USU Photography Resources
We have a continually updated library of pictures you can use, along with tips and guidelines for producing photos for your department.
USU Photography Library
We have a library of hundreds of photos your department or college can use for university-related communications. These photos feature USU students, faculty, staff, and campuses throughout the state.
News & Media: These images can also be used editorially with attribution by outside media (no commercial, derivative, or for-profit use is permitted).
Commercial: use by business/entities outside of USU is not permitted without an agreement with University Marketing & Communications and Trademarks & Licensing.
Browse the photo library https://usu.photoshelter.com/
Bespoke Photography
If you don’t see what you need in the stock library, or if you have a special opportunity for photography coming up, you have a few options.
University Marketing & Communications
UMAC works closely with USU entities to create rich marketing campaigns and materials with photography, video, and graphic design, as well as timely news publications. Work with your College, Department or Office Communicator to see if this is an option for you.
Student Media
The student-run media production office can help create photos, videos, and graphic design. Contact Blue Light Media at their website.
Freelance Photography
Cache Valley and other regions have many skilled photographers available for hire. UMAC doesn’t have preferred photographers, but we do have experience with many throughout the state and would be happy to make recommendations. (Note: we’re checking on the legality of listing a few freelancers and their contact info here).
When you hire a photographer, explain that this is a “work for hire” situation: This means the photographer will not receive royalties for the use of their images and that they may be used in many different ways without consulting with the photographer. As such, the photographer should provide original files (RAW files) along with the edits they prefer.
Whomever your hire, please vet their skills. Our standards are aimed to help photographers provide you with great pictures for your layouts.
Do It Yourself
You may have someone on your team who can take a good picture. Share the photography guidelines to help them make the most of the opportunity. See also the tips for using your phone camera for social media posts.
Adobe Stock
USU provides access to Adobe Stock as part of the Adobe licensing agreement for all Students, Faculty and Staff. While stock imagery can be necessary, we strongly encourage to use photos that represent Utah State University when possible.
Model Release
Photos used for any kind of promotion — promoting degrees, clubs, events, ideas, etc. — 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 this form and keep it on file with the photos.