USU Photography Resources
Start with the USU Photo Library. If it doesn't have what you need, or you have an upcoming event or project that needs new photos, try the options below in the order listed.
Find the Right Photos
Search the USU Photo Library
Our library on PhotoShelter holds a large, continually updated collection of photos featuring USU students, faculty, staff, and campuses across the state. Any USU college, department, or office can use these images in university communications. For paid marketing campaigns, choose images tagged “Model Release.” See who can use library photos.
Ask University Marketing and Communications
University Marketing and Communications (UMAC) works with USU colleges, departments, and offices to create marketing campaigns and materials with photography, video, and graphic design, as well as timely news publications. We don't have the capacity to provide this service to everyone at the university, so our focus is on institutional, high-level opportunities. Start with your college, department, or office communicator to see whether UMAC photography is an option for your project. If you're part of a college, work through your college communicator.
Hire a Freelance Photographer
Cache Valley and other regions across Utah have many skilled photographers available for hire. UMAC doesn't keep a list of preferred photographers, but we've worked with many throughout the state and are happy to make recommendations. Before you hire, use the freelance agreement checklist below.
Do It Yourself
You may have someone on your team who can take a good picture. Share the USU photography guidelines to help them make the most of the opportunity.
Use Adobe Stock
USU's Adobe licensing agreement includes Adobe Stock for all students, faculty, and staff. Stock images can be necessary, but we strongly encourage you to use photos that represent Utah State University whenever possible. Learn how to download Adobe Stock images with your USU account.
Who Can Use Library Photos
| Audience | Allowed Use |
|---|---|
| USU departments and offices | Free to use in university print, web, social, and email communications. |
| News media | Editorial use with attribution. Commercial, for-profit, or derivative use is not permitted. |
| Outside businesses and organizations | Not permitted without an agreement with UMAC and Trademark Licensing. |
Freelance Agreement Checklist
Before you hire, review the photographer's portfolio to make sure their work fits the USU photography guidelines. Then put the following in a written agreement signed by both parties. Verbal agreements are not enough.
Include in Your Written Agreement
- Usage rights. Either a transfer of copyright to USU or an unlimited, perpetual, royalty-free license for USU to use and edit the images in any medium.
- Deliverables. Number of edited images, full-resolution file format, and delivery method. Unedited (RAW) files are optional; negotiate them up front if you need them.
- Timeline. Shoot date and delivery deadline.
- Model releases. Who is responsible for collecting signed releases from people featured in the photos.
- Aerial photography. If drones are involved, confirm the photographer holds an FAA Part 107 certificate and follows the USU drone (sUAS) requirements. Contact the Office of Risk Management before flying, especially at an event with people.
Model Releases
Photos used for any kind of promotion, such as promoting degrees, clubs, events, or ideas, require a model release when a person is identifiably featured in the image. Photos for news may not need a release, but it never hurts to get one. Print the form and keep the signed copy on file with the photos.