Photography
Photography adds a human element to the Mountaineer brand, and although our words are powerful, it provides proof that words can only claim. For this reason, photography should be carefully selected to match our messaging, and it should always feel authentically WVU.
Individuals sharing photos on behalf of a WVU school, department or unit are responsible for reviewing the image to ensure it meets brand guidelines.
Photo Shoots #
Photography is available for headshot and in-house photography at Health Sciences. Costs associated with photo shoots (headshots, events, etc.) are the responsibility of the requesting program or department. Photos for use in marketing materials will be coordinated by Health Sciences Communications and Marketing.
Please use the following form to request photography services for your event or activity. This form must be submitted AT LEAST 36 hours before the actual photo shoot is to take place.
- Studio portraits: Shoots will be billed at $100 per hour minimum, with a ten-person maximum per one-hour shoot. If additional individual portraits are required above the ten-person maximum, an additional shoot must be scheduled. NOTE: Group shots outside of the studio and above the ten-person maximum must be scheduled separately.
- On-location photography: Shoots will be billed at $100 per hour, with a 2.5-hour minimum. This rate includes group shots.
- Digital files of Studio portraits will be billed at $20 each and will be available to the client at the photographer’s discretion, generally within 3-5 days. Due to editing and processing time required to produce digital galleries, the photographer will communicate an estimated delivery time with the client at the time of the shoot.
- A full event gallery of images (.jpg format) is priced at $250.
- Digital high-resolution files for photos taken on location, not in the Studio, are priced at $60 per image.
One Waterfront Place Studio Hours:
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Health Sciences Studio Hours:
(By Appointment Only at G290 HSS)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Unless special arrangements are made, photo assignments outside of normal business hours (8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday) will be charged at time-and-a-half. Holiday assignments are at double time. If out-of-town travel is necessary, the requesting organization should assume these costs.
Assignments on weekends, evenings, and holidays must be scheduled one week in advance.
Tips for Taking Great Photos #
The best way to keep improving at taking great photos is to practice often, make mistakes and be open to learning from others, whether they’re well-established photographers or newcomers to the craft.
There are a few tips that can help you take better pictures if you are using a specialized digital camera or your smartphone.
Media Release #
Prior to a photoshoot, individuals who will participate should complete a media recording/usage release, including students, faculty, staff and community members. Consent is required in many circumstances, such as in patient care areas, and recommended in most others. When in doubt, complete a media release. Review requirements below.
- Release Form Required: Individuals are required to complete a media release if the photos are intended for marketing purposes, if the subject is a minor and if the subject is in a patient care area. WVU Medicine requires advance approval for photography in clinical areas. HIPAA laws about patient privacy must be followed.
- Release Form Possibly Required: Photos taken in public spaces where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy generally do not require a media release. Exceptions include spaces directly outside and within patient care areas.
- Release Form Not Required: Photos taken for editorial uses online (e.g., press releases, feature stories or social media content) do not require a media release. While not required, it is best practice to obtain consent from individuals who appear in photos used for print materials (flyers, magazines, brochures, etc.).
Photo Galleries #
If there is a photo on photos.wvu.edu that you would like to use, you may request a digital file from University Relations Photography. Costs associated with photography are the responsibility of the requesting program or department.
Download photos from our associated accounts:
- Health Sciences SmugMug
- School of Dentistry SmugMug
- School of Medicine SmugMug
- School of Nursing SmugMug
- School of Public Health SmugMug
Outside Vendors #
When Health Sciences Communications and Marketing cannot accommodate a photography request, you may choose to use an outside vendor. Recommended vendors include, but are not limited to, the following:
If an external photographer is hired, they must utilize the available media release forms and receive approval from Health Sciences Communications and Marketing prior to the photo shoot.