Purdue University Northwest / Marketing and Communications / Strategy and Guidance / Website / CMS Guide / Images / Photography Guidelines

Photography Guidelines

High-quality photography is essential for supporting the PNW brand and reinforcing our expertise and professionalism. Faculty and staff members with an up-to-date university-produced “head shot” are encouraged to use this photo to promote high standards and a consistent brand experience for website users.

FEATURE IMAGES

If a university-produced “head shot” isn’t available, please follow these guidelines to promote professional, appealing photography:

  • Source photos should be provided in the highest-resolution format available.
  • The photos should feature the subject alone and facing the camera. The subject should be posed in front of a uniform background, with their features visible in moderate, consistent lighting.
  • Please do not submit “selfies,” vacation photos or pictures cropped from a group photo.
  • Sending multiple versions is a good idea. More options are always better!
  • Please leave room around your image if possible as it facilitates different cropping options.
  • If you have horizontal and vertical options, please send both.
  • If you are shooting on an iPhone, Portrait mode is best!
  • For website faculty/staff listings, the final display dimensions will be 235 x 235 pixels, cropped to a circle.

SUPPORTING IMAGES

In addition to feature images of individuals, supporting images are a great way to add context and visual appeal to a page. Guidelines for supporting images include:

  • Examples for supporting images include a person at work, in a campus setting, interacting with others, etc. Think of these pictures as more “lifestyle” shots.
  • Similar to feature images, supporting images should be crisp, clear and in moderate, consistent lighting.
  • Photos should be supplied in the highest resolution possible.
  • If horizontal and vertical images are an option, please send both!
Vice Chancellor Lisa Goodnight

Feature Image: Good Example

  • Neutral background with plenty of room around the subject
  • Crisp and high-res
  • Looking direct at the camera
BadSamplePic

Feature Image: Not So Good Example

  • Busy background
  • Lower lighting
  • Multiple external logos in picture
  • Subject is not fully “addressing” the camera

In the right context, this could be a suitable “supporting” image.