Photography/Imagery

Photography/Imagery

Photography used on Columbia Alumni Association properties and in communications should reflect the following qualities:

  • Uniquely Columbian: Photos and images should bring Columbia to mind through Columbia locations or photographs of Columbians enjoying campus or Columbia events.
  • Welcoming: Photography of people should include as broad a range of identities, ages, and school affiliations as possible. Where possible, photos or images for broad-based alumni events should represent a range of campus locations.
  • Authentic: Avoid stock photography whenever possible and photos of places and people unrelated to Columbia or the current topic.
  • Licensed: Permissions for stock imagery and portraits from external sources should be obtained before use. Note that sources for “free” stock images are not always reliable.

Brand Guide Menu

CAA Logo Usage
Global Club and SIG Logos
Typography and Colors
Voice and Tone
Brand Overview Landing Page

Photo Types:

  • Candids/In Context

Should feature alumni and others at Columbia-related events or on campus. Group shots of people are preferred.

Columbia Alumni Leaders celebrating Leaders Experience
Do
A diverse group of alumni at an event, looking at the camera. Some hold wine glasses.
Do
Columbia students in caps and gowns at the graduation ceremony, smiling at the camera.
Do

Some common image mistakes to avoid.

One person lying on Low Steps in the background of the brick area in front of Low.
Don’t use photos with one person
Stock image of students in a hallway, looking at papers.
No stock images
Illustration of similar looking students on a white background.
Avoid images with a lack of diversity

  • Campus/Location:

Shots should feature iconic Columbia locations and should not be altered by filters or other digital manipulations.

Image of Low library on a sunny day with students lying on the lawn.
Do
Low Library with a green filter and distorting the library with a zig-zag pattern.
Don't

  • Illustrations/Designs

Illustrations and graphic representations should include uniquely Columbia scenes, settings, and iconography and complement the CAA’s color palette.

Illustration of ALMA in blues and grays.
Do
Illustration of a generic university campus with students on the lawn in front of a building.
Don't

Return to the Brand Overview landing page.