Since 1977, Qatar University has served as the nation’s premier institution for higher education, growing into a symbol of academic and research excellence in the region. With 12 distinct colleges spread across a vast campus, Qatar University continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in Qatar’s cultural and architectural identity.
Dow Studios had the opportunity to work with Qatar University on a long-term photography project that spanned multiple years and campuses. The result is a robust visual library used across social media, internal communications, and printed publications.
A Visual Update of a Growing Campus
Our collaboration with Qatar University began several years ago with a photography project centered on their iconic original buildings—structures so representative of the university’s identity that they are featured in its official logo. These heritage buildings reflect tradition, authenticity, and purpose.
Years later, we were re-commissioned to update their content library, this time focusing on the newly built colleges. These impressive, architecturally distinct buildings represent the university’s continued growth and dedication to innovation, showcasing top-tier design across a range of academic departments.
Pre-Production & Planning
Given the complexity of working across multiple colleges and departments, the project required extensive pre-production. We spent several days conducting recce visits and location scouting, using this time to capture candid and architectural shots while planning the logistics for the larger production days.
For our lifestyle photography, we took this scouting a step further. During the recce, we brought a camera to test angles, lighting, and environments—capturing base images that could potentially work for lifestyle scenes. Back in the studio, we used AI to add people into these sample shots. This allowed us to present clear visual concepts to Qatar University’s marketing team, helping align expectations and secure pre-approvals before production.
This approach was especially valuable for a project of this scale. By pre-visualizing key scenes and integrating them into our presentations and shot lists, we avoided delays and reduced the need for improvisation on set. It saved valuable time—not only for our production team but also for the university’s faculty and students involved in the shoot. Ultimately, this planning significantly reduced on-site production costs while maintaining creative and logistical efficiency.
Working closely with QU’s central marketing team and coordinating with individual college representatives, we overcame logistical challenges to ensure smooth scheduling and access across the university. Our planning paid off: the result was over 20 days of production, creating a high-value content library used across all media platforms.
From concept till the actual shot
Content Scope
This content library was built around three core visual themes:
- Lifestyle Photography
- Candid Shots
- Architectural Photography
Below, we highlight each category with a closer look at our creative approach and objectives
Lifestyle Photography
Captured with real Qatar University students and faculty, these images reflect authentic moments of academic life—from classroom interactions to campus-wide activities. These photos support both recruitment and communication efforts, showing the energy and inclusivity of Qatar University.
Candid Shots
These documentary-style images were taken across different colleges and outdoor spaces, often blending lifestyle and architectural elements. Whether it’s a quiet conversation under an archway or a single flower framed by a building facade, these spontaneous moments help convey the university’s atmosphere.
Architectural Photography
We documented both traditional and modern buildings using a mix of ground and aerial photography. This allowed us to highlight the architectural evolution of the campus—from the original iconic buildings to the innovative new college facilities.
Drone Photography
A key part of our architectural work involved drone photography. By capturing sweeping aerial views, we were able to showcase the full scale, structure, and spatial layout of the Qatar University campus. These elevated perspectives were particularly powerful in highlighting the architectural contrast between the historic heritage buildings and the sleek, newly developed colleges. The drone shots not only added cinematic flair but also served as a crucial storytelling tool for the university’s evolution.
This allowed us to highlight the architectural evolution of the campus—from the original iconic buildings to the innovative new college facilities. using a mix of ground and aerial photography.
A Successful Collaboration
This project is a reflection of what can be achieved through clear creative direction, adaptive logistics, and strong client collaboration. Despite the scale and complexity, we delivered a content library that reflects Qatar University’s role as a beacon of knowledge, culture, and innovation in the region.
Stay tuned for more upcoming projects with Qatar University.