbara Garcia (sophomore, Art) says that she is pleased about people going on campus to have their pictures taken for their special event because it exhibits how our campus has a suitable and presentable setting for customary backgrounds.
Especially on weekends, we can see photographers taking Quinceanera pictures, Wedding pictures or any kind of occasion picture taken on campus, which makes it easy and accessible for people to come on campus on the weekend because they do not have to pay for parking, and it is easier to walk around on campus.
Photographer and owner of Q Image, Christian Santillan from Merced, had the opportunity of taking family pictures for a client at Stan State.
When the client told Santillan that Stan State was family/photographer friendly, he was more than happy to take advantage of the different spots throughout the campus. 
“I think is a remarkable attitude taken by a state institution to allow us [photographers] to take advantage of the beautiful buildings and different spots through all over the CSU. I have nothing but gratitude towards the department that made this possible,” Santillan expressed.
Santillan also stated, “Having green areas, buildings, little corridors and much more […] allows us to let our imagination flight free and be capable to capture those sunsets and those dims of lights that travel across the trees and buildings and help us bring to paper a little piece of art for our families, friends or customers. They are more than amazed by the way that our pictures turn out.”
Photographers, also take pictures by the sign that has the university’s name. When it comes to graduation pictures, that is a great spot to take your pictures.
The spot that is usually picked for Quinceanera and wedding pictures is in the area by the Sequoia Lake and the Gazebo.
Brenda Tellez, an alumnus from Stan State and resident of Merced, had her wedding pictures taken on campus a couple of years ago, and says that she chose Stan State because it was familiar, with beautiful landscapes and it’s easily accessible.
Tellez also mentioned, “The landscaping is so pretty. I can understand people wanting it as a backdrop for their special occasion.”
Stan State offers free parking on the weekends, which makes it more accessible for people to come by Stan State to have their pictures taken or enjoy a pleasant walk around campus.
“My favorite area is the Sequoia Lake, because of the scenery. The area has such a calming effect on me. I just love the trees, the water, and the ducks,” Tellez said.