Photography

Our university photographer provides high-quality brand imagery to be used in official University materials and website communications.

Due to the limited availability of our photographer, we request that assignments be reserved for situations that are outward facing and help further the department, school and University’s mission and message. All requests require between 60–72 hours advance notice.

Headshots for employees or campus departments are available by appointment only and can be reserved by contacting DeAndres Royal at 919-530-5440 or [email protected].

Photo galleries of NCCU images are available at nccu.photoshelter.com for university-related uses. To access the galleries, NCCU users can log in using their myEOL credentials. For those outside of the NCCU community, users must first create a free Photoshelter account (username/password). Next, select “University Galleries” and browse and/or download photos as needed.

Note: In some circumstances, photography requests may be outsourced — in these cases, the requestor would be notified, and any costs incurred will be the responsibility of the department or offices.

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Today’s smartphone is a powerful tool for documenting experiences by way of photographs or videography. The following tips will ensure campus partners are successful in capturing the NCCU experience for their respective departments or office.

• Narrate a compelling story
• Stir deep emotions
• Reflect the rich diversity of the Eagle community
• Display intriguing angles and unique perspectives
• Capture the essence of the location or the subject
• Feature genuine smiles and authentic interactions
• Exude a vibrant, energetic and luminous quality

At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), our most valuable assets are our vibrant community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and distinguished guests.

• When capturing images, it is important to create a sense of candidness, naturalness and spontaneity. Avoid posed or generic shots whenever possible, unless specifically aiming for an editorial-style portrait or headshot. Encourage subjects to engage in their activities or discussions, as it helps convey a dynamic atmosphere of action and collaboration. Emphasize a sense of inclusivity and connectedness by ensuring that single students never appear isolated and groups always convey a collaborative spirit. Capturing moments of curiosity, interest or discovery adds depth to the visuals.
• Choose appropriate settings that align with the subjects’ majors, programs or areas of interest at NCCU. If available, utilize open windows as a backdrop to add context and natural lighting. Incorporating contextual elements such as tools, machinery or relevant accessories, even if they are in the background or slightly out of focus, helps create realistic and meaningful images.
• NCCU is a diverse community, encompassing individuals of different races, cultures, mindsets and abilities. It is crucial to be mindful of this diversity and reflect it accurately and respectfully when documenting our vibrant community.

When documenting an event through photography, it is essential to capture its unique elements and incorporate visual elements that represent the sponsoring unit. The photographer should actively seek opportunities to capture the dynamic interaction between the speaker(s) and the audience, employing diverse angles to enhance the visual storytelling. Emphasizing variety in the shots is crucial, encompassing wide shots that capture the overall atmosphere of the event, medium shots that showcase audience engagement and presenter-audience interaction, and tight shots that highlight speakers, presenters or captivating details.

• Ensure that video shots are composed tastefully to captivate the viewer. Clean and properly adjusted audio is essential, so it is imperative to use external microphones for all subjects. When conducting interviews, utilize a boom or lavaliere microphone, and make sure the signal is clear, without any interference from wind or rustling clothes. Regularly check the audio quality to avoid any issues.
• If artificial lighting is employed, strive for a well-balanced setup. When relying on natural light, be mindful of harsh shadows on the subject’s face. If possible, position the subject in the shade or utilize reflectors to achieve a balanced lighting effect.
• Consider the final delivery mode of the product when determining the video resolution. Generally, shooting at 1080p is ideal for all situations, but in certain cases, such as future needs, 4K resolution may be necessary.

Have a Question?

Check out our frequently asked questions or contact us.