Imagery is one of the most critical assets in a brand identity system. Photography helps us relate to others while we express our brand and distinct personality.

University Imagery

Our marquee imagery fits into three primary imagery categories: exploration, curiosity, and moments.

EXPLORATION

  • Individuals or group activity.
  • Subjects are not acknowledging the camera.
  • Discovery, adventure and exploration are the central attitudes of the image style.
  • Special emphasis on the surroundings, creation and its expansiveness.
  • Unique camera angles and lens perspectives are acceptable.

CURIOSITY

  • Single individual (typically).
  • Subjects may or may not acknowledge the camera.
  • Investigation, discovery and inquiry are the central attitudes of the image style.
  • Additional emphasis on the details of the surroundings in and around the room (the “laboratory”).
  • Indoor, artificial, dramatic lighting is most effective, but natural-light staging is possible.

MOMENTS

  • Groups
  • Subjects may or may not acknowledge the camera.
  • Positivity, play, personal growth and experience are the central attitudes of the image style.
  • The most intimate of the image styles, the shot may draw in close to the subjects, or pull back as needed.
  • Natural light, outdoor settings

Technical standards

Regardless of the style or content of an image, some universal technical standards are required of all photography representing Calvin University:

  • Professional photography only—no cell phones or amateur point-and-click devices.
  • Natural color—refrain from grayscale, muting, sepia or artificial manipulation.
  • Never scale an image up past its original resolution.
  • Print only high-resolution imagery (300dpi or higher).
  • Contact a professional before cropping or editing a photograph.
  • Never provide official Calvin University imagery to third-party sources without the consent of the office of communications and marketing without the consent of the Marketing & Communications division.

Communications and Marketing often has student photographers on staff. Our students are for hire, if your photo needs aligned with our communication goals and there is a perceived need for the photos in multiple mediums. For example, if you have a small dinner event that you want photographed for the end goal of sending the photos to the attendees only, this would be a case where you would need to reach out to one our photographers mentioned above and arrange your own photo shoot.