Photography Styles
Our photography distinguishes the Texas A&M brand and plays a major role in how we communicate. Whether we’re using existing photos or capturing new options, each image should fall into one of the following categories: epic, working together, portraiture, spirit or details.
Epic
This action-oriented style of photography captures the Aggie work ethic both inside and outside the classroom.
Epic photographs are wide and immersive images that document peer-to-peer collaborations, faculty-student interactions and the amazing environments where our powerful work is occurring in dynamic fashion.
Photo Direction
These images should be taken in the moment, never posed, showcasing the amazing things our people are doing. This photographic style should capture moments of real emotion, spirit and achievement. This can include smiles, laughter and other positive expressions, as well as moments of focus and determination.
Stylistic Considerations
- Subjects who are intently focused on the task at hand
- Authentically posing next to work
- Unique perspectives
- Experimental in some sense: framing, depth of field, dramatic light
Shot from a slight distance, this candid photo captures the entire scene, with the sunrise, timing and subjects all contributing to its epic quality.
Working Together
At Texas A&M, a sense of place is defined not just by our campus architecture and landscapes, but also by how those spaces are enriched with the energy and camaraderie of our community.
Photo Direction
The images in this category depict the Aggie experience, on and off campus. By folding in moments of environmental beauty and authentic levity, we can broaden the focus of our communications beyond academic rigor and studies. Showing what a healthy student life looks like is valuable for all of our audiences.
Stylistic Considerations
- Group shots within academic environments
- Group shots outside of academic environments
- Emphasis on collaboration and shared energy
- Should balance moments of life and levity along with rigor and output
The Aggies in this photo are engaged in a shared activity outside the typical academic environment, demonstrating collaboration and a sense of common purpose.
Portraiture
When we use portraiture, we put a human face to our work. We want to show students, faculty and staff in the best light, which means capturing them with authenticity. When taking portraits, the focus should be on a single individual. Even when the subject isn’t the sole person in the photo, the eye should always be drawn to that one individual.
Photo Direction
Our portraiture can range from lighthearted and warm to serious and resolute. In this category, the focus should be on the individual. Overly stylized photos don’t reflect the genuine nature of the Texas A&M brand. Ensure that these shots always feel natural and are rarely posed.
Stylistic Considerations
- Moments of real emotion
- Spirit and achievement
- Positive or thoughtful expressions
- Hard work and hopeful reflection
- Exemplifying educational pursuit together
In this photo, the subject’s expression, positioning, and the chosen location imbue the photo with a sense of achievement and authenticity.
Spirit
The energy, camaraderie and sense of pride that occur during social, competitive and student-driven events — these are a key part of the Texas A&M experience and our impact on the world.
Photo Direction
In documenting events and interactions, find active, positive and diverse moments where the Texas A&M spirit is the driving force. Images in this category should always focus on our students. And while athletics photos certainly fall under this heading, remember that Aggie Spirit is expressed in other ways as well.
Stylistic Considerations
- Focus should always be on the students within the spirit environment
- Aggie Spirit should be a present force
- Subjects should be active, positive and varied
This photo embodies the Aggie Spirit, illustrating the shared excitement and energy of students at a football game.
Details
Detail photography is a great way to highlight Texas A&M’s many unique aspects. We can feature our processes, tools, equipment and achievements. We can also use these shots to showcase the everyday beauty of our campuses.
Photo Direction
The goal here is to capture some of the small things that add up to a bigger picture. When photographing around your campus, it’s always a good idea to zoom in on a wide shot and snag a few shots of what makes the composition unique. People can be present, but the focus should be less about the individual and more about what they’re doing or what they’re interacting with, at a much closer level.
Stylistic Considerations
- Tight crops of textures within workspaces
- Equipment, sketches or components of a project
Through its tight framing, this detail photo captures a meaningful moment within the larger scene, evoking the presence of a Texas A&M graduate without identifying anyone specifically.