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The Bulldog - For the SWOSU Family

Photography

Style Guidance

Tone

Photography should reflect SWOSU’s authentic, welcoming, and grounded spirit. Use imagery that feels candid, vibrant, and student-centered. Strive for moments that evoke belonging, determination, curiosity, and joy.

Composition

  • Natural light when possible, warm tones preferred
  • Subjects in focus; moderate depth of field
  • Rule of thirds or dynamic framing; avoid dead-center shots
  • Action over posed—capture students learning, laughing, exploring, leading
  • Represent the broad range of SWOSU’s campus community

Approved/Unapproved Treatments

Allowed

  • Color correction for natural warmth and clarity
  • Minor cropping for better framing
  • Brightness/contrast adjustments for visibility

Prohibited

  • Overuse of digital filters or presets that distort natural tones
  • Heavy vignettes or unnatural blurring
  • Distortion of body proportions or facial features
  • Text overlays on primary photography unless pre-approved

Model Release Requirements

When to Use a Release

  • If a student or participant is clearly identifiable and the image will be used for advertising, recruitment, or broad public exposure (e.g., billboards, viewbooks, advertisements, videos). - Always required for minors (under 18), regardless of use.
  • Minors (under 18): A parent or legal guardian release is required for any photo or video of a minor that is captured by SWOSU, captured on SWOSU’s behalf, or submitted for SWOSU use, regardless of channel or purpose. The release must be signed and authorized by the minor’s parent or legal guardian.

When It’s Not Required

  • Crowd shots where individuals are not prominently featured
  • Internal-only uses like training documents or password-protected pages

Release Form & Compliance

Use the official SWOSU Likeness Release Form. It covers use of name, voice, image, and likeness in printed or digital materials.

Storage & Recordkeeping

Completed forms should be stored digitally by the Office of Public Relations & Marketing for at least five years. Label by event/date and include associated file names if possible.