Photography

To connect with our brand personality and messages, we use emotionally engaging, active imagery that captures the vibrancy and purpose of CU Denver. Our imagery style is bold, impactful, and authentic, reflecting the diversity, innovation, and determination that is part of our everyday culture.

CU Denver’s approach to imagery can be divided into three areas: topical, cultural, and environmental.

Topical

Topical photos capture our people in their natural environment—where they live, learn, work, teach, etc. These photos should connect the subjects to the content in an authentic, organic, and confident manner. Natural lighting and a short depth of field—where the subject is in focus and the background is not—create visual interest and capture the viewer’s eye. Avoid overly staged and posed settings.

Cultural

Cultural photos showcase the spirit, diversity, and energy of CU Denver. These photos should capture “moments in time” and exemplify the experiences of our faculty, students, alumni, and staff.

Environmental

Environmental photos serve as “hero” images, capturing the beauty and distinctiveness of CU Denver’s buildings, spaces, and surroundings. Dramatic lighting, unique angles, and strong visual composition create a sense of excitement, familiarity, and belonging—even for viewers who may have never visited in person.