Photos are a powerful way to share ACC’s story. They are a pillar of ACC’s brand identity and an important tool for promoting the college to internal and external constituencies. Like other media, photos should reflect ACC’s brand personality and reinforce key messages.
Interested in sharing your message through video? Visit ACC Visual Identity: Videography.
Every Picture Tells a Story
From images of classrooms, to campus life and events, every photo on an ACC platform contributes to the bigger picture of the college.
To present ACC in the most genuine way possible, the college avoids stock photos (such as Getty Images, Shutterstock, etc.), and uses only authentic images of our facilities, students, and employees. In rare cases, stock photos can be considered when an illustration or conceptual image is needed, as long as the photo does not include identifiable individuals. These exceptions must be reviewed and approved by the Office of College Relations & Marketing (OCRM).
Do not copy photos (“save image as”) or screenshots from the internet to use on ACC platforms. This could make the college liable for copyright infringement.
See more guidelines for taking and choosing compelling photos below.
Using Existing ACC Photos
OCRM provides some of its photographic assets to other ACC departments and offices on a case-by-case basis (see request form below). In most cases, a photo may be used one time only and specifically for the purpose requested in writing. OCRM reserves the right to deny the use of any visual asset. Images that belong to ACC should not used by external entities without prior review and approval by OCRM.
The Austin Community College District’s visual assets are protected by copyright (All rights reserved. Austin Community College District) and may not be used without permission. Any unauthorized commercial use of the photos are subject to applicable state and federal laws.
Photo Consent
Individuals who are photographed or filmed on ACC campuses or at ACC events and who are not ACC faculty or staff must sign a photo consent form. There are no exceptions. Please note:
- If someone cannot give legal consent, (such as minors under age 18), the consent form must be signed by a parent or a legal guardian. This sometimes applies to dual credit or Early College High School students and prospective students.
- If images will be uploaded to a database or otherwise made available for other uses at ACC, this must be conveyed as part of the consent.
- If the person submitting consent specifies exceptions, the photographer must acknowledge the exceptions as part of the consent and ensure that the college abides by those exceptions.
If you are photographing a large group and securing individual consent forms is impractical, you can post signs in multiple visible locations informing people that the event is being photographed and/or video recorded. Contact ACCTV for sign examples.
Photo Consent Forms
You can access and submit an online version of the photo consent form. You can also download and print Spanish version of the photo/video consent form.
For convenience, OCRM has laminated cards with QR codes that link to the online consent form. Contact OCRM to request a card.
Those who submit the online consent form automatically receive a copy via email. OCRM also receives a copy. If you would like a copy of the signed form your your department’s records, ask the subject submitting consent to forward their emailed copy to you.
Requesting Photo Services
If you would like help telling your story or documenting an event, reach out to OCRM’s photography and video teams. We shoot in a wide range of environments, from the studio, to the classroom, to outdoor venues. Our experts will help determine what works best for your needs.
Submit a photo request form for services or to request existing photographic assets. Requests are reviewed weekly. OCRM gives priority consideration to opportunities that allow the college to produce images that enhance the ACC brand and support the college’s enrollment and recruitment goals.
More Guidelines for Maintaining Brand Standards in Photos
The ACC community comprises people of all ages and backgrounds. When selecting photos, be mindful of the diversity of gender, age, ethnicity, field of study, etc. represented. Be aware of the uniqueness of individuals and campuses, as well as the common values and spirit that bind us.
Remember, those consenting to photography are entrusting you with how they are presented; images must be taken and used in a manner that is truthful to the circumstances and respects the dignity of those photographed.
While most ACC photos are for illustrative purposes rather than photojournalism, be careful to avoid unintended associations, particularly when pairing images with text. If the text addresses sensitive or potentially negative topics, do not use images of individuals or ACC locations that are not directly related to the topic. Instead, use other forms of illustration, such as a graphic.
Capturing Compelling Images
While it’s always good to showcase ACC’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, people-centric images that convey honest interactions and emotions are the building blocks of our storytelling. These images help connect and engage viewers and are given priority on communications and marketing platforms.
Whether a photographer is ACC staff or or an outside vendor, they should focus on capturing these storytelling moments without disrupting or interfering with the teaching and learning process.
Visual Variety
Successful storytelling also relies on visual variety. Photographers achieve this by capturing images from wide, medium, and tight perspectives:
- Wide shots are scene-setting images that give sense of place.
- Medium shots show more context. If photographing people, frame shots from the waist or knees up to their head.
- Tight shots are close-up portraits or those focusing on a detail.
Try taking photographs from various angles and distances to the subject. Surprising points of view and composition choices also are encouraged (try shots from a high or low angle, or a frame within a frame, etc.). When possible, try to frame images to include ACC branding elements, such as the college name or logo, or brand colors.
Technical Requirements
“High resolution” or 300 DPI (dots per inch) is the recommended minimum resolution for printed photographs. Computer monitors generally have a display setting of 72 DPI or 96 DPI. Insufficient resolution will result in a poor-quality print. The image width and height size values (in pixels, inches etc.) also can affect image quality in print or online. These parameters should be verified with photo editing software such as Photoshop, Bridge, or Lightroom prior to publishing.
Back to Top