The photography and videography in our brand communications should be expressive, compelling, and authentic, communicating our commitment to knowledge and discovery, while embodying the strength of our community. Use these guidelines when creating content using photography and video.
Photo and Video Resources
Whether you are searching for an existing image from the Queen’s Image Bank or looking for an approved Photographer or Videographer for your next shoot, refer to the provided resources to start building impactful brand communications.
Consent Form
Consent must be obtained from all recognizable subjects in photography and videography collected and used by Queen’s University. Please use the consent form provided and refer to the Photo and Video Consent Guidelines for best practices.
Key Qualities
By achieving as many as possible of our key qualities through photography and videography, you will be creating imagery that best reflects the Queen’s brand.
Authentic – Capture candid, authentic moments
Ownable – Feature activities and settings that are distinctly Queen’s
Engaging – Create a strong focus
Unexpected – Look for an unexpected viewpoint, angle, or focus
Inspiring – Provide context and tell a story
Illuminated – Use natural light to add glow and warmth
Energetic – Focus on action and expression
Inclusive – Ensure diverse members of the Queen’s community are represented
Individuals
Photography and videography of individuals should capture authentic moments and expressions.
In classic portraiture, the subject looking at the camera should appear relaxed and have a genuine expression. For situational portraiture, the subject should be immersed in study, university experiences, or activities in an unstaged way. Natural lighting and a simple or out of focus background allow the individual to be the feature. While the environment should help tell the story, it should not distract from the individual.
Community
Photography and videography of groups should communicate the thriving community at Queen’s.
Capture scenarios where diverse subjects are connecting in various ways and of people immersed in spontaneous moments of work and study to create an authentic and engaging glimpse into campus life.
Create visual interest by exploring unexpected viewpoints, focus, and compositions in which the subjects are “layered” in the frame.
Campus
The Queen’s University campus offers imagery that features the juxtaposition of historic limestone buildings and more modern architecture. Create interest by focusing on unique architectural details and dynamic angles. Include students and faculty in campus imagery to demonstrate the lively and diverse Queen’s community.
Leverage softer, warmer early morning or early evening lighting for more distinctive architectural images. Incorporate big blue skies and interesting cloud formations, where possible, to add beauty and texture to the scene.
Make sure to capture and feature the campus in all four seasons.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Photography and videography are opportunities for the visual expression of the diverse makeup of the Queen’s community and to highlight individuals who embody Queen’s mission to reflect our inclusive and sustainable society.
Consent
Consent must be obtained from all recognizable subjects in photography and videography used by Queen’s University. Obtain broad written consent where possible for use of images. Consent forms should be named, tagged, and stored in digital format for easy retrieval and association with the corresponding photo and video files.
For large events where obtaining individual consent for group shots may not be possible, a notice should be posted alerting attendees that they may be photographed or recorded. Notice can be indicated on a website or ticket in advance of the event but should also be posted in prominent locations at event points. A photo of the notice should be taken and included with the corresponding files.
Consent Resources
Please use the consent form provided. Refer to the Photography and Videography Consent Guidelines for a full understanding of best practices for planning, producing, and managing photo and video assets. Contact the Records Management and Privacy Office with any questions regarding privacy and records.