Photography Services Policy

Photographic services at Bloomsburg University is located in Room 138 of the Waller Administration Building. Marketing and Communications provides high-quality images and professional photography services to the campus community. Our mission is to promote BU by providing images to various departments and to chronicle campus life and events as they happen.

What we offer:

• Original images for publications, websites, PowerPoint presentations and more
• Studio, location and event photography
• Extensive digital archive with thousands of current and historical images including campus scenes, students, classrooms, events, and portraits.

NOTE: When requesting service please consider how the photos will be used.

Photos of Events

Allow 10 days advance notice to schedule a photographer for your event. Provide the photographer with the date, time, and location of the event. Let the photographer know how long the event will last, how long the photographer will need to be there, will there be an area where the subject(s) will have their photo taken with an appropriate backdrop. Please be as specific about timing as possible when making the initial request.

Make sure the photographers know ahead of time who is to be photographed during the event and when. Please make appropriate announcements regarding the photo opportunities to the subjects/guests and provide specific directions to where and when they should go to have their photo taken. If your event occurs during a luncheon or banquet will a meal and conveniently located seating be provided for the photographer? Also, please have an individual available to assist the photographer at the event should the photographer need help identifying subjects and resolving unexpected difficulties. This person should facilitate photographs of individuals, situations and groups that may not be obvious to the photographer.

Photo Requests for Digital and Print Publications

Items for consideration:

• How many images do you need?
• What/who is/are the photograph(s) of?
• Can you use existing photos from Marketing and Communications archives? Or do you need original photos taken specifically for your project?
• How will the image be used (e.g., in a printed publication, on a Web site, or display, etc.)?
• Dimensions of the image when it is reproduced (in inches or pixels)?
• What are the file requirements? Mac or PC? File type (TIF, GIF or JPEG)? What resolution is needed in dots per inch (DPI)?
• Before you make your final choice:
• Does the image enhance or clarify your message or help tell your story?
• Is it appropriate for your audience?
• Is this a picture you would want to look at?
• Is the quality sufficient? Is it clear?
• Is the image you chose current and accurate?

Discuss your objectives and the designer’s input. Determine how many, what type, and where the photos will be taken: on location or studio setups, portraits, objects, an event, a building interior or exterior, etc. The photographer will determine the type of lighting needed and if props, backgrounds or special effects/equipment are required for the assignment. Contact the people to be photographed, schedule the space and coordinate with the photographer’s schedule. If necessary, obtain permission to shoot at the planned location. If you are shooting on location, the photographer and you and/or your designer should visit the site in advance so lighting requirements and creative issues, such as angles and setups can be considered.

If you are photographing people, releases forms can be obtained from Marketing and Communications. Have the subjects sign the forms and provide a copy for Marketing and Communications to keep on file.

To get the right image, photographers shoot multiple frames of the same subject making slight adjustments in focus and exposure. When photographing people, several shots are often needed to capture the right expression and to compensate for people blinking or looking in the wrong direction. When you get the proofs, many of them will look the same at first glance. Examine them closely to determine which one is right for the job. Your designer can help you do this.

Photo Selection Tips

• Many images in our online photo galleries are available for use by the Bloomsburg University community.
• Additional images are available in Marketing and Communications. Contact us if you would like to browse the archive.
• Original photography can be scheduled.
• Images can be e-mailed under certain circumstances, check with Marketing and Communications for details.
• Schedule all requests in as far in advance of deadlines as possible.
• Members of the media should contact Marketing and Communications for all image needs at 570-389-4412.

Bloomsburg University owned images are not for resale or reproduction for personal promotion. Photos that are received as a gift from BU are not intended for reproduction, nor are they to be used for any self-promotional purposes.