Photography style
Our photography style is light, airy and natural. We use natural light whenever possible. Light is also used as an active element in our photography, sometimes to the point of slight overexposure. Our photography can be broken down into three subject categories: topical, cultural and historical.
Topical
Topical photography is the best way to capture the impact and passion unique to UC Berkeley. These photos are specific — relating directly to the content of what is being communicated.
Cultural
Cultural photography captures our “Berkeley-ness.” Whether the subject is architectural, such as the Campanile, or more human, like the Big Game Rally, these photos show the people and places that make UC Berkeley the place that it is.
Historical
Historical photography is used to show our legacy. These images should be used in a supporting role and rarely as primary photography.
People
People play a key role in defining the subject matter of our topical photography. Finding the humanity in our stories helps us strongly connect to our audience.
Tips & tricks
Object shots or shots of projects and innovations can and should be used in a supporting role. Use architecture photography sparingly. Not only is it hard to communicate the energy and dynamic community of UC Berkeley through architecture, but our publications also begin to look the same when using similar photos of our tower or gate.
Photography don’ts
To ensure that our imagery embodies an authentic look and feel, avoid the following when selecting photography:
- Don’t use photos that are out of focus.
- Don’t use photos with unnatural or extreme filters or effects.
- Don’t use photos that are overly posed.
- Don’t use photos that are on blank backgrounds/silhouetted and lack context.
- Don’t use images of low resolution or poor quality.
- Don’t use photos that are overly busy or complex in composition.
Photo gallery
Staff and faculty can download high-resolution images from our campus photo gallery. To download, you must be logged in with your CalNet ID. The login button can be found in the top right corner of the site.
Copyright considerations
The photography on this platform is the property of the University of California, Berkeley, and is protected under United States and international copyright laws.
The photographs are provided for the personal, non-commercial use of students, faculty, staff and the public for educational, news or informational purposes only. Any other use, including but not limited to the reproduction, distribution, display or transmission of the content of these photographs without the prior written permission of the University is strictly prohibited.
For any use not covered under these terms, please contact the Department of Public Affairs to obtain permission.
The University reserves the right to deny permission to use its photographs for any purpose at its sole discretion.