Monday 29-06-2026 - 10:00

Graduation is more than just collecting your certificate, it’s the celebration of years of hard work, unforgettable memories, and the people who helped you get there. Whether you’re planning professional portraits or snapping candids on the day, here’s our guide to the best graduation photo spots and must-have shots to capture this moment.

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Ede and Ravenscroft

Manchester Mets official photography provider is Ede & Ravenscroft, offering professional graduation portraits to help commemorate your achievement. Professional photos can be taken before or after your ceremony but need to be booked in advance to guarantee a spot on the day. However, if you’ve left it until last minute don’t panic. A walk in service is provided on 14, 15 and 16 May, subject to availability.

Professional photos are a great option if you want a polished keepsake for family members, LinkedIn profiles, or simply to remember your time at Manchester Met.

 

Bridgewater Hall

As the home of Manchester Met’s graduation ceremonies, Bridgewater Hall provides some beautiful backdrops for your graduation photos. Some of the best spots include:

• By the lake: The waterfront setting creates a classic graduation photo with plenty of natural light.

• On the bridge overlooking the water: Perfect for capturing both your graduation outfit and surrounding scenery.

• Outside the iconic venue entrance: A simple but meaningful shot to remember where you officially became a graduate.

These locations are perfect for family photos and group pictures with mates before everyone heads off to celebrate.

 

MMU Signs

Keep an eye out for the giant Manchester Met spades placed around outside by the ceremony. These installations make the perfect graduation backdrop and add an unmistakably Manchester Met touch to your photos. They’re also great for quick snapshots if you’re short on time between the ceremony and celebrations.

 

Campus

While graduation takes place away from campus, many graduates choose to male the journey back to revisit the places that shaped their university experience. Some favourite campus locations include:

• All Saints Park: A green space at the heart of campus, All Saints Park provides a quieter (but still scenic) alternative to the busy graduation venue.

• Your favourite building: Whether you spent countless hours in the Business School, loved in the art studios, or practically moved into the library during assignment season, taking a photo outside the building that defined your uni experience can add a personal touch to your graduation album.

• The Union’s iconic yellow wall: A favourite among students throughout the year, the Student Union’s yellow wall makes a bright and instantly recognisable backdrop for your graduation pictures. It’s a fun way to celebrate not only your academic achievements but also the community and experiences you’ve been part of during your time at Manchester Met.

 

Your Graduation Photo Checklist:

With so much happening on the day, it can be easy to forget certain photos. Use this checklist to make sure you’ve captured all the important moments:

• The classic hat toss

• A solo shot

• Photos with your course mates

• A picture with your favourite lecturer

• A full group photo

• Family and friends’ photos

• A photo with your graduation certificate

• A candid celebration shot

 

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Enjoy the Moment

It's easy to get caught up trying to capture every moment and organise the perfect photo, but don't forget to take some time to simply enjoy the day. Graduation is a chance to celebrate how far you've come since Freshers' Week, so take the photos you'll treasure, soak up the atmosphere, and make sure to pause occasionally to fully appreciate the moment. Congratulations, Class of 2026, you’ve earned it.