Photographs are a powerful tool to help tell the University at Buffalo School of Management’s story.
By properly framing, lighting and composing your photos, you can capture our exciting events and accomplishments, interesting alumni and talented students, and share their stories with your audience. Readers are more likely to read and engage with content that features great photos, and journalists are more likely to cover news with a high-quality image.
Before taking photos or video, ask your subjects to fill out a Photo/Video Release [PDF].
Send completed forms to mgt-pr@buffalo.edu.
At events, it's impractical to secure a signed release from every attendee. In these situations, post one of the following signs to let attendees know that photos or video will be captured during the event.
Notice for small events [PDF] - Encourages attendees to consult with the photographer/videographer if they do not wish to be filmed
Notice for large events [PDF] - Simply advises attendees that they may be filmed (used for events where it may not be logistically feasible for attendees to lodge requests to avoid filming)
Whether you’re snapping a few shots at a competition, telling the story of an experiential learning trip abroad or hiring a freelancer to cover an event, follow these guidelines to ensure your photos are high quality, dynamic and follow UB and School of Management brand standards.
For more UB photo guidelines, particularly for professional photographers, visit the UB brand website.
Do this: Capture the winners' excitement, personalities and/or company/business idea, if applicable.
Avoid the cliché “big check” photo, and instead take photos that showcase the winners and their personalities or the company/idea for which they won, if applicable. If you must use a big check, capture it in an interesting way.
Do this: If you need a "big check" photo, capture it in a different, engaging way. This is just one example of many poses you could try.
Not that: Avoid the overused "big check" photo when possible.
Do this: Arrange subjects in an interesting way using furniture, stairs or something else to create multiple levels.
A group arranged in a straight line, with their hands at their sides or crossed in front, isn’t very interesting. Vary your subjects’ poses and place them on different levels using stairs or furniture. Be sure everyone can be seen and the group is close enough together so the picture doesn’t feel awkward.
Not that: Avoid arranging subjects in a straight line, especially in front of a blank wall.
Take engaging, authentic images that capture the action from a variety of angles and depths. Photos must be in focus, and the subject should be clear. “Candids” can be staged, but avoid clichés like the “grip and grin,” below.
Do this: Capture engaging photos that show the event from interesting angles and a variety of depths.
Do this: Take candids that feel in the moment and capture the spirit of the event.
Not that: The "grip and grin" photo is overdone; avoid it whenever possible.
Not that: Photos showing the back of people's heads, without a clear subject, are not strong visuals. Make sure the subject is clear.
School of Management
University at Buffalo
108 Jacobs Management Center
Buffalo, NY 14260-4000
Tel: 716-645-2833
Fax: 716-645-5926
mgt-pr@buffalo.edu
Building a brand and maintaining a consistent visual identity is a collaborative and complex process.
If you have questions or need help, contact the Marketing and Communications team at mgt-pr@buffalo.edu.