Jump to HeaderJump to Main ContentJump to Footer
Michigan State University
Michigan State University
University Communications and Marketing
  • Apply
  • Give
  • Visit

University Communications and Marketing

  • What We Do
  • |
  • Who We Are
  • |
  • Resources
University Communications and Marketing
  • What We Do
  • Who We Are
  • Resources

< What We Do

< Who We Are

< Resources

  • Apply
  • Give
  • Visit

Photo Guidelines

University Communications and Marketing > Resources >

Photo Guidelines

Photography policies and guidelines

Photo overview

All photos taken by University Communications and Marketing are the property of Michigan State University. Copyrights are held by the MSU Board of Trustees.

Photos taken by University Communications and Marketing may be used for promotion of MSU and its units. Fees charged for custom photography and prints offset the costs of equipment and labor. We consult with campus units about the concept and design of photo shoots to ensure client needs are met.

Brand and Identity

  • Brand Studio
  • Branded Templates
  • Boilerplate Text
  • MSU Editorial Style Guide
  • Graphic Elements
  • Logos and Marks
  • Logo Usage Chart
  • Signature Logo Generator for MSU Units

Photo and Video

  • Filming at MSU
  • Photo Guidlines
  • MSU Photos

Digital Experience

  • Digital Experience Studio
  • MSU Web Standards
  • Social @ Michigan State
  • Social Media Directory

Media Communications

  • Campus Media Guidelines
  • Experts Directory
  • Guidelines for Unit Communicators
  • Issues and Statements
  • Media Contacts
  • Media Relations Procedures
  • Op-ed Guidelines
  • FOR MEDIA

Additional Resources

  • University Trademarks and Licensing
  • Policy on Endorsement, Sponsorship and Advertising
  • Sparty Mascot
  • Copyright Permissions Center
  • Jobs at University Communications and Marketing
  • Communications Toolkit for Academics

Contact us

(517) 355-7505

Address

Olds Hall 408 West Circle Drive East Lansing, MI 48824

Releases and Statements

Follow Us

  • Visit our Facebook page
  • Visit our page on X
  • Visit our Instagram page
  • Visit our LinkedIn page
  • Visit our YouTube page

If you're having accessibility issues, please let us know.

Know MoreTransparency Reporting: Budget & Salary/Compensation
  • Contact Information|
  • Site Map|
  • Privacy Statement|
  • Site Accessibility|
  • Call MSU: (517) 355-1855|
  • Visit: msu.edu|
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination|

SPARTANS WILL|© Michigan State University|

  • Original photo shoots (location or studio)

    • After a shoot, the client will receive a link to an online photo library containing high-resolution JPEGs. Photos are for unlimited use by the original client in official MSU communications only. All photos are filed in a database for use in communications produced by University Communications and Marketing. In addition, selected photos may be included in our published galleries, where they may be used by other units subject to use restrictions established jointly by the original client and us.

    Pricing: Estimates are provided for original photo shoots.

    We regularly take photos needed for MSU news stories. Photos taken specifically for news purposes are available at no cost to the cooperating unit and may be reused in official MSU communications materials. 

  • Studio portraits

    • University Communications and Marketing offers studio portrait photography to all faculty, staff, and graduate students free of charge. Studio portrait appointments are offered twice a month and can be scheduled online at this link.

    The photo studio is located at 300 Olds Hall – 408 West Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI 48824

    University Communications and Marketing is no longer able to accommodate requests for portrait services outside of scheduled appointments or in locations other than the studio. For these portrait needs and other requests or questions, please email University Communications and Marketing at Comms.Contact@msu.edu and we will be happy to help connect you to alternative resources. 

  • MSU images

    • Digital images of MSU photos taken by our professional photographers are provided free of charge to MSU communicators and other staff and faculty members responsible for marketing and communications for their university units.

    The gallery can be found at photos.msu.edu. If you have not received the coupon code needed for image orders, please email University Communications and Marketing and provide your name, title, unit name and email address.

    Commercial entities must contact us for permission to use MSU images.

    Note: A complimentary online photo gallery for all visitors is available at photos.msu.edu. 


  • Prints

    • Prints are not intended for resale purposes. All images in the University Communications and Marketing photo galleries can be printed and mounted to meet the needs of your office or conference room spaces. Call our staff for on-site consulting.

    To purchase photo prints, go to photos.msu.edu.

    Mounted prints can be ordered by calling (517) 432-0967.

  • Off-campus requests

    • If you are not part of the MSU community, you can still access, order and purchase photographic prints in a variety of sizes from our photography database at photos.msu.edu, email University Communications and Marketing, or call (517) 355-7505.

    Note: If you are a member of the media and have a photo request, please email University Communications and Marketing or call (517) 355-2281.