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Visual identity

Photography

Capturing wonder, brilliance, connection, and humanistic experiences across our organization.

Telling Our Story Through Imagery

Photography plays a vital role in telling the University’s story. Use imagery that feels wondrous, bright, connective, and human to reflect how URochester inspires bold questions, creative problem-solving, and meaningful impact.

Photography Style

Rigorous Wonder

This style celebrates the spark of curiosity and the creative energy that drives discovery at URochester. Photos are people-centered and editorial in feel, often using upward angles and warm natural light to convey wonder and forward motion. Together, these qualities express our shared drive to explore, learn, and make the world ever better.

Grounded Brilliance

This style highlights architectural details, rich textures, and unexpected campus perspectives. Warm tones and natural light create a sense of place that feels both inspiring and grounded, illuminating paths to possibility across URochester.

Dynamic Connections

This style focuses on the details of programs and projects, highlighting hands-on moments that bring passions and pursuits to life. Featuring action-driven moments and a sense of warmth, these images capture human interaction and the energy of discovery, illustrating how URochester connects people to their passions, pursuits, and each other.

Human-centered Innovation

This style showcases purposeful innovations and breakthrough ideas designed to better lives. With natural warmth and clean, uncluttered compositions, these images reflect URochester’s commitment to advancing human progress with lasting impact.

Usage and Permissions

Photography Don’ts

To maintain an authentic look and feel, avoid the following when selecting images:

  • Don’t use photos that are out of focus.
  • Don’t use photos with unnatural or extreme filters or effects.
  • Don’t use images that are low resolution or poor quality.
  • Don’t use photos with overly busy or complex compositions.

For photo management and approval, please contact University Marketing and Communications.

Copyright Considerations

All University of Rochester photography is the property of the University and is protected under U.S. and international copyright laws. Photographs are provided for personal, non-commercial use by students, faculty, staff, and the public for educational, news, or informational purposes.

Any other use—including reproduction, distribution, display, or transmission—requires prior written permission from the University. The University reserves the right to deny permission to use its photographs at its sole discretion.

Media Consent and Release

In accordance with New York State law, all individuals who participate in photography used for promotional or marketing purposes must provide written consent for the University’s use of their image.

Patients and individuals in health care settings must also sign a patient release (HIPAA) consent form.