UW Photo Day

Each summer, The Whole U invites UW faculty, staff, students and their families to join us on the Seattle campus for UW Photo Day—a beloved tradition celebrating our Husky community. Participants enjoy a free professional photo session with talented photographers at iconic campus locations. Whether you’re updating a professional headshot, capturing a family portrait, or bringing your pet along for a fun memory, Photo Day is a chance to connect, smile, and celebrate what it means to be part of UW.

Did you attend UW Photo Day 2025? View and download your albums here by Jan. 1, 2026.

The event is hosted in August. Stay tuned for 2026 event details and registration.

UW Photo Day 2026 Recap: A day full of smiles

What a day! On Sunday, August 10, the sun was shining, Red Square was buzzing, and the UW community came together for one of our favorite traditions: UW Photo Day. Over 2,000 UW employees attended alongside loved ones to get free photography at iconic campus locations with some of Seattle’s best photographers.

From the very first smiles in front of Drumheller Fountain to the last wagging tails at Sylvan Grove, the day was filled with joy, connection and moments we’ll all be holding onto for years to come. Families, coworkers, friends and pets all gathered to capture memories against the beautiful backdrop of campus and the results were nothing short of magical.

The highlight of the day: Harry & Dubs

This year, excitement reached a whole new level with a very special appearance from Harry the Husky and Dubs! From big hugs to high fives to lots of tail wags, it was pure Husky spirit on display. For many, meeting them was the highlight of the entire day. You could feel the energy in the air as people lined up to say hello and snap that perfect photo.

Photos that tell a story

Every picture taken holds a story; a couple celebrating an anniversary, a family capturing memories with grandparents, friends laughing between poses or a pup proudly sporting purple and gold. We love hearing how participants use their photos, whether it’s for holiday cards, graduation announcements, professional headshots or simply framed at home as a keepsake.

Gratitude all around

Though UW Photo Day was offered on just one day this summer, we’re deeply grateful we could continue this tradition and celebrate together as a community.

Here’s what attendees had to say:

It was so good to see so many smiling families. Multiple generations and animals amidst beautiful buildings; I feel truly belonging to UW and the community. Campus was ever changing, but still the campus I was running around between classes. Proud to be a Husky myself, my daughter, and hopefully my grandson. Thank you for providing such a beautiful event.

Lisa Yunok Lawrence, Health Care Manager, Harborview Medical Center

This was the first time that I had participated in the event, and it was amazing! It was so lovely to see all of the UW community and share the beauty of the UW campus with my family. I will cherish the time that we spent together and the lovely photos too! Thank you so much for sponsoring this event. I truly hope that the UW continues to host this event in the future.

Ireton Renee Davis, Research Scientist Engineer 4, UW Medicine

Amazing event! Thank you so much for having this. It is truly wonderful to see all these Husky families out there in all shapes and sizes and so many great opportunities to connect with a lot of different people that are all part of the Husky family.

Rachel Cichowski, Associate Professor, College of Arts & Sciences

I love UW Photo Day! I have come to this event for more than 10 years with my family. Pictures are beautiful, great memories. Being in line is worth the photos, and it is good time to meet UW staff in line. Please, never stop this event!

Amely Chavez, Patient Representative, Harborview Medical Center

Thank you to our photographers

Behind every smile was one of our wonderful photographers, patiently capturing the joy of the day. Their talent and generosity help make UW Photo Day so special year after year. We encourage you to follow up with them, explore their work and support their businesses through the links below.

Until next summer

A huge thank you goes out to our incredible photographers and volunteers, who made sure the day ran smoothly, and every participant felt welcomed. And of course, to our sponsors, BECU, Husky Mobile and TIAA. Your support helps keep this tradition alive and free for our UW community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year. Whether you came with family, friends, coworkers or your furry sidekick, we hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did. We can’t wait to see your photos once they’re ready!