How Tempest Photography Captures the Perfect Graduation Moment

Graduation ceremonies represent pivotal milestones in a student's educational journey. These celebrations of academic achievement deserve to be memorialized with photographs that capture both the formality of the occasion and the genuine emotion of the moment. For nearly a century, Tempest Photography has specialized in immortalizing these significant life events, establishing itself as a trusted partner for over 100 British universities and colleges, including prestigious institutions like Imperial College London, Cardiff University, and The University of Southampton.

A Legacy of Excellence

Tempest Photography's establishment nearly a century ago has allowed the company to build unparalleled expertise in graduation photography. In an industry that has witnessed dramatic technological shifts, Tempest has maintained relevance by embracing innovation while upholding its foundational commitment to quality and personalized service. This steadfast dedication has enabled the company to evolve with changing customer expectations while preserving its legacy of capturing timeless memories.

The company's approach to graduation photography combines technical precision with genuine care for the graduates' experience. Understanding that there are no second takes for these important life events, Tempest photographers have honed their skills to ensure that every detail and emotion of graduation ceremonies is expertly captured.

The Comprehensive Graduation Photography Experience

What sets Tempest Photography apart in the graduation photography space is its comprehensive approach. Each client institution receives a dedicated account manager who collaborates closely with university staff to tailor the photography package to the specific needs and atmosphere of each event.

Individual and Family Portraits

Graduates can book solo portraits or family photographs throughout the day in Tempest's pop-up studios at the graduation venue. These studios are strategically positioned for easy access, allowing students and families to capture professional-quality images without disrupting the flow of the ceremony.

Understanding that different graduates have varying preferences and budgets, Tempest offers more than 60 product options ranging from combination packs to contemporary frames. What's particularly convenient is that proofs are printed instantly on-site, enabling graduates to select their favorites immediately—a thoughtful service that eliminates the uncertainty of waiting to see how photos turned out.

Presentation Ceremony Photos

One of Tempest's most distinctive services is capturing the exact moment graduates accept their awards onstage. These images, which preserve the ceremonial handshake with university officials, are available for purchase immediately after the ceremony as an 8x6 print in a card mount featuring the university crest. Remarkably, Tempest is the largest operator offering this service and the only one to routinely provide presentation ceremony photos, highlighting their unique position in the market.

Group Photography

Faculty or department group photos provide another cherished keepsake. Tempest photographers can schedule these either during the graduation day or during term time, depending on the university's preference. These photos are taken either on the university's iconic steps or using Tempest's state-of-the-art staging system, which can safely accommodate large groups while protecting sensitive venue surfaces.

Technology and Innovation Behind the Perfect Shot

Tempest Photography's commitment to excellence extends beyond artistic vision to embrace technological innovation. The company has invested £10 million since 2005 in developing one of Europe's most advanced photographic laboratories in Cornwall. This facility ensures that every graduation image undergoes rigorous quality control before reaching customers.

Digital solutions also enhance the customer experience. Tempest's eProofing system provides instant access to digital images, allowing graduates to view and order their favorite photos online. This seamless process makes it easy for students to share their achievement with family and friends, particularly those who couldn't attend the ceremony.

Streamlining the Graduation Experience

Recognizing that graduation day can be overwhelming, Tempest Photography has developed complementary services that simplify the entire experience for both graduates and universities.

Innovative Gowning Services

Through the Graduate Gowning Company (GGC), Tempest offers a streamlined gowning process that dramatically reduces wait times. Each gown and hat is fitted with a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, allowing for efficient scanning when items are collected and returned. This technology, coupled with Tempest's cloud-based online database, virtually eliminates queues.

The gowns themselves are designed with comfort and photography in mind. Velcro attachments on hats and discreet optional front fastenings on gowns ensure a perfect fit while minimizing adjustment time during photoshoots. This thoughtful design helps graduates look their best in photos while feeling comfortable throughout the ceremony.

Seamless Online Registration and Ticketing

Tempest's customizable online system handles all aspects of registration and ticketing, allowing university event teams to manage logistics effortlessly. Graduates can simultaneously order their academic attire, book photography sessions, and secure ceremony tickets in one transaction, reducing administrative complexity for both students and institutions.

Inclusive Photography for All Graduates

Tempest Photography demonstrates an exceptional commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every graduate enjoys a meaningful photography experience regardless of their circumstances. Perhaps one of the most heartwarming examples of this approach is their custom service for graduates with service dogs.

When graduates with disabilities attend ceremonies accompanied by service dogs, Tempest provides specially tailored gowns for the animals to match their owners'. These aren't generic costumes but carefully crafted replicas based on detailed measurements—including length from collar to tail, chest width, head circumference, and leg length. Tempest even creates matching hoods that correspond to the graduate's degree level.

The company's consideration extends to the comfort of the service animals, with adjustments made for dogs that require harnesses or have specific sensitivities. During the ceremony, staff members ensure that both the graduate and their service dog are perfectly presented before crossing the stage, creating truly inclusive graduation memories.

This attention to individual needs extends to all graduates. For instance, one student at the University of Kent initially planned to skip his graduation due to concerns about finding a gown that would fit his above-average height. After consulting with Tempest, the company assured him they would create a perfectly fitted gown, enabling him to attend the ceremony with confidence and celebrate with his family.

A Moment to Remember

What truly distinguishes Tempest Photography is its understanding that graduation photos aren't merely pictures—they're treasured keepsakes that families will display proudly for generations. Their photographers approach each graduation with this responsibility in mind, focusing not just on technical excellence but on capturing the authentic emotion of the day.

From the nervous anticipation before the ceremony to the triumphant smile as a graduate accepts their degree, Tempest photographers are trained to anticipate and preserve these fleeting moments. Their expertise in framing, lighting, and timing ensures that each photo tells the story of academic achievement and personal growth.

As graduates move forward into new chapters of their lives, Tempest Photography's images remain as tangible reminders of their accomplishments. In capturing these perfect graduation moments, Tempest doesn't just provide a service—it creates lasting legacies that honor the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Through their blend of traditional craftsmanship, modern technology, and genuine care for the graduate experience, Tempest Photography continues to set the standard for graduation photography across the United Kingdom.