Top Bar Menu
Breadcrumbs

Photography Guidelines

IECC Photography Guidelines

Photography is one of our most powerful tools for telling the IECC story. Compelling images capture the essence of our institutions, convey our values, and connect with audiences on an emotional level. This guide will help ensure that all photographs representing IECC colleges maintain a consistent quality and style that strengthens our brand identity.

Note: Professional photography is a valuable investment in our brand. While not every situation requires professional photos, key marketing materials and campaigns benefit significantly from professional photography services. Contact the Office of Marketing and Communications to discuss photography needs for major initiatives.

Photography Style

Our photography style emphasizes authenticity, quality, and relevance. Images should feel natural, not overly posed, capturing genuine moments that showcase the IECC experience. The following principles guide our approach to photography across all platforms and materials.

A welder wearing protective gear, including a helmet and gloves, fuses metal pieces in a dimly lit workshop. Bright sparks and smoke rise from the welding torch, illuminating the work area. A red protective curtain is partially visible, providing safety in the workspace.
Quality

High-resolution, well-lit, and thoughtfully composed images ensure professionalism and clarity.

Two students in a classroom engage in a hands-on activity using colorful building materials and mechanical components. One student, wearing a black graphic t-shirt, assembles a project with focus, while another in a red shirt works in the background. The classroom setting encourages creativity and problem-solving.
Consistency

A unified visual style helps maintain brand recognition across all platforms.

Students and staff gather outside at an informational event, engaging with representatives at tables covered in brochures and materials. Attendees converse, explore opportunities, and enjoy the vibrant outdoor setting with blue and red umbrellas. The event fosters community engagement and student involvement.
Authenticity

Genuine moments featuring real students, faculty, and community members make our imagery relatable and impactful.

A physical therapy session in a classroom setting, where an instructor demonstrates a leg stretch on a patient lying on an adjustable exam table. The hands-on learning environment provides students with practical experience in rehabilitation techniques.
Relevance

Photos should align with the message and purpose of our communications.

Subject Focus Areas

To ensure our photography comprehensively represents the IECC experience, focus on these key subject areas when capturing or selecting images for use across our communications.

Campus & Facilities

A student wearing a virtual reality welding headset practices welding techniques in a workshop. The VR system provides a hands-on learning experience in a safe environment, surrounded by tools and equipment for technical training.
Our Learning Spaces

Capturing the natural beauty and architectural features of our colleges.

Dreith Pavilion at Frontier Community College provides a welcoming outdoor space with seating, picnic tables, and a covered shelter. Surrounded by landscaping and open green areas, the pavilion offers a peaceful spot for students and visitors to gather, study, or relax on campus.
Our Campus Environment

Students working with specialized equipment in labs and workshops.

Student Life

A student in a purple shirt and pink backpack smiles while scooping ice cream at a toppings bar. The table is filled with ice cream, syrups, and sprinkles, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere. The background features a student lounge with seating, a ping-pong table, and a relaxed social setting.
Student Activities

Featuring students engaged in campus activities, clubs, and social experiences.

Two excited students pose with Lincoln Trail College signs, including one that reads Statesmen. Their smiles and energy reflect school spirit and pride. The casual setting captures a fun and engaging moment, showcasing the vibrant student experience at LTC.
Brand Personality

Capturing the energy, enthusiasm, and fun at IECC. From spontaneous campus moments to students celebrating achievements, these images showcase the joy, friendships, and unforgettable experiences that make college life exciting.

Academics

Linda Monge teaches a math lesson, writing equations on a whiteboard while students listen attentively. The classroom setting emphasizes hands-on learning and engagement, with mathematical concepts and problem-solving on display.
Excellence

Capturing students in hands-on learning, working with instructors, and engaging in research or career preparation.

Dr. Todd Gill, wearing a white lab coat, demonstrates an experiment with a Bunsen burner as students, also in lab coats and safety goggles, observe closely. The hands-on lab experience fosters engagement and learning in a collaborative classroom setting.
Community & Support

Highlighting mentorship, tutoring, and campus services that help students thrive.

Events and Traditions

Two musicians perform live on stage under blue lighting, each playing an acoustic guitar. The singer, dressed in a plaid skirt and boots, engages the audience, while the other musician accompanies with intricate guitar work. The set design creates an intimate and artistic atmosphere.
Events

Showcasing campus-wide events and celebrations.

Dr. An Roy leads the procession as the gonfalon bearer during Lincoln Trail College's 54th Annual Commencement. Dressed in academic regalia, faculty, staff, and graduates follow in a proud display of tradition and achievement.
Traditions

Highlighting traditions like commencement ceremonies and institutional milestones.

Technical Standards

To maintain consistent quality across all IECC photography, adhere to these technical standards for capturing, editing, and using images.

