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.

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

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

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

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

Capturing the natural beauty and architectural features of our colleges.

Students working with specialized equipment in labs and workshops.
Student Life

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

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

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

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

Showcasing campus-wide events and celebrations.

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.
- Print: 300 DPI at actual size
- Digital Display: 72-150 DPI
- Web: Optimized for fast loading
- Use natural lighting when possible
- Avoid harsh shadows and backlighting
- Maintain consistent color temperature
- Colors should appear natural
- Master Files: RAW or high-res JPEG
- Web: Optimized JPG or PNG
- Print: High-resolution TIFF or JPG
- 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.
- Shoot in landscape (horizontal) orientation for most uses
- Leave space around subjects for potential cropping
- Avoid zooming - move closer instead to maintain quality
- 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
- Take multiple shots of important moments
- Capture action and engagement rather than posed shots
- Be mindful of backgrounds and distracting elements
- 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:
- Shoot in landscape (horizontal) orientation for most uses
- Leave space around subjects for potential cropping
- Avoid zooming - move closer instead to maintain quality
- 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
- Take multiple shots of important moments
- Capture action and engagement rather than posed shots
- Be mindful of backgrounds and distracting elements
- 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

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

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

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

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.