Photography
It is important to adhere to these photography guidelines to make sure consistency in how we capture students, faculty, and buildings with the Gies brand. Overall, choose images that are dynamic and artful. Try to find images that have hues of orange and blue.
Diversity and Inclusion in Photos
When choosing photos, think about diversity and strive to be inclusive while still being authentic. Choose photos that are representative of the Gies Business community. Ask yourself, “Who might see these photos and feel left out?” Use the answer to guide your decisions.
While we want to showcase representation, we also don’t want to tokenize people or give a false impression of our diversity – so authenticity is key.
Take a holistic approach to diversity and inclusion, thinking about the entire body of work rather than each individual photo on its own. And consider many forms of diversity, including these areas and more:
Race/ethnicity
Abilities
Body size
Cultural practices (like religious indicators)
Sex/gender/sexual orientation
Program types (on-campus, online)
Faculty and staff roles
Age/background (including students who are parents, etc.)
Remember, while photos are a visual indicator, they’re not the only way we’re showcasing diversity and being inclusive, so if something doesn’t seem authentic, discuss potential solutions with your collaborators.
Campus Lifestyle & Group Shots
Candid group shots will feature collaboration, teamwork, and cross-pollination. Avoid subjects looking directly at the camera, overly posed shots, or harsh indoor lighting. These images should feel as if they were captured in the moment, not orchestrated. Shots should be taken in natural light from dynamic and unexpected angles.
Portraits
Students should be captured in natural poses that convey their personality. When possible, utilize our color palette for wardrobe and backdrop choices. Faculty portraits can be shot in environment to convey approachability and authenticity.
Innovation in Action
We will also feature photos of our trailblazing students’ innovation in action. These images will feature these students hard at work creating, building, and learning. Make sure students look actively engaged. Avoid typical stock-style images featuring students at computer screens.
When appropriate, photos may also show innovation and action through data graphics, financial graphics, etc.
Students on the Move
Photos should bring our concept of “Business on Purpose” to life through visual momentum. These shots will capture students in motion, rather than a posed shot.
In shots where a student is stationary in a moving environment, use long exposure techniques to create a blur of motion behind them.
Buildings
Our building photography will purposefully “break the grid” with asymmetrical and interesting angles that showcase the beautiful architecture of our buildings. These should offer new and interesting perspectives on a subject that might have been seen hundreds of times by the viewer. Use photos that capture people in the spaces whenever possible.
Collaborative Artwork
These images should celebrate and encourage the cross-pollination we’re known for. These will be carefully planned shots of students with materials found, made, or inspired by the collaboration in Gies College of Business. These images should utilize the tools and resources exclusive to Gies. Ideally, these should be made by students and alumni.
