Photography
Make sure to capture your moment! Sign up for graduate photo sessions and learn how to get your day-of ceremony photos below.
Well Red Bucky
Get your graduation photo with the Bucky Badger sculpture, Well Red. Caps and gowns will be provided
Date: May 1
Rain Date: May 4
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Alumni Park, Bucky Badger sculpture
Camp Randall 50 Yard Line
Capture your graduation photos on the 50 yard line of Barry Alvarez Field. Individual and group session options are available. Caps and gowns will be provided.
Date: May 2
Time: 10–11 a.m. (group); 11a.m.–2 p.m. (individual)
Location: Camp Randall Stadium
2026 Numbers on Bascom Hill
The 2026 Numbers will be on the lower third of Bascom Hill for graduates to take photos with family and friends.
Dates: April 27–May 11
Location: Bascom Hill Lower Third
No sign up or registration is required.
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, May 1 | 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday, May 2–Sunday, May 3 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Monday, May 4–Friday, May 8 | 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 | 2–6 p.m.
Sunday, May 10 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Monday, May 11–Wednesday, May 13 | 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
Bachelor’s, Law, and Master’s Degree Candidates can have portrait photos taken by Empire Photography on the sidelines before or after the ceremony at Camp Randall.
Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional Degree 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 photos 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.