Photography

Quality photography has the power to create an emotional attachment with the viewer and convey our School’s brand and key messages. UNC Kenan-Flagler photography at its best reflects our core values and the energy of our community. Photos should feel authentic (as opposed to staged and manipulated) and showcase our warm, vibrant community — from portraits conveying leadership to collaborative group shots embodying our core values to dynamic scenic shots of Chapel Hill or wherever their studies or careers take our students and graduates.

Photos should be displayed in full color and not screened or adjusted to monotone or black-and-white profiles.

UNC Kenan-Flagler photo library guidelines

The UNC Kenan-Flagler Flickr includes approved photos for public use. Use the search function within the platform or the quick links below for access to popular image collections.

When using photos in mass communication, news outlets or social media, please attribute photo credit to “UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.” For copyright information about rights to use photos (in a published book, ad, etc.), contact marcom@kenan-flagler.unc.edu.

Stock photos

In the event that a UNC Kenan-Flagler photo does not meet your project need, contact us at marcom@kenan-flagler.unc.edu for stock photo recommendations.

Social media photo specs and sizing

Use this Hootsuite social media size guide to determine resolution and cropping for your social posts.

Components of a good photo

When planning a photo shoot, coordinate a shot list (a checklist of every photo you want to capture), then share these tips with your photographer to ensure you showcase the best of your subject.

• Strategize in advance how and where you will use these photos.
  • Will you use them on a website, in printed materials or in presentations?
  • Will you need a wide, high-resolution version for your website banner?
  • Which orientation (horizontal or vertical or both) will you need?
• Choose a setting/location based on the quality and availability of natural light as well as its significance or the meaning you want to convey. Involve your photographer in selecting the location.
• Avoid heavily posed photos.
• Make photos action-oriented and interactive. Whether posed or candid, show the energy of an event or individual.
• Ask participants to avoid prominently showing/wearing other brands (large logos, alternate schools, etc. on T-shirts, hats, desks). Instead, creatively include UNC-branded items like water bottles, shirts, pens, etc. to customize these photos. Avoid using items with a year or feature that might date the images quickly.
• Manage the photo color palette and editing style to emphasize University branding and achieve a bright, true-to-life tone to your images.
• Tidy up the area by removing water bottles, name tents, etc.

Photo best practices by scenario

Documenting events and candid photos

• If hiring a freelancer to cover an event, coordinate coverage for the most lively part of the day and have a point of contact on site. For a conference, forgo coverage of a dinner and focus on capturing participation in a team-building exercise or interactive discussions.
• Find a lively angle that shows faces and expressions.
• Don’t be shy about getting close to the subject especially when the subject is in a group.
• Depending on image use, you might need participants to approve the use of their likeness in photos or marketing.
• All participants are required to sign the UNC photo release form, especially students if they did not sign one during enrollment.

Students and groups
The best group shots focus on two to five people. Provide a focal point for the image and try to make it dynamic with angles and a shallow depth of focus.

Headshots
New and current faculty may contact marcom@kenan-flagler.unc.edu to schedule a headshot. If you’re working on your own, these tips will help you secure the best image.

• Most phones are equipped with a quality camera.
• Avoid selfies. Use a tripod or ask a friend to take your photo.
• Face a window for flattering, even light.
• Avoid using flash.
• Use a bare wall as your background.
• If outside, avoid distracting objects like a branch behind your subject’s head.
• Avoid clothing in saturated colors, busy patterns or washed out tones. Carolina colors are always welcome!
• Avoid oversized or distracting jewelry.

Photography services or equipment rentals

MarCom can offer photography for some strategic projects. When we can’t meet your needs, we will provide guidance on hiring a photographer. Contact marcom@kenan-flagler.unc.edu to see if we can cover your photo needs. As spots are limited, a list of freelance photographers and videographers is available upon request.

UNC Kenan-Flagler does not provide equipment for student, staff or faculty use. A local camera store might be able to provide rental options.

Hiring a recommended freelancer

• Contact marcom@kenan-flagler.unc.edu for a listing of freelance photographers.
• When hiring a freelancer, consider length of coverage, use of photos and budget.
• You will need to contact your financial services representative to determine if the photographer should be set up as an independent contractor. Most do.
• Provide the freelancer with a photo shot list, this document and contact information for a member of the MarCom team (marcom@kenan-flagler.unc.edu). Any questions regarding the use of campus grounds for photo shoots and photo consent forms are welcome.