Announcements and Stories
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- School Newsletters
View Guide for Announcements and Stories
Photography
Why Photography is Important
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.
Review WVU Photography 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.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. have been designated as studio times for portraits and headshots by appointment only. Photos for marketing materials or stories can be scheduled any day. The studio is located in HSC-South G290.
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.
Submit a WVU Medicine Media Release
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:
Outside Vendors
When Health Sciences Communications and Marketing cannot accommodate a photography request, you may choose to use an outside vendor. You can contact our communications and marketing team for a recommended vendor.
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.