Photography

UNI photography tells real stories through authentic moments that reflect the energy, connections, and experiences of campus life. By capturing real people, genuine interactions, and meaningful experiences, our imagery creates emotional connections and helps audiences imagine themselves as part of the UNI community.

Photography Resources

PhotoShelter ‌

Explore current university photography, logos, and brand assets available through the University Relations digital asset library.

All assets are provided for official University of Northern Iowa business and communications. Images and brand assets may not be sold, licensed, or used outside official university purposes without permission from University Relations.

Public Gallery

Browse and download a curated collection of frequently requested campus photography and brand assets — no login required.

CatID Access

Students, faculty and staff can sign in with their CatID to access the full PhotoShelter library, including additional photography, logos and other university brand assets.

Special Collections

Explore historical university photographs and archival collections preserved by Special Collections & University Archives.

‌Photo Release

In most cases, a release is not required for photo and video shoots on campus in a setting where consent is implied. However, if shooting in an environment where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, you should be familiar with the Release Guidelines.

Students sitting in Adirondack chairs on campus

Photography Tips

Keep lighting natural-looking, but supplement as needed.
Don’t over-edit.
Encourage interaction, let subjects be themselves.
Use foreground elements, high/low angles and dynamic focal lengths — avoid flat, straight-on compositions.

Photography Resources

PhotoShelter

Explore current university photography, logos and brand assets available through the University Relations digital asset library.

All assets are provided for official University of Northern Iowa business and communications. Images and brand assets may not be sold, licensed, or used outside official university purposes without permission from University Relations.

Public Gallery
Browse and download a curated collection of frequently requested campus photography and brand assets — no login required.

‌CatID Access
Students, faculty, and staff can sign in with their CatID to access the full PhotoShelter library, including additional photography, logos, and other university brand assets.

Special Collections

Explore historical university photographs and archival collections preserved by Special Collections & University Archives.

Browse Special Collections

Photo Release

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people

People

Time and again, we are told it is the people of UNI that make this place special. Our student-centric experience means it’s important for our audiences to connect with the faculty, students and staff at UNI. The photos we take should tell a story about the person or people in front of the lens. Shots should be balanced and intimate, featuring eye contact, subtle connectivity, and an upward, lifted feeling. Each subject is highlighted through a dynamic lens that’s as unique as each of them.

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engaged moments

Engaged Moments

There is never a shortage of engaging moments at UNI. These images feature people in the environments in which they live, work and play. Subjects should be active yet casual, confident in an authentic, organic way that captures the hands-on experiences at UNI.

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Community & Environments

Home. The UNI campus is where journeys begin, and discoveries are made. It's where we form connections that last a lifetime, but it’s also everywhere our alumni and friends carry the UNI spirit. Our campus holds a special place in our hearts, and we highlight it through simple, yet inspiring shots that evoke emotion, feature the spirit and energy of UNI, and capture the culture of our campus.

Photography Tips

All photography should attempt to feature or emphasize the following:

Dynamic range of colors
Simplicity/elegance of composition
Well-framed subjects
Unexpected camera angles
Natural-looking light (strobes and hot lights can be used to supplement available light, but should be modified to appear natural and appropriate to the scene)
Shots exposed/lit for primary subject
Compelling depth of field
Tone and feel reflect brand pillars/messaging/statements
Action and/or people-oriented to visualize our student and people-first narrative

To keep a clean and consistent look throughout all applications, please ensure that your photography selects are not:

Blurry (either in-camera or overly-compressed/pixelated)
Poorly-lit (too dark/underexposed or harshly lit)
Telling a story outside of the subjects shown
Confusing, featuring a number of subjects or subject matter, busy
Blending foreground and background subjects
Flat, distant, unengaged subject
Clearly staged
Over-processed, “Instagram filter” look -- photos should be graded but retain a natural, realistic look

UNI Photoshelter

UNI’s digital asset management platform, Photoshelter, allows users to access University Relations photography and official university marks. Files are intended for official use and may not be sold, licensed for sale or published outside official university purposes without permission from University Relations.

For more detailed information about how to use Photoshelter, please see this resource guide.

View our Photography on Photoshelter