Videos that appear on an official University website must created or approved by the Office of Communications and Marketing. Those that have not been approved will be removed. Do not use copyrighted images on your site. If you have permission to use an outside image, be sure to include the appropriate attributions below where it appears.
Photography is an important part of our brand identity and the users experience of the website. These images give our audience a feel for life at UL Lafayette. Examples shown here describe a template that distinguishes collective images, creates a distinctive brand, and supports our key messages. Submit this Project Request Form or contact webteam@louisiana.edu if you need University images.
It is recommended that you resize photos before moving them into the Ragin’ CMS. Photos will not show in some browsers if they are not in RGB mode. Optimize images for the fastest download time possible. It is suggested that standard images be saved in jpg. or png. format and not exceed the 72 dpi resolution.
NOTE: Take mostly horizontal shots and a few vertical. Horizontal shots will be easier for you to utilize on your site.
Template Image Dimensions
Learn about image dimensions on the Old Ragin' CMS.
Learn about image dimensions on the New Ragin' CMS.
Wear Red and Utilize Our Logos
Shooting and using images of students on campus wearing red helps distinguish our photos from stock images. Ideally, students should be wearing apparel that has UL Lafayette or Ragin’ Cajun logos attire or students should be holding UL Lafayette merchandise. Keep it natural—photos should not look staged. For example, not everyone has to wear red University gear in the picture.
Never use photos of students wearing apparel from another University, company, or product names/logos.
Real Settings
Images that showcase the unique personality and scenery of the University and campus life have the best appeal. Viewers like to identify locations and events, as well as people. For some, an online photo is the only way to experience the campus.
Students enjoy life at the University in many environments. Nontraditional settings can give the audience a more familiar, personal connection to student life.
Atmosphere
Use your photographs to capture the feel of an area. People don’t have to be recognizable in all instances to give the audience and impression. Backgrounds can often be the dominant element of an image.
Successful use of available light reinforces an editorial feel and adds to the intimacy of the audience with the images. Avoid photos taken in the middle of the day when light is often harsh. Early mornings, late afternoons, or evenings are preferred. The last thing you want is people squinting into the sun!
Interesting Views & Perspectives
A different perspective can literally and figuratively describe the uniqueness of life around the UL Lafayette campus. Focus can be beyond the foreground, and unexpected camera angles (from above, behind, below, etc.) can add to the feeling of being a part of the experience.
A totally different visual message can be delivered by creatively cropping an image. The focus can then be more on the experience.
NOTE: Be sure to take horizontal photographs with the subject of the photo more to the right of the lens when planning to use a photo as a centerpiece image. Remember that text is overlaid on the left of the image in these instances.
Actions & Emotions
Life at UL Lafayette is anything but ordinary and boring. Our campus is alive with students, events, and activities, so our photos should represent that. Shoot and use photos in which people are interacting naturally. A little motion blur or soft focus can sometimes translate this feeling. Let’s show the world how much is happening at the University… and how much fun we have!
Smiles, laughter, concentration, and other expressions of emotions make the people in the photographs approachable and relatable.
Photography Resources
- Photography Tips.com
- 10 Photography Tips for Beginners
- National Geographic Photo Tips
- Stock.XCHNG free stock photo site
- Sumo Paint for editing (like PhotoShop but free)