Using Images on Your Website

Choosing an Image

Keep these guidelines in mind when choosing an image to use on a page in your website:

• Use the WVU Photo Request form to request a photo shoot of your event from University Relations News/Photography services.

• Go to the WVU Photos website for university approved photos if you do not have an image that meets your needs. To see other examples of WVU Brand approved photos please view the WVU Brand Photos page.

• It is suggested that photos adhere to WVU Brand Guidelines.

• We advise against using charts or graphs as images. You can contact the Health Sciences Communications and Marketing team or your school communications team to help you come up with more suitable solutions.

• Avoid uploading large images that might take a visitor a long time to download. Use image editing software (if available) to reduce images to a reasonable size and optimize the images before uploading.

• Do not use images where text is a majority or the focus of the image. This is not accessible and can lead to text that is not readable.

• Do not use group or staff photos. University guidelines advise the use of more in-the-moment photography.

• Do not create collages.

• Do not use screen captures of any kind (videos, websites, etc).

• Do not remove the background from the subject in a photo.

Note: The Health Sciences Communications and Marketing Digital Team and communicators reserve the right to, without notice, remove any images that do not meet our accessibility guidelines.

Accessibility

Alternative text is a way to describe images in a non-visual manner. It is especially important for users who cannot see the images on a website or for situations where an image is not able to be downloaded by a user’s browser.

• When writing alternative text, write it as if you were describing an image to someone who is unable to view the image.

Try and avoid using images in the following instances:

• Do not use photos where text is the focus or majority of the image. In these instances, the photo is not providing much visual help. It is suggested that photos adhere to WVU Brand Guidelines.

• We advise against using charts or graphs as images. If you think a chart or graph is needed, please submit these images through our Website Content Updates form and provide information about why this is needed.