Great visuals are the most powerful way to share your chapter’s story. Whether capturing the energy of a game watch or the impact of a scholarship fundraiser, this guide will help you produce content that aligns with the WVU brand: energetic, determined, and full of Gold & Blue spirit.

The WVU Aesthetic 

It is easy to take a picture, but it takes intention to take a great picture. 

The Vibe: Photos should be slightly warm, bright, punchy, and contrasty. 

The Subject: Show alumni, students, and staff who are engaged, determined, and having fun. 

The Goal: Bring the viewer into the moment. 

Composition and Technique 

How you frame your shot changes how people feel about it. 

Get Close: Don't just stand back. Physical proximity creates emotional intimacy. 

Use the Foreground: Place happy people or interesting elements in the foreground to create depth and frame your subject. 

Aperture & Depth of Field: Shoot with a large aperture (aim for f/2.8). This keeps your subject sharp while blurring background distractions—a hallmark of professional photography. 

Lighting Best Practices 

Lighting can make or break a photo. 

Golden Hour: The best natural light occurs just after sunrise and right before sunset. 

Avoid Midday Sun: Bright, overhead sun creates harsh, ugly shadows on faces. If shooting midday, move your subjects into the shade for soft, flattering light. 

Seasonal Color: Use the environment to your advantage, especially autumn leaves and campus greenery. 

What to Photograph 

Aim for a variety of formats (vertical for stories, horizontal for feed posts/web) covering these four categories: 

Portraits: Close-ups that reveal personality. 

Task Focus: People engaged in an activity (volunteering, working). 

Interaction: Candid moments of people reacting to each other (not the camera). 

Scenery: Beautiful shots of the location or event setup.