Photography

Transform Your Tomorrow

Imagery should capture SDSU’s personality, diversity and vibrancy. For a signature photographic style that is specific to SDSU, photos should be dynamic with rich colors, providing an authentic view into student, faculty and staff experiences. 

Photos should also feel natural and purposeful while showcasing movement and engagement whenever possible. Photos should also reflect our physical location, as we are a transborder university with global alumni network.  

Photos of our students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and campus should be organic and candid in an aesthetically pleasing, bright and clutter-free environment.  

Photographic Style

Composition

Images should have a strong point of interest, be well lit and capture emotion. Photograph many different angles and styles for variety; wide framing, medium, tight, horizontal and vertical. 
Use depth of field to capture both images with a blurred background and the image fully in focus.  This will provide visually interesting images and allow for more flexibility in post production.

Color

The color tones should be bright, crisp and natural whether shooting inside or outside. This underlines our vibrant community and culture. Our signature red and black colors should be included in some capacity (subtle or up front), either in the background, subject apparel, merchandise or environment. 

Style

Simple scenes are more compelling and communicate our message more effectively.  Avoid complexity in both the background and attire, and focus on a single subject or small group (up to five) whenever possible. Look for visual symmetry and geometry, and interesting positive and negative shapes and spaces.

Quality

Create sharp, high resolution images that can be published in a variety of mediums. Minimum 300 ppi for both vertical and horizontal applications.

Incorrect Use

Avoid using photos that are grainy, blurry or out of focus. 

Avoid using stock images as much as possible, and always avoid using stock images that reflect a different institution or physical location. 

Do not use clichéd imagery that does not reflect the genuine and true experience of students, faculty, staff and alumni. 

Ensure that you have copyright permissions before using images for all purposes. Do not use images if you are not clear about the confirmed copyright.

Additional Photography

• MASTER GALLERY 1

• MASTER GALLERY 2

• MASTER GALLERY 1 (PRE-2020)

• MASTER GALLERY 2 (PRE-2020)

Photographer Contract

Photographers authorize the use and reproduction by SDSU of all photographic images. SDSU is authorized to use, re-use, publish and re-publish all images in whole or in part, individually or in conjunction with other photographs, in any medium and for any purpose whatsoever, including (but not by any way of limitation) illustration, promotion and advertising, and to use the photographers name.

Any instances in which the photography involves the exchange of currency or trade for services could result in a usage-fee charge by the photographer. If the photographer resells images contracted by SDSU, they agree to have the subjects sign a model release stating intended use and explain the terms and conditions of the release to the subject(s). SDSU does not accept liability for any recourse from subject(s) in the photos.

Photographers must be credited whenever possible for all images used from the campus gallery. Images from the public gallery need not be credited.

Model Release Form

Please use a model release form to ensure that subjects are aware of reproduction and usage rights of their image when you are photography or filming. A Spanish model release form is also available.