Strong visuals are essential to effective storytelling. This section provides photography and videography resources to help UC ANR staff and academics create, source, and share high-quality visual content.
Photography
Copyright and model releases
Do not use photos, videos, or audio recordings created by others without verifying you have the right to do so. Refer to the UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual for guidance on copyright and release requirements for photographic, video, and audio recordings.
Ask the people in your photos and videos to sign a release form so that you may use the images or videos without restriction. Release forms grant The Regents of the University of California, its employees, agents, and representatives permission to use photographs, videos, or audio recordings in any publications, including websites, without payment or other consideration.
For children, keep careful documentation and obtain signed releases from all parents or guardians. When photographing public events, you do not need individual releases, but you should post a notice at the event indicating that the event is being photographed and that participation acknowledges one's photo may be used for promotional purposes. For any close-up photos, ask the person to sign a release.
Official media release records should be retained for five years after the end of the fiscal year in which they were received or created. All copies should be kept only as long as they are useful and deleted or destroyed after the retention period has passed.
Image libraries
UC ANR has two libraries of production-quality images available to all staff. Please credit the photographer when using any image, including those taken by UC ANR colleagues.
WebDam (UCOP) — Access the UC ANR folder in WebDam for a broad collection of UC and UC ANR photography.
To register (one time only):
- Go to ucop.webdamdb.com and select "Register" under the login box.
- Agree to the terms, fill out the required information, and click "Register."
- If you have a ucanr.edu email address, you will gain access to the UC ANR folder automatically. If you do not, contact Linda Forbes to request manual access through UCOP.
To download photos:
- Single photo: Click the orange "Download" button to the right of the photo. For print, choose the original file (300 dpi). For web or screen use, choose small (800px) or very small (400px).
- Multiple photos: Use a Lightbox. In the top menu, click "Lightbox" and create a new one. Make it active, then browse and click "Add to Lightbox" instead of "Download." When finished, open the Lightbox, click "Download images to computer," and choose your download size. Photos will arrive in a zipped file.
To search: Use the search box in the left column of the homepage. Select "Home" to search the full gallery, or select the UC ANR folder to limit results to UC ANR images.
Bynder — Access the UC ANR Bynder media library for additional production-quality images. Must be a UC ANR employee. To request access, contact Evett Kilmartin.
Stock photography
Avoid stock photography whenever possible. If no other option is available, the following free resources may be used:
Shooting your own photos
Keep the following principles in mind to produce images that reflect the UC ANR brand and serve your communications goals.
- Shoot impactful images. Consider where and how images will be used. Build a basic stock collection for your specific topic area — consistent themes, colors, and patterns are useful for social media and other recurring needs.
- Be mindful of your audience. Focus on details and scenes that resonate with your audience while communicating the expertise and core values of UC ANR.
- Know the purpose of your shoot. Images reflect our brand when the photographer is engaged. Ask questions, listen, and create a storytelling framework before you shoot.
- Know your gear. Strong composition matters more than expensive equipment. Understanding your equipment's capabilities and limitations in advance leads to better creative outcomes.
- Shoot with intention and cohesion. Incorporate UC ANR brand colors where possible. Use natural light outdoors. Use props to emphasize a message or research finding. Shoot in varied orientations — landscape, portrait, angled — and include intentional space for text when images may be used in promotional layouts.
- Write descriptive alt text. Alt text describes the appearance and function of an image for screen reader users and search engines. Be specific and keep alt text under 125 characters.
Profile photos
Profile images should be professional and high-resolution. A professional photographer is recommended for directory and website profile images. If that is not available, use a plain background with your head and shoulders featured prominently.
File formats and specifications
- Print: CMYK color format, TIFF, PSD, or JPEG at 300 dpi
- Web/screen: RGB color format, JPEG or PNG at 72 to 300 dpi
UC ANR photographic style
UC ANR photography focuses on authentic visual connections between our work and the lives of Californians. Quality images of our people, research, and places convey transparency and invite discovery in ways that stock photography cannot. Imagery should function as visual storytelling — creating a strong connection between UC ANR and the communities we serve.
Videography
Video is an effective storytelling method and a valuable tool in extension work. Strategic Communications offers video production services, branded assets, and training to support academics in using videography in their work. See video resources and branded video assets for additional support materials, and visit the How-To Video Training section for self-paced training.
Types of video services offered
- Event recording — Filming of faculty and guest speakers, public outreach lectures, panels, and symposia at or near campuses or research sites. Typically recorded with one operated camera and one fixed computer feed for slides or other visual aids. Additional cameras or audience feeds are not currently supported. Editing typically takes 30 days or more depending on workload.
- Studio recording — Panels, lectures, and interviews recorded in a studio or other controlled location with minimal editing. Usually shot and edited within the same month.
- Documentary programs — Videos incorporating interviews, visual materials, voice-over, and music. Short videos (2 minutes or less) are primarily for social media and may be completed in 1–4 weeks. Moderate-length videos (5–30 minutes) typically require 1–6 months. Feature programs (30–90 minutes or more) require 12–18 months or more of development, planning, writing, shooting, and editing.
- How-to videos — Instructional videos of variable length. Short videos (2 minutes or less) may be completed in 1–4 weeks. Longer series videos typically require 1–6 months or more.
- Broadcast media-style videos — Short videos depicting the impact of UC ANR research and programs. Timing depends on videographer workload.
- Videography training — Sessions to support academics in using videography in their extension work, offered several times a year. Visit the How-To Video Training section for self-paced resources.
Recharge rates
Videography related to executing the Strategic Communications strategic plan is considered core work and is not done on a recharge basis. Videography training for academics is also a core project. Videography of special events, projects, and lectures is done on a recharge basis — contact us for current rates.
Video projects are prioritized based on their relation to the strategic plan, time-sensitivity of content, grant funding considerations, and videographer availability.
Have questions or need assistance? Contact us.