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University Marketing and Communications

Photography

A full-time photographer is available to take photos for marketing and publication purposes, including studio and on-location portraits, special events, classroom projects, and presentations.

All requests for photography should be submitted via this photo request form at least 14 days in advance. All requests made after this time will be covered at the discretion of the photographer based upon availability. If you have questions, please contact the photography team at Photography@IllinoisState.edu

In the event the university photographer is already booked for another photo shoot, student photography assistants will be employed to take photos at events, presentations, etc.

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New photo rates for FY25

Starting July 1, 2024, the following photography rates will be in effect:

Studio headshots, UMC Studio in the Alumni Center 

  • $25 per person  
  • NOTE: faculty/staff/student headshots on traditional backdrops are only available in the UMC Studio. Portable setups/backdrops are not available on location.  

Environmental headshots (one location on campus for up to two people) 

  • $100/hour for up to two people +$25 for each additional person, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
  • $125/hour for up to two people +$25 for each additional person, weekends and outside of normal business hours  

Environmental portraits (up to three walkable locations, per person) 

  • $100/hour per person Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
  • $125/hour per person weekends and outside of normal business hours 

Event coverage/publication shoots 

  • $100/hour Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
  • $125/hour weekends and outside of normal business hours  

Shoots outside of Bloomington-Normal 

  • $150/hour plus mileage and expenses  

Archival retrieval of photos 

  • $20/hour  

UMC can assist with coordinating a freelance photographer for student headshots at university events (i.e., Career Fairs, College Weeks) or for requests when a university staff or student photographer is unavailable. Typical rates for freelancers are $150/hour. There is a one-hour minimum charge for all shoots.  

PhotoShelter

PhotoShelter is the University's new online photo storage service.  WebDam will be decommissioned effective June 30, 2025.  PhotoShelter is a great resource for high-resolution photos of campus, people, and events to use in social media posts, news stories, and publications.  All University faculty, staff, and students will have access to general campus images automatically when logging in with Central Login (your ULID and password). Faculty and staff can request additional download access to their home college/division by submitting this form. Faculty and staff can also request additional access for student workers, GAs, and interns using the same form.  For information on using PhotoShelter, please reference this user guide.

Photo/Video Release Forms and Resources

For registered group events, photo/video release information can be added to online registration forms or printed registration materials. Please use this language for registered events.

For non-registered group events, this sign can be posted at the entrance/check-in table/front door. The sign must be removed immediately after the event ends.

For individual photo/video shoots, use the appropriate PDF form below.Digital forms are available upon request by contacting Photography@IllinoisState.edu.

Spanish versions of the both the adult and minor photo/video release forms are now available for download: