Photography is an essential part of the print and digital media we use to share the NIU message. When choosing imagery, it's important to use photographs that reflect our brand personality: personalized, inviting and charged. Our photographers are experts in portraying the Huskie spirit in warm, dynamic images.
To inquire about the availability of a photographer, please email photography@niu.edu. A photographer will respond within two business days. In your email, please indicate how the photo(s) will be used, as well as the ideal deadline for receiving a link to the image(s) in the photo gallery.
Institutional Communications has a new image library from Canto. Campus partners can browse photographs and access images they need with the 'asset request' feature in Canto. An account administrator from Institutional Communications will approve the request within 2-3 business days.
We will continue to maintain the previous image library, however no new photos will be posted there. Photographs taken since fall of 2019 will only appear in the new image library from Canto.
All images taken by NIU photographers are copyrighted Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University. As such, images taken for any client can be used by the University for other projects.
Portraits cannot be used for political purposes.
We offer free portraits to employees. If you're new to NIU or otherwise referred to us for a portrait, one of our experienced photographers will work with you to schedule a time and location for your session. We take environmental portraits, which means we'll photograph you in your usual work environment or a favorite campus location. For example, if you teach science, we might photograph you in a lab.
We want you to look and feel your best during your session. Please contact your photographer in advance if you have any questions or concerns. Since it can be difficult to coordinate a reshoot, we want to do everything possible to make your session a success. You can help by following these tips:
Your photos will be stored in Canto, NIU's online image library. Your photographer will send you a link to your photos, and you can indicate which image you prefer the university use when you're featured. Your photo may appear online or in print. For example, it may appear on your department website or on printed promotional materials for the university. You may use your portrait on personal websites; however, using it for political purposes is prohibited.
We also offer a drop-in photobooth at in-person career fairs, allowing employees to stop by for a traditional headshot-style photo. Information on upcoming photobooth events is posted online.
We're excited for you to be part of an NIU photoshoot. Dress in casual clothes. Wear an NIU shirt and bring a plain shirt, or wear a plain shirt and bring an NIU shirt. Your plain shirt should be white, gray, blue or black. It can be a button-down shirt or blouse, or a cotton T-shirt (short- or long-sleeved). Wear jeans, khakis, black pants or capris.
We use these photos for a variety of purposes, so it's best if your clothes are modest and not seasonal. Don't wear:
Additional tips:
When photographers and videographers are capturing events in public places such as in classrooms or on campus, release forms are generally not required. Institutional Communications requires signed Talent Release Forms from subjects who appear in its productions.