High-quality photos of students engaged in university activities are invaluable for our marketing efforts.
This guide will help you capture better images during a variety of events, including study abroad trips, service projects and experiential learning opportunities.
Start with Your Phone
Adjust Your Settings
Set your camera to the highest resolution possible (usually found in camera settings)
Clean your lens before shooting to avoid blurry or hazy images
Turn on grid lines to help with composition
Disable any automatic filters or "beauty modes"
For iPhones, enable HDR mode for better handling of bright and dark areas
For Android, check if your phone has a "Pro" or manual mode for more control
Technical Tips
Move closer to your subject instead of using digital zoom
Hold your phone with both hands to reduce camera shake
Tap the screen to set focus on your main subject
On many phones, you can adjust exposure by swiping up/down after focusing
Think Before You Shoot
Consider Composition
Follow the rule of thirds: place key subjects at intersections of grid lines
Leave some space rather than filling the frame with your subject
Include context that identifies the location or activity
Capture both "in action" shots and posed group photos
This is how your eye scans according to the Rule of Thirds
Orientation Matters
Capture both horizontal (landscape) AND vertical (portrait) shots of each scene
Horizontal shots work best for website headers, publications and group photos
Vertical shots are ideal for social media stories, posters and mobile viewing
Take multiple shots in both orientations to give our team options
Lighting Is Everything
Natural light produces the best results
Avoid shooting directly into bright sunlight
For outdoor portraits, find shade on bright days
Indoors, position subjects near windows when possible
Avoid using flash except as a last resort in very dark situations
For Group Photos
Position groups with light on their faces, not behind them
Ask people to stand closer together than feels natural
Take multiple shots to catch everyone with eyes open
For large groups, find elevated positions (stairs, hills)
People in BW gear should be in the front
For Action Shots
Anticipate the moment before it happens
Take multiple photos in quick succession
Focus on faces and expressions that show engagement
For Indoor Events
Find the brightest area of the room
Steady yourself against a wall or furniture to reduce blur
If possible, position subjects near windows or brighter areas
Submit Your Photos
Submit Your Photos
Photos may be used for admissions materials, alumni communications, BW news articles and social media — let your subjects know this in case they don’t want to be photographed
Do NOT crop, filter or edit your photos
Send original, high-resolution files via email or a file-sharing service to University Relations (info@bw.edu)
Include basic information: event name, location, date and names of people pictured
Final Reminder
In the End, Quality Wins
Quality matters more than quantity. A few well-composed, properly lit photos are more valuable than dozens of mediocre snapshots.
