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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
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Photo and Video

To request professional photography or videography, please submit a project request to the DASA MarComm team here. Photo requests require least two weeks notice to ensure we schedule a photographer, provide additional support, edit and deliver photos. Video requests generally require more planning to film, produce, edit and deliver.

When photographing or filming anyone for university marketing purposes, it is advised that you get a model release signed. 

Photography

Choosing the right photograph to supplement your website or printed materials can enhance the design and elevate your stories. Select imagery that is relatable and humanizes the student experience.

Photo Resources

Videography

Well-executed, high-quality video is are engaging storytelling tool that can enhance marketing campaigns.

Here are some things you should consider:

  • Target audience. Who needs to see your video?
  • Where your video will live (i.e. social media, website, YouTube, etc.) 
  • Video length. Typically we recommend no longer than 3 ½ minutes for YouTube videos, and no longer than 30-45 seconds for other social media like Facebook and Instagram.
  • Have a marketing plan. Think about all of the prompts above, and also consider how your video might be used in as many places as possible and in more than just one campaign.
  • Define your goals for the video (i.e. increased website traffic, link clicks, increased awareness or recruitment for your program, etc.)
  • Subscribe to NC State DASA on YouTube!

Posting a Video

When uploading a video to Youtube, you can add it to your personal NC State Google account, the NC State YouTube channel or the DASA YouTube channel.

Closed Captioning

Refer to the OIT accessibility closed captioning guide for more information. The closed captioning guide has an email address you can use to get a list of transcription services. In addition, you may use Roger’s Word Service or Rev.

Best Practices for Capturing Video with a Cell Phone

If the DASA MarComm team is unavailable, or if you decide to record your own video, please follow the recommendations below:

Video Quality Settings  

Cell phones have either 4K or HD options. Choose, at minimum, the Full HD (1920 x 1080p) settings for a good quality video. Avoid zooming in and out with your camera for the following reasons: 

  • Your cell phone camera likely only has digital zoom. This means it isn’t actually zooming, but is simply magnifying the pixels, which results in poor image quality later. 
  • Zooming in and out during a shot can be disorienting for viewers.

Orientation  

Make sure to keep your phone flipped to landscape mode (horizontal), not portrait (vertical). Filming in the portrait orientation will create “black bars” on either side of your video when viewed later on a full screen. The only exception is when you are filming a video intended for Instagram Reels.

Stabilization  

Hold the camera steady. Tucking your elbows into your body and using a “defensive stance” will turn your body into a natural tripod. If you can, use a tripod or monopod for stabilization.

Lighting

Is the room bright enough? If the light seems dim to your eyes, it is likely too dark for your camera. Move to a brighter room if possible. Don’t backlight your subject. Avoid placing bright lights, windows or other light sources directly behind your subject 

Audio

Make sure your surroundings are quiet and there is minimal potential for loud noises, if possible. For example, don’t film beside a busy street or in a crowded room! Make sure your microphone is close to the subject in order to get the best sound quality possible.