Photography

General Candids

This category is all about the people. Candid photos should capture RIT people in their natural element. These images should be in the moment, never posed, showcasing the amazing things our people are doing. This photographic style should capture moments of real emotion, spirit, and achievement. This can include smiles, laughter, and other positive expressions, as well as introspection and hopeful reflection.

Two people working on a piece of machinery with wires
Student calibrating a piece of machinery A small group of people looking at a computer screen
A person sitting looking off screen
Overhead shot of two people looking at a computer while smiling

Moving Backgrounds

To capture the uniqueness of the individuals at RIT, while also conveying the sense of movement in “On to Something,” we can use portraits that incorporate a blurred background. These photos use a shooting technique called motion blur that slows down the shutter speed. Not only do these portraits capture our people in the moment, they bring a lot of movement and personality to the brand.

Man in sports coat standing with his hand on a railing in front of an orange glass room
 
Moving background of a student in a classroom
Moving background with a woman in a woodworking shop

Overhead Perspectives

To show the diversity of our people and our programs, use overhead perspectives to capture the real work environments of our students. When scouting for these photos, look for desktops, workspaces, common areas, gathering spaces, and other types of work stations to help convey the wide range of studies that the RIT community explores every day.

Overhead perspective of electronics
High overhead perspective of student working at a table
Overhead perspective of a group working at a table
Overhead perspective of components of a drone

Long Exposures

One way to invoke the feeling of “On to Something” is to use long exposure to capture multiple people working in a single shot. To help convey this sense of motion and momentum, focus on active shots of individuals or groups of people moving through work spaces, or groups of people working at adjacent work stations.

Long exposure of woman working at a desk
Long exposure of a man working in a shop
Long exposure of a classroom full of students
Long exposure of a bike rider in a city

Environmental Portraits

The use of portraiture puts a human face to our university. We want to show RIT students, faculty, and staff in the best light, which means capturing them with authenticity—no need for photo effects or heavy editing.

Our portraiture can range from lighthearted and warm to serious and resolute. When capturing portraits, the focus should be on the individual. Subjects should be looking at the camera, from within an environment, not a studio. Overly stylized photos don’t reflect the genuine nature of the RIT brand. Ensure that these shots always feel natural and not staged.

Environmental portrait of woman holding a notbook
Environmental portrait of man standing with arms crossed
Environmental portrait example 3
Environmental portrait example 4

Dramatic Perspectives

Inside and outside the classroom, we want to show individuals and groups pursuing their passion and doing what they love. Using dramatic angles and capturing subjects intensely focused on the task at hand or posing next to their work, these images express energy, emotion, and determination. When taking these photos, look for unique perspectives, close-ups, depth of field, dramatic light, interesting environments, and action.

Dramatic perspective of students through a railing
Dramatic perspective of an open staircase
Dramatic perspective of student working on a computer
Dramatic perspective of women having a conversation

Details

Detail photography is a great way to highlight RIT’s many unique aspects. We can highlight our processes, tools, equipment, and achievements. We can also use these shots to showcase the everyday beauty of our campus.

The goal here is to capture some of the small things that add up to a bigger picture. When photographing around campus, it’s always a good idea to zoom in on a wide shot and snag a few shots of what makes the composition unique. People can be present, but the focus should be less about the individual and more about what they’re doing or what they’re interacting with, at a much closer level.

Detailed shot of circuit board
Detailed shot of glass being blown
Detailed shot of woodworking tools
Detailed shot of cables

Overhead Objects

These images serve as a window into our areas of study and the tools of our trades. Objects can offer interesting and unexpected ways to visually represent an idea.

This style is important to maintain consistency throughout the library. To get the best result, objects should be shot in a studio on a white background with good lighting. From there, a designer will need to cut out the object from the background. Be sure not to overuse this style; it’s more of an accent to our primary styles.

Overhead shot of virtual reality googles
Overhead shot of a fork Overhead shot of a stylus
Overhead shot of a sneaker