Photography is a powerful asset for visual storytelling. It helps us tell the engaging, extraordinary story that is Oregon State's. By aligning our photography style and usage, we can create a look and feel that's distinctly ours.
Note: Oregon State requires staff, students, faculty and contractors who take photos in a laboratory to model and promote best practices in safety when shooting and using research lab photographs, including wearing the proper personal protective equipment. This is considered a photography best practice.
When taking photographs in a lab or research space, please confirm with the lab manager or PI that photography subjects are conforming to the PPE requirements of that space.
Large-scale images capture the fields of science cinematically, serving as an open window and wide-angle perspective to our scientific work. They are meant to capture the inherent beauty in science fields, and outdoor settings are especially powerful.
The number of large- and small-scale photos should be balanced in all publications along with the eight master brand photo categories. Used appropriately, these photos give more context and help tell a more complete story. Ideally people will be represented in these images, but they are not absolutely necessary.
Small-scale images serve as a counterpoint to the large-scale images. Instead of focusing on the macro, they instead explore the micro. They are very much a science-specific analogue to the detail images from the master brand level. As such, they should prominently capture the details of our world—showing the inner workings—and our surroundings. Again, the number of large- and small-scale photos should be balanced in all publications along with the eight master brand photo categories. Used appropriately, these photos give more context and help tell a more complete story. While people are not absolutely necessary in these images, they can certainly be present when it's relevant.
To find more information about photography or to download photographs from University Marketing, visit the Oregon State main branding guide.
If you need a headshot of a faculty member or want to schedule a photoshoot of your lab that is in-brand, we are more than happy to help!