Resolution Requirements
  • Print: 300 DPI at actual size
  • Digital Display: 72-150 DPI
  • Web: Optimized for fast loading
Lighting & Color
  • Use natural lighting when possible
  • Avoid harsh shadows and backlighting
  • Maintain consistent color temperature
  • Colors should appear natural
File Formats
  • Master Files: RAW or high-res JPEG
  • Web: Optimized JPG or PNG
  • Print: High-resolution TIFF or JPG
Composition
  • Follow rule of thirds
  • Consider foreground and background
  • Create visual interest with framing
  • Maintain clean, uncluttered backgrounds

Naming Convention: When saving and uploading photography files, use the following format: [college abbreviation]_[descriptive name]_[MMYY].jpg

Example: ltc_nursing_lab_0623.jpg

Best Practices for Photography

DO: Capture Authentic Moments

Photograph genuine student experiences and natural interactions. Look for real moments of engagement, learning, and connection rather than posed or artificial scenarios.

DO: Prioritize Diversity and Inclusion

Ensure photography reflects the diverse IECC community across age, ethnicity, gender, and ability. Show inclusive environments where all students feel represented and welcomed.

DO: Consider Lighting and Composition

Use proper lighting techniques to ensure subjects are clearly visible. Frame shots thoughtfully, following compositional guidelines like the rule of thirds and leading lines.

DON'T: Use Heavily Filtered or Manipulated Images

Avoid excessive editing, filters, or manipulations that make photos look artificial or inconsistent with other IECC imagery. Light color correction and minor adjustments are acceptable.

DON'T: Photograph Without Permission

Always ensure you have appropriate permission to photograph individuals, especially in close-up shots where they are clearly identifiable. For major marketing materials, written releases should be obtained.

DON'T: Use Generic Stock Photos When Authentic Options Exist

Avoid using generic stock photography when authentic IECC images are available. Real photographs of our students, faculty, and campuses create a more genuine connection with our audience.

Cell Phone Photography Guidelines

While professional photography is preferred for major marketing materials, we recognize that capturing important moments often depends on those who are at the right place at the right time. High-quality cell phone photography can effectively document events and experiences when professional photography isn't available.

Orientation & Framing
  • Shoot in landscape (horizontal) orientation for most uses
  • Leave space around subjects for potential cropping
  • Avoid zooming - move closer instead to maintain quality
Lighting & Focus
  • Ensure adequate lighting on subjects
  • Avoid harsh backlighting from windows
  • Tap on the screen to focus before taking the shot
  • Keep the lens clean for clearer images
Capturing the Moment
  • Take multiple shots of important moments
  • Capture action and engagement rather than posed shots
  • Be mindful of backgrounds and distracting elements
Submitting Photos
  • Share highest resolution files available
  • Include basic information about the event/subjects
  • Submit to MarCom for potential use in publications

Important: By capturing moments at events, in classrooms, and around campus, you help strengthen the visual storytelling of our colleges. Sharing these images with the Marketing team allows us to showcase the IECC experience across social media, promotional materials, and community engagement efforts.

Cell Phone Photography Guidelines

While our Marketing team strives to be present at as many events as possible, we recognize that capturing great moments often depends on those who are at the right place at the right time. High-quality cell phone photography plays an essential role in telling the IECC story, and anyone can contribute by following a few key guidelines:

Orientation & Framing
  • Shoot in landscape (horizontal) orientation for most uses
  • Leave space around subjects for potential cropping
  • Avoid zooming - move closer instead to maintain quality
Lighting & Focus
  • Ensure adequate lighting on subjects
  • Avoid harsh backlighting from windows
  • Tap on the screen to focus before taking the shot
  • Keep the lens clean for clearer images
Capturing the Moment
  • Take multiple shots of important moments
  • Capture action and engagement rather than posed shots
  • Be mindful of backgrounds and distracting elements
Submitting Photos
  • Share highest resolution files available
  • Include basic information about the event/subjects
  • Submit to MarCom for potential use in publications

Key Tips for Better Cell Phone Photos

An icon showing a phone being rotated from vertical or portrait mode to horizontal or landscape mode. A green arrow simulates the motion.
Rotate Your Phone Horizontally

Shooting in landscape mode provides more flexibility for print and digital use.

A distant white truck appears heavily pixelated and distorted due to extreme digital zoom on a phone camera. The image demonstrates how zooming in from afar can reduce clarity, introduce noise, and affect overall image quality, making details appear blurry and less defined.
Move Closer Instead of Zooming

Digital zoom reduces image quality; stepping closer keeps photos sharp and clear.

A group of friends enjoys an outdoor meal together, smiling and engaged in conversation. The focus is on a woman in a white jacket, cutting her food while laughing with those around her. The warm lighting and blurred background create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
Focus on Your Subject

Tap on your subject before taking the shot to ensure proper focus and exposure.

Two black cats curl up together in a cozy nap, bathed in warm natural sunlight. Their fur catches the light, highlighting texture and subtle color variations. The peaceful scene showcases the softness and comfort of the moment.
Use Natural Light

Whenever possible, position subjects facing the light for better visibility and clarity.

Important: By capturing moments at events, in classrooms, and around campus, you help strengthen the visual storytelling of our colleges. Sharing these images with the Marketing team allows us to showcase the IECC experience across social media, promotional materials, and community engagement efforts. Every photo contributes to the bigger picture of who we are and the impact we make.