Photo and Video | Brand Guide | The University of Vermont(title)

Photo and video are powerful tools that bring our brand to life. They capture the essence of our campus, the diversity of our community, and the vibrancy of our experiences. Thoughtful representation in imagery and video not only reflects who we are but also shapes how we are perceived.

Paying attention to how you're capturing images, who is in your media, and how they are framed in the photo will help ensure that every visual element we create aligns with UVM's values, telling our story with authenticity, inclusivity, and impact - and elevating your project in the process.

Photo and Video Resources

Create a Video

The Division of Strategic Communications can help you tell stories through video with our in-house fee-for-service video production services – ensuring you have a high-quality video product that fit within the University’s overall brand and connects with its larger strategic goals.

UVM Photo Library

Our office manages a centralized library of photos and videos for use by UVM community members in professional UVM projects. This includes a curated public library, and a more extensive archive dating back to 2008 - all organized and easily searchable.

Photo / Video Releases

UVM departments working on photo of video shoots with individuals or outside community members/organizations should consider getting signed releases to confirm participants are ok with their likeness being used in the materials you are capturing.

The "UVM Style"

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UVM photography and videography should feel natural, energetic and “in the moment,” to highlight UVM’s strengths in providing hands-on and experiential learning opportunities.  As much as possible, the camera should be in-the-action and subjects should be shown in-motion, interacting with each other and their environment using natural light. Imagery should highlight our campus’ high level of academic facilities, diversity of classrooms, exciting research, and beautiful Vermont environment when possible.

Spotlights

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student photos

Feature or Spotlight Photos are those typically shot to be paired with a story or narrative showcasing the talents of a member (or small group of members) of our community. These photos should feel un-posed, relaxed, and candid—showing subjects within their natural environment, area of study, job, or interest. When paired with a written piece, feature photos should enhance the unique story being told and will add depth to the overall creative work and storytelling being communicated by showcasing the action being represented. When capturing subjects, engage them in discussion to avoid posed shots and embrace their natural gestures.

Portraits

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Faculty self portraits

Portraits are typically shot for biography-style placements in publications and on the web. For this type of photo, simple head and shoulder horizontal style portrait, with the subject looking directly at the camera is most appropriate.  Ensure there is adequate clearance (space) around your subject to ensure good web placement.  Avoid plain, solid-color backgrounds and dim lighting, and embrace depth of field behind your subjects.