Photo and Video Services
Captivating photography and expertly produced videos support the University’s successful storytelling and marketing efforts.
Idaho State’s photographers and videographers are tasked with producing content to support University-level projects that advance strategic initiatives and institutional goals. As such, the scope of services provided by the Office of Marketing and Communications has changed to better support the branding and marketing of the University. Our primary mission is to capture photos and produce videos that support the University’s main web pages, top-tier social media accounts, high-level communications, and recruitment materials originating from the Admissions Visitor Center.
Our team is no longer available to cover departmental requests that include award ceremonies, speakers, dinners, receptions, group photos, conferences, or student headshots. We maintain a list of local freelance photographers and videographers who may be available to support any needs that fall outside our primary mission. If you need assistance with any of the items in the previous list, please contact the marketing professional assigned to your area.
Resources
Photo Archives and Headshots
Idaho State maintains a robust and comprehensive digital archive with thousands of images from across all campuses. The photos are freely available to the University community to use in the promotion and marketing of Idaho State. Photographs are not intended for commercial reproduction or off-campus personal use. The download password for all photos in the repository may be requested by filling out the password request form.
The University also provides free headshots for all faculty and staff. Headshots are taken in ISU’s Photo Studio on the bottom floor of the Administration Building during set times each month. All headshots can be downloaded for free from the University’s photo archives. Headshots at campus locations outside Pocatello will be arranged by the division or college-level marketing director.
Employee Headshots
Wednesday, August 20
10 a.m. - noon
No appointment needed
ISU Photo Studio, Administration Building Room 138
Headshot photos are available for employees of Idaho State University. During the scheduled sessions, you do not need to make a reservation, just come to the studio and you will receive your photo via email.
For questions, contact Lee Ann Waldron at (208) 282-1679 or leeannwaldron@isu.edu.
Tips & Best Practices
If the Office of Marketing and Communications is not able to support your photo or video needs, you should first contact your assigned marketing professional. In some cases, they may be able to take photos, shoot video, or connect you with freelancers.
If you plan to take your own photos or shoot video, here are some general tips and best practices:
- Headshots and group shots are most easily done outside in the shade, rather than indoors or in direct sun.
- Use a tripod or, if that is not possible, hold the camera very steady. Camera-shake is the primary reason for blurry photos.
- Crop the photos tightly. If you want to show a person's face, do not include a huge blank wall behind your subject.
- Shoot at an angle to walls, rather than straight on.
- Always shoot at the highest/largest resolution; check the settings on your camera or smartphone before taking photos or shooting video.
Other Helpful Resources
How to Take Awesome Pictures with Your Phone
10 Tips for Better Phone Photos
Tips for Recording Better Video With Your Phone
On-Campus Filming / Photography by Outside Groups
Idaho State is a public university that has many beautiful settings, backdrops, and buildings. Our campuses are open to everyone, and we pride ourselves in having a welcoming culture. However, to minimize disruptions, we ask outside individuals, groups, businesses, and media organizations to adhere to our guidelines.
Prohibited Areas
Some areas of Idaho State’s campuses are prohibited from photography or videography by outside groups without prior arrangements with the Office of Marketing and Communications. These areas include: health clinics, counseling centers, residential halls and housing facilities, financial aid offices, information technology spaces, and athletic training and conditioning areas.
Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Flights
The use of UAS, more commonly referred to as Drones, on our campuses has specific policy requirements. For more information, please visit the policy website
Students, Faculty, and Staff
You are welcome to photograph members of the campus community who have explicitly given you permission. Unless otherwise noted by event organizers, University events open to the public that do not require tickets or reservations are approved for taking photos or shooting video. However, any individuals who are identifiable in the footage need to provide their approval.
News Media
Working members of the media are welcome to visit and tour our campuses to shoot video or take photos. To best support the media’s goals and needs, we request that the media contact the Office of Marketing and Communications prior to arriving on campus. This will allow the University to provide parking and access to campus facilities and spaces.
Commercial Photography or Filming Requests
Location agreements and other filming requests are approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications. Production companies and location scouts need a signed agreement on file with Idaho State University prior to filming. A templated agreement is available to assist and expedite the request process.
Keep Our Campuses Clean
Please be courteous to our landscapers and facilities crews by leaving campus how you found it. Before you leave, please clean up and dispose of any debris or garbage.
Filming on campus is permitted only if it does not interfere with normal University business or scheduled events. Filming will be approved after the following requirements have been met and written approval has been provided by the Office of Marketing and Communications.
Application Process
- Submit a completed Location and Filming Agreement no later than two weeks before the requested production date to ensure all necessary approvals are obtained. The department approvals required for the project are dependent on the requested location and the timeframe of the project. Any requests for athletic facilities must also be approved by the Department of Athletics.
- Production cannot begin until the requestor receives the Location and Filming Agreement signed by an Idaho State University representative, indicating that approval for the project has been granted.
- The location and filming permitting fee must be submitted before production begins.
- A Facilities Use Agreement and appropriate space use fees may be required to film or photograph on campus locations. Facilities shall be used in accordance with all federal, state and local laws and university policies.
- Proof of required insurance may be requested.
- When applicable for use of UAS, information about the device, aviation insurance COI, pilot's FAA Part 107 certificate and a flight plan should be included with the Location and Filming Agreement submission.
Guidelines
- ISU reserves the right to limit or refuse locations for film and photography.
- Idaho State University reserves the right to limit or deny permission to film or photograph university logos, identifying marks or iconic locations. Additionally, external groups are not permitted to wear apparel with ISU marks.
- Exceptions to the Location and Filming Agreement procedures are:
- ISU students who are creating materials for ISU courses.
- University employees producing materials for university business purposes.
- News outlets, in coordination with the Office of Marketing and Communications.
- Video or photography that will be used for political purposes, such as a candidate creating a campaign video, must be approved prior to production. ISU reserves the right to limit locations for such projects.
- Completed products must not directly or indirectly indicate that Idaho State University endorses a company, product, service or opinion. ISU may request that a disclaimer be visibly included in final products stating: “The content of this [video or publication] is not endorsed by Idaho State University.”
- For assistance with the location and filming processes, please contact Miriam Dance.
Fee schedule:
- Commercial business: $500/day
- Non-profit organizations: $250/day
- Government agencies: Coordinated with the Office of Marketing and Communications.
- Production for TV or movies: $1,000/day
