Graduation Photography for UAE Universities: A Guide for Event Teams

Planning graduation photography for a UAE university comes down to four decisions: where the portrait station goes, how graduates move through it on the day, who photographs the ceremony itself, and how photos reach graduates afterwards. Settle these with your photographer six to eight weeks before the ceremony, and the day runs smoothly even with hundreds of graduates.

1. Agree the scope early

• Portrait station: individual graduate portraits in gown and cap, plus photos with family.
• Ceremony coverage: the procession, speeches, each graduate crossing the stage, and candid moments.
• Video: a highlights film for the university’s social channels, if needed.
• Who pays: the university, the graduates, or a mix (for example, the university covers ceremony coverage and graduates order their own portraits).

2. Plan the portrait station

A portrait station needs a quiet space close to the gowning area or the hall entrance, room for a backdrop and lights, nearby power sockets, and space for a short queue. Put it where graduates naturally pass before and after the ceremony; that is when families want photos most.

3. Keep the queue moving

• Share a simple schedule by faculty or surname so everyone doesn’t arrive at once.
• Have a staff member or volunteer manage the line.
• Run a second backdrop for family photos if you expect large groups.

4. On stage

Give the photographer the running order and a spot with a clear view of the handshake or scroll moment. Matching each photo to the right graduate is much easier when names are read in the same order as the printed list.

5. Getting photos to graduates

Decide in advance how graduates receive their photos (for example, an online gallery or individual links) and how long delivery should take, and tell graduates on the day so they know what to expect.

6. Permissions

Agree how the university may use the photos on its website and social media, and let graduates know photography is taking place.

Checklist for event teams

• Scope agreed: portraits, ceremony, video
• Portrait station location, power and space confirmed
• Arrival schedule shared with graduates
• Running order and stage position shared with the photographer
• Delivery method and timing agreed
• Photo usage permissions agreed

Working with Imprint Studio

Imprint Studio photographs graduations for universities in Dubai, including Middlesex University Dubai, and runs on-campus portrait stations on graduation day. Graduates can also book individual sessions at our studio in JLT. See graduation photography in Dubai or message us on WhatsApp on +971 50 774 4167.