Portrait Sessions
Portrait sessions are available during the following dates and times. All sessions will take place at Memorial Union in the Multicultural Greek Council Room (4th Floor) from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Tuesday, November 18
Wednesday, November 19
Monday, December 1
Tuesday, December 2
Monday, December 8
Wednesday, December 10
Photos with Abe
Graduates may take photos with the Abe statue during the following staffed times when a safety ladder is provided. No appointments are necessary.
Friday, December 12 | 11 a.m–3 p.m.
Saturday, December 13 | 11 a.m–3 p.m.
Sunday, December 14 | 1 p.m–4 p.m.
Monday, December 15 | 11 a.m–3 p.m.
Schedule is subject to change. Inclement weather will require the ladder to be stored.
Climbing the Abe statue without the specialized campus safety ladder is prohibited. Individuals who climb the statue without the safety ladder risk serious harm to themselves and to the artwork. The statue sits at a significant height above a hard ground surface. The statue may be slippery, and there are no specially designed railings or grip points. Risks include slips and/or falls, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, and potentially serious or fatal head, neck, back or spinal injuries. Individuals choosing to climb without the campus safety ladder acknowledge these dangers and proceed at their own risk.
Ceremony photos
All candidates will have their photo taken as they cross the stage at the Kohl Center to receive their diploma cover and a solo portrait after they exit the stage. Photo stations at Gates A and B will be available before and after the ceremony for graduate portraits with friends and family.
Make sure to complete the photo registration form prior to the ceremony so day-of portraits can be emailed to you. Proofs will be sent to graduates and their families within 48 hours of the ceremony. Your commencement is a once-in-a-lifetime moment so don’t miss out!
Questions about your photos?
UW–Madison is proud to continue to work with Empire Photography, a locally-owned small business established in 1983 by UW–Madison alumni Mark and Maggie Smith. Empire Photography has been photographing our commencement ceremonies for many years. If you have any questions, please email Empire Photography or call (608)-257-2941. You can also visit the Empire Photography UW–Madison Portal for more information.