Images & Videos
We are a welcoming and spirited community with a diverse student body and faculty. We show that through our photos and videos.
Photography Styles
Portrait
Using portraits is an easy way to depict the amazing range of faces and perspectives of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Select a balance of styles, varying between closely framed portraits and wider shots that ground subjects in their environments. Though we want to represent Ole Miss with warm and welcoming smiles, some instances do call for more serious poses, especially when the person needs to appear more distinguished.
In The Moment
Though all of our photos should be authentic and true to the Ole Miss experience, in-the-moment shots are truly meant to fill out the visual story you are telling.
These photos need to be candid, showing Ole Miss staff, students, faculty and alumni who are caught up in what they’re doing, not looking at the camera. These photos should depict individuals engaged in their work or groups closely collaborating.
Spirited
There is no feeling like the one you get on Ole Miss’ campus, and the images in this category epitomize that emotion.
Spirited photos aren’t just for athletics; shots from energetic events such as concerts, dances and fraternity stepping ceremonies all capture the special vibe of being on campus.
Historical
Set historical photos in black and white to emphasize these indelible occasions.
Though the history of Ole Miss isn’t always easy to represent, so many incredible moments and people are linked to our university, and we should celebrate them.
Sense of Place
Not only is our campus one of the most beautiful in the country, but the entire state of Mississippi has a unique charm that’s worth showing off in our communications — it’s a true point of pride.
Make sure the images you choose in this category relate to the content they accompany. Most of the time, photos without people are more dynamic, but sometimes it’s okay to use photos with people in them to amplify the importance of the place depicted.
Details
We can find beauty in the smallest details of our campus and in the intricate works of our students and faculty.
By zooming in close and focusing on the smallest components of the Ole Miss experience, we can paint a fuller picture and balance out our storytelling. Detail shots can serve as a visual breather, and they can work well for pairing with text. Photos with depth of field can make for more interesting shots.
Photography Tips
Cropping
How an image is cropped can make a tremendous difference in the story it tells. In general, select wide shots to emphasize the impact of our work, and use closer shots to capture emotion and detail in student life.
Rule of Thirds
By dividing your composition into thirds and positioning your subject along these lines or their intersections, you can achieve better balance and interest.
Copy Space
When selecting an image, be mindful of how it will be used, and where copy might be placed atop the photograph.
Depth of Field
Depth of field refers to how much of a photo is in focus. A shallow depth of field means that the subject is in focus, while many other elements in the composition are out of focus. This technique helps guide the viewer’s eye to the subject.
Authenticity
Always be sure that the scenarios you photograph look genuine. Overtly staged photos will feel inauthentic and bring our credibility into question.
Lighting
Always strive to achieve soft, natural lighting. They should feel evenly lit and warm. Avoid harsh flash, colored lighting or stylized techniques that make the images feel overly produced or edited.
Focal Lengths and Angles
Avoid shooting from unnatural angles that distort the subjects. These extreme techniques can make photos feel inauthentic and unflattering.
Posing
Avoid photographing subjects who look overly posed.
Do
Use high-resolution imagery for print publications.
Schedule a university photographer if you need help documenting something in a compelling way.
Do Not
Use large imagery for the website.
Use a university photographer for grip and grins and group photos.
Need to see more?
Check out the videos for a more in-depth look at our brand.