The Department of photography provides impactful images that support The University of Alabama’s mission and brand.
Our team captures photos that support the Division of Strategic Communications’ strategic priorities including stewarding and elevating the UA brand. Our work supports student recruitment and promotes the Alabama experience. We also work to create content that enhances donor engagement and supports UA’s philanthropic goals.
We capture photos to support UA News, the University’s homepage web presence, institutional social media accounts and other communication efforts to internal and external audiences. We also provide the University with general stock photography.
Pitch a photo op for projects within our current scope of service.
Photo library for campus communicators.
Professional headshot service for faculty and staff
FAQ
What types of photo opportunities are you accepting?
- Assignments originating from the Office of the President
- Content which will be featured on UA’s primary social media accounts (@univofalabama, @UofAlabama, facebook.com/universityofalabama)
- Content for top level admissions recruitment efforts
- Content for top level Division of Advancement fundraising efforts
- Content captured for UA News, by request of the StratComm department of communications
- Stock photography for general use throughout campus
Which events are ineligible for DSC Photography?
We do not cover departmental requests such as award ceremonies, speakers, dinners, receptions, group photos, conferences, student headshots, image scanning, and passport photos.
How do I request a photo shoot?
Please fill out the photo request form.
I am a faculty or staff member and need to have a headshot taken – how can I set this up?
Please visit our headshot service page for more info.
What are the copyright and usage policies?
- All photographs produced by the department of photography are the property of The University of Alabama and are copyright protected.
- The photography department takes the utmost care in processing all digital files. We provide clients with high-resolution .jpg images that have already been sharpened, color corrected, and cropped (if necessary). Therefore we request images not be altered by the client in such a way as would change the original subject, meaning, or focus of the photo. Slight cropping is permitted as long as it doesn’t change the meaning of the photo.
- The photography department reserves the right to deny usage of any image at its sole discretion.
How far in advance do I need to put in a photo request?
For after-hours photo opportunities with a known date and time, campus partners should submit photo ops at least 4 weeks in advance. For photo ops during normal business hours, please submit requests at least 10 business days in advance. For large photo shoots which involve models, props, location changes, etc., please submit request at least 4 weeks in advance.
How long does it take to get my photos back?
In most cases photos are returned within 5 business days, however during the busiest times of year we ask that you allow up to 10 days. If you need the images sooner, please be sure to note that in the deadline section of the request form.
How will I receive my images?
Images are delivered via our digital asset management system, Photoshelter.
Can you e-mail me a copy of ______ image?
The file sizes from our cameras are too large to email more than one at a time. In order to provide our clients with the highest quality imagery, all images are delivered via Photoshelter.
How can I get copies of existing photography?
Please visit our digital photo library.
I am not affiliated with the University; can I use your photos?
Our photos are used for the promotion and advancement of The University of Alabama. If you are not affiliated with the University, you must submit an external photo request and outline, in detail, what you will be using the photos for. If your request is approved, there will be a “rights of usage” contract, and a fee based on the usage of the image
Do I need permission to take photographs on campus?
Non-commercial photography on campus does not require advance permission. Professional photographers taking photographs for commercial use, are expected to inform the Division of Strategic Communications before taking photographs.
Do you have historical images of the UA campus?
All historical images of the UA campus are housed in Hoole Special Collections Library.
There are a handful of people in our department that need headshots. Will you come to us to capture these?
No. At this time we are not capturing on-location headshots.
Can you take my headshot outside?
Yes, provided the following:
To request an outdoor session we need a group of 10 or more faculty/staff who you have confirmed are able to attend.
- The group can attend the session during an agreed upon thirty minute or one hour block of time on an already scheduled headshot date.
When submitting your request be sure to provide the following:
- Headshot date you would like to attend
- Number of faculty/staff confirmed to attend
- Preferred block* of time between 8am-4:00pm, 30 or 60 minute block.
*Please note that we cannot leave lighting equipment setup outside unattended so everyone will need to arrive during the agreed upon block of time.
Do you capture student headshots?
We do not capture student headshots. The UA Career Center offers basic headshots for students. Login to Handshake to make an appointment during available times. For more information contact the Career Center.
Do you capture group photos?
We no longer capture group photos.
What does image processing involve? Can I request unprocessed image?
Processing is a blanket term for any and all actions carried out on image files following a photo shoot. This includes downloading images from memory cards, renaming files, backing up files/imagery, editing of visual aspects (such as color correction, sharpening, and cropping on an as-needed basis), as well as the tagging of image files with copyright information and a variety of meta-data information that is important to the archiving and storage of digital files. Finally, we must also upload your photos to our digital asset management system. Processing is necessary and carried out for all jobs we shoot, without exceptions.
Staff
