Photography
Photographs play an important role in our communications because they tell our story visually.
Our documentary-style photography captures the Skidmore culture both inside and outside the classroom. We strive to show authentic interactions with students, faculty, and campus life. Incorporating a balance of images authentic portraiture, candid moments, and points of impact —makes our communications richer and more interesting.
MOMENTS
Images of student life and campus should feel natural, so avoid extremely stylized shots and wide angles. Students and professors should look comfortable, candid, and engaged. To convey our culture of authenticity, it’s important to have a mix of shots of campus, students, professors, and details, highlighting what makes the College unique.
Photograph personal interactions between members of the Skidmore community within their environment, using a shallow depth of field and natural lighting whenever it’s possible.
It’s relatively easy to get photos of students working in the classroom, but a large part of the Skidmore story is told in the field. Photographs should help convey that story, whether it’s with a close shot of the action or a wider shot of the surroundings. Show students and professors in action, engaged in doing the work.
PORTRAITS: CANDID
Capture people in the midst of actions with authentic expressions—subjects should never look posed.
PORTRAITS: STUDIO
Capture subjects on a neutral backdrop in natural or action-oriented poses, rarely looking directly into camera.
PORTRAITS: B&W
Photograph subjects on a studio or simple backdrop with ample contrast.
DETAILS
Emphasize the work that goes on at Skidmore College with tightly cropped detail images. Focus on tools and objects associated with the task at hand, or close-ups of people doing the work, where possible.
Create a narrative by photographing details of a scene or event, avoiding direct portraiture of people.
ENVIRONMENTS
Capture buildings and spaces with warm, natural light, always seeking out interesting compositions of architecture or nature.
FOCUS ON THE DETAILS
When there’s a complicated environment to photograph, focus on the details first, and aim your attention toward the more interesting areas of the subject or environment. These types of images can be just as dynamic as wider shots.
BALANCE DARK WITH BRIGHT
With the understanding that we can’t always capture bright and airy images (especially indoors), make sure to balance those darker, moody moments with outdoor shots in natural light.
CROP FOR INTEREST AND EFFECT
Get creative with how you compose, crop, and frame your shots, especially when the subject or background is less interesting.
ALWAYS TELL A STORY
Although these images are set in black and white, compositionally they hit the mark. The overall photographic sensibility—thoughtful framing, depth of field, subject tone, expressions, and gestures—it all works well in helping to tell a visual story.
