Photography
Photography best practices
In the Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications, people are the primary focus of all our photography. That means that every image we capture and showcase should relate to Western students, faculty, staff or our local community.
When our campus, buildings or facilities are the subject of a photo, these images should reflect a thriving University with a robust and diverse student body.
Here are a few tips to consider when taking photos:
- When available, always use natural light. The brighter the better, unless the desired tone or intent of the image calls for a more darkened environment.
- To represent WMU accurately, strive to show a wide range of student experiences. Every photo can鈥檛 represent every student, but a suite of photos used together should authentically reflect the diversity of our campus community.
- When people are the focus, students can engage the camera directly, but posing can detract from an authentic story. It is always best to try to photograph in an environment that appears natural as opposed to something manufactured.
- Ideally, when we capture students, faculty or staff in WMU gear, they should be wearing apparel that features a current logo and color scheme. See below for examples.
Accessing photography
Request custom photography
If you have a story that supports Western鈥檚 marketing or campaign efforts, we want to know about it! We seek opportunities to make compelling, arresting images that showcase a vibrant, thriving campus community. Photography requests that highlight students participating in experience-driven learning are always a top priority. Experience-driven learning examples could include, but are not limited to, a student organization event, students participating in fieldwork, an internship experience, a lab setting or interactive classroom activity.
While we aim to always have a finger on the pulse of our University and its happenings, it鈥檚 always helpful when students, faculty, staff or key campus stakeholders alert us to events that could be used to further highlight WMU. Due to capacity, not all photography requests will be met.
Photography database
The Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications maintains and regularly updates the University鈥檚 photo database, hosted on Smug Mug. These photos are for official use only and are cataloged by topic and date.
We want your WMU photos!
If you have high-quality photos that tell a WMU story, please share them with the Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications so they can be considered for use by the University. Ensure that your contract with the photographer states that WMU owns the rights to the images.
Photos of you
Formal headshots
Photos are taken on a walk-in basis, and no appointments are needed for the dates and times listed below. Sessions are specifically for faculty and staff. Look for announcements in WMU Today, an email newsletter sent to all faculty and staff. New headshots are available within three business days.
Request official Western headshot access
Upcoming headshot dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 10, in Room 2150 of Schneider Hall, from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 10, in Room 4550 in Sangren Hall, from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 14, in Room 2150 in Schneider Hall, from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Student model information
At WMU, we value capturing real students thriving in a campus environment. We believe that鈥檚 the best way to show future Broncos the fantastic opportunities that await them at Western. To reach these prospective students, we'll use student photos in print, online and on our social media platforms.