We got there early to miss the crowds, and it was well worth doing this, as we walked up to the counter, paid, and then we walked off to the lifts, when you come out you get the usual photo taken, but then we were left to walk around and look down on Dubai, some great photos were taken.
You can also go out onto the observation deck and take photos from there too, it does get quite crowded out there, I preferred it inside.
As the entrance to the attraction is through the Dubai Mall, after the visit you can go to the food court or do a bit of shopping around the Mall, take comfortable shoes, you need them.