For questions about photography, contact Miguel Ozuna, Photographer and Digital Assets Manager in University Marketing and Communications.

Photography Style
Our People and Our Campus

Our photography celebrates the humanity, excitement, and vibrancy of our campus community. All photography should be bright, saturated with color, and utilize natural lighting whenever possible. Prioritize photography that establishes a clear focal point with a shallow depth of field. This approach serves as a powerful communication tool that puts our people at the heart of every story we tell. Our community is composed of people from different backgrounds and experiences, and our photography should reflect that. Subjects should appear relaxed and effortlessly comfortable in all photography. By capturing human-centered imagery that reflects the liveliness of our campus community, we can create a strong emotional impact with our communications and offer our audience an opportunity to experience the vibrancy and innovation that define our institution. 

SCU Photo Library

If you’re looking for specific photos or videos to support your unit’s digital content or print projects, please explore the University’s visual resource library on Google Drive, Canva, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

Archive Photo Usage Policies

To protect Santa Clara University’s intellectual property and ensure proper use of our digital assets, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Unless otherwise specified, all images in the database are the property of Santa Clara University.
• SCU communicators and affiliated groups may upload high-resolution images to the system and follow all established guidelines.
• Images in the database may only be used for University-related purposes.
• Images in the database may not be shared with individuals or entities outside SCU without written permission for distribution.
• Images in the database may not be distributed, used, or sold for commercial purposes.

The Google Drive Photo Library is available by request.

The Canva Photo Gallery can be found by clicking on the Brand icon on the left side of the Canva Tools Menu.

The Adobe Photo Library is available by request for those who have access to an Adobe Creative Cloud account.

Photography Policies

The following policies provide guidance for all Santa Clara University communicators, affiliated groups, and contracted vendors.

Permissions and Model Releases

Model release forms ensure that you have obtained permission from individuals to use their name or likeness in SCU publications, on our website, or in any marketing materials that promote the University. Signed model release forms are required for every identifiable person in images taken by the University photographers, videographers, freelancers, and campus community members. 

It is important to keep these forms on file, as they help identify individuals for accurate photo captioning. If multiple people appear in a photograph, it is good practice to describe their appearance on the release form to help with identification. 

Download the SCU Model Release Form.

Copyright and Usage Information

Photographs on the University website and those provided by University Marketing and Communications are owned by Santa Clara University and are protected by copyright. 

These images may only be used in their intended context and must not be repurposed for commercial promotion or other unauthorized uses.

Photo Alteration

Photographs produced by Santa Clara University may only be altered for formatting purposes (i.e. resizing, minimal cropping). Alterations that change the fundamental nature of a scene or misrepresent the individuals, places, or events depicted in a photograph are strictly prohibited.

Photo Credits

All photographs copyrighted by Santa Clara University and used in on-campus publications, off-campus media, or public relations materials must include an appropriate photo credit. If the photographer is unknown, the credit should read: Photo courtesy of Santa Clara University.

Commercial Photography on Campus

The Santa Clara University campus is a popular location for photo and video shoots, and we often receive requests from outside organizations. While we appreciate the recognition, our policy prohibits the use of university property or brand assets in commercial photography or video productions.

Photography Requests

The photography library is updated quarterly to remain fresh and relevant. If you need photos not currently in the library, please complete the UMC Request Form with details about your photography needs.