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.
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.