Breadcrumb
Photography Guidelines
Photos are an important part of your publication process. Great effort and thought should be put into all your photography choices. A great photo selection will engage your audience and grab their attention so they are compelled to read the content. Poorly selected, low quality images will damage your credibility and not engage your audience.
When taking and selecting your photograph, follow the guidelines below.
Composition Guidelines
- Pay attention to the background in the photo. Simple, uncluttered backgrounds work best.
- Remove all clutter in the frame before the image is taken. Look for branded material such as water and soda bottles, clothing with names, subject matter and logos that don’t support the university.
- Fill the frame with your subject. Images can always be cropped to eliminate any dead space that doesn’t add to the main subject.
- Make images more engaging by including an environment that relates to the subject's interests. (lab, classroom, etc)
- Try to make the subject as natural and comfortable as possible.
Technical Guidelines
- All images should be taken on the camera’s highest quality settings.
- Always take photos in a well-lit area.
- The main subject of the photograph must be in focus.
Talent Guidelines
- Always have your subjects fill out a model release.
- Minors must have a release signed by a parent or legal guardian. It is strongly recommended that a parent or legal guardian accompany a minor on the photo shoot.
- Avoid sleeveless garments.
- Darker or neutral colors are best. Avoid white if possible.
- For group photos, have subjects place hands at their side.
- No logos should appear on apparel except UCM logos.
Photography Requests
The Office of the President employs a professional photographer on staff. Photography requests should be submitted to Kristen Plummer at kplummer@ucmo.edu.
Professional Headshots
IMC hires a company to provide professional headshots several times per year for faculty, staff, graduate assistants and student workers. This schedule is posted in UCM Daily several weeks in advance of the photo shoot. Starting with the 2025-26 academic year, the campus photographer will accommodate this request.
