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Photography/Video

The visual identity of Sinclair Community College is built on authentic, diverse, and engaging photography and video that accurately reflect our vibrant campus culture and values. To ensure that every image and video resonates with our brand, all media must adhere to the following guidelines. These standards ensure that our content aligns with Sinclair’s commitment to inclusivity, professionalism, and quality.

Photography Guidelines

High-quality photography is essential in illustrating Sinclair’s values and student-centered approach. Use these guidelines to create images that align with our brand’s look and feel:

  • Style: Opt for candid, natural shots over posed photos, capturing students, faculty, and staff in real interactions and experiences. Avoid overly staged or stock-like images.
  • Composition: Use clean, simple compositions that focus on the subject and avoid clutter. Incorporate adequate white space and consider using the rule of thirds for balanced framing.
  • Diversity and Inclusivity: All visual materials should reflect the diversity of Sinclair’s community. Ensure representation of different ages, abilities, ethnicities, and gender identities to authentically reflect our community and commitment to inclusivity.
  • Quality: Images should be sharp, well-lit, and high-resolution (300 DPI for print, 72 DPI for digital). For images on the website, use formats that balance quality with load times, like JPEG or PNG files.

Video Guidelines

Video content at Sinclair should inform, inspire, and create a sense of community. To create professional and engaging videos, follow these standards:

  • Length: Keep videos concise and focused on their main message. Short-form videos (under 2 minutes) are ideal for social media and general outreach, while longer formats (3–5 minutes) are suitable for web pages and in-depth storytelling.
  • Captions and Accessibility: Ensure all videos include closed captions to provide accessibility for all audiences. Avoid using music or audio alone to convey information, as these elements may not be accessible to all viewers.
  • Brand Voice: Sinclair videos should capture our core values of empowerment and inclusivity. Tone should be warm, welcoming, and professional, with a narrative that feels relatable and authentic.
  • Resolution and Format: For high-quality playback, shoot in at least 1080p resolution, and format for digital platforms where appropriate (e.g., horizontal for YouTube and vertical or square for social media).

Permissions and Releases

To protect the privacy and rights of those in our content:

  • Consent Forms: Obtain signed consent forms for any identifiable individuals featured in photos or videos, especially if the content will be used for marketing or public distribution.
  • Minors: For any content involving minors, a parental or guardian consent form must be obtained and filed in accordance with Sinclair’s legal policies.

Resource Library

Access Sinclair’s approved photography and video resources in our internal media library. This library offers pre-approved, high-quality images and clips that align with our brand, ensuring consistency and easy access for staff.

Best Practices

For further guidance on effective photography and videography, our marketing team is available to provide training sessions and support for creating on-brand visuals. For questions, please contact the Sinclair Marketing department.