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Guidelines for Photography
How to choose a photo

Guidelines for photography

It’s not simply a matter of pushing a button. The images we choose to visually tell the story of Macalester matter.

Places

When showing buildings and facilities on campus, try to capture the energy of campus life, both academic and social. Show students and professors engaged in discussions or demonstration instead of an empty classroom. Show a performance before a live audience instead of an empty concert hall or theater stage. Show people walking into, out of, or around buildings, not just a static façade or interior. Complement with close-up shots that show architectural and design details, equipment, or instruments. Create a sense not just of what a place looks like, but what goes on there.

Events & Happenings

For groups of people at gatherings, whether formal or informal, use a more editorial, journalistic approach. Avoid forced compositions and posed group shots. Capture people engaged in conversation, contemplation, celebration, or just being themselves. Experiment with different perspectives and angles to capture the energy of a group. People should look like they’re connecting and interacting with each other, not the camera.

People

Whether we’re showing students, alumni, faculty, or staff, the subject’s individuality and personality should shine through. We want to capture people in the moment, and in environments that speak to who they are, what they do, and what they’re passionate about. Portraits should be expressive, not posed or staged. Avoid standard backgrounds like white walls or brick buildings, and use different angles or perspectives to create a unique point of view.

Videography

Many smartphones are well equipped to capture video but it takes more than that to create a create story. Reach out to communications to discover how we can help.

We’re here to help

Request services

Sometimes it’s best to call in the professionals. Read about when communications can help you to capture images.

Learn about our photo services