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Photography
Photography plays a crucial role in bringing our brand to life.
Finding Photos
Browse these sources of photography for the right images to engage and compel viewers to read your narrative. If using stock libraries, be mindful of copyright usage and licensing for this material.
SFU image library
Our image library includes hundreds of professional photos of SFU. The library includes our locations, our events, departments and units, areas of research, our community, and campus life.
Your photo subjects
Ask your subjects for photos and select ones that best reflect our photographic style. Make sure you get high-resolution images for optimal display, and obtain the photo owner’s consent prior to publishing the photo.
Stock libraries and inclusivity
Stock photography can effectively support the narrative of your story, but improper use can misrepresent SFU if used indelicately. Consider other more authentic sources of photos before stock libraries.
- Access free stock images from websites such as Pexels, Unsplash, Pixabay and Picography. For more variety, license from paid stock image sites like Shutterstock, iStock or Getty Images.
- Browse inclusive collections such as TONL, nappy, Getty #ShowUs and Jopwell Collection for more of an idea of what diverse photos should look like, and what it means to be truly inclusive.
Contract photographers
Contact Communications & Marketing for recommendations for a roster of contract photographers who are experienced with various SFU assignments.
Considerations for working with a contract photographer
- Are they experienced with the type of photography you’re looking for? For example, event photographers may not have much experience with formal headshots.
- What is their rate? Photographers may charge hourly or daily, depending on their preferences and/or type of assignment.
- What are their conditions for the ownership of rights, usage and credit? Some include unlimited usage and full rights in their service fee; others may charge additionally for usage (limited or unlimited) but maintain ownership of rights. Some may require no credit while some may want to be credited every time the photo is used.
Writing a photography brief
A good brief helps the photographer quote on the work and collaborate with you on the assignment. It should include the following:
- Title of photoshoot
- Your contact information
- Brief description of the photoshoot
- Date and time (specific shoot date, or required by a specific date)
- Location (full address for driving directions, plus helpful campus directions or context)
- Shot list (the more specific the better, and can be completed in collaboration with the photographer)
- Audience (who will view these photos?)
- Desired tone
- Avoid (what we do not want)
Do it yourself
Consider capturing your own photographs to address timing, budget and other constraints. Here are some helpful resources: