Photo and video
Impactful imagery and videos make your content stand out from the crowd.
Where to find images and videos
University brand platform
The brand platform houses thousands of professional images and videos of campus and university life. If you have an idea of the kind of imagery that you want, it's always worth checking the brand platform to see if it's already available.
The brand platform is available to staff only. If you're a student requiring images, videos or brand assets, please email communications-support
University archives
York Digital Library stores photographs documenting the history of the University.
External sources
Stock photography
If your budget allows it, images can be purchased from stock photography websites. Images from stock photography site are usually sold as either royalty-free or rights-managed:
- royalty-free images are bought for a one-off fee, after which you can use the image for multiple purposes.
- rights-managed images are priced depending on where the image will be used, and how many times it will be reproduced. If you had purchased an image to use on your website, you would have to pay again if you decided you also wanted to use it in a newsletter.
We do not have a University supplier for stock photography, so if you choose this option you will need to budget for it and select your supplier and images yourself.
Free image sites
There are a number of websites that offer images and video free of charge, including:
Ensure to check what kind of licence your image is under- some sites require attribution to the website or author.
Related links
Photoshoots
Before arranging a photoshoot, you'll need to fill out a photography brief:
Core campaigns and materials
The External Relations photographer within the Communications team captures photos for key campaigns and news stories throughout the year.
Colleagues in External Relations can contact Communications at communications-support
Other photoshoots and requests
For photography requests from elsewhere in the University, contact the University, contact the University Photographer, Paul Shields.
We also have a list of approved external freelance photographers, who can assist you with photoshoot requirements.
Video production
Video is a powerful medium that can be highly effective in engaging your audience. Producing video can also be a complex multi-stage process which requires careful consideration to ensure return on investment.
If you think you need to produce a video, you should talk through your requirements with the relevant Content Producer or Marketing Manager in External Relations. You may find there is already a suitable video, or similar work is planned, or that you can commission work jointly. Do not commission any video content without first speaking with your relevant contact.
The Communications team have a videographer who works on key campaigns and events throughout the year. If you're working with Communications, you'll need to complete a video briefing template before work can begin.
If they are not available, you can outsource your project to an external supplier. Find out more about commissioning video.
Social media videos
If you're planning a video specifically for social media, contact social-media
Live recording
Where possible, avoid repurposing recorded social media livestreams to use elsewhere. If you require the same footage, consider reshooting in a landscape orientation to suit platforms and channels other than social media.
Watch our example videos
These videos were produced by our University videographer.
