°®ÒºAƬ

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Find additional photography information and browse curated galleries showcasing the breadth of photography created for °®ÒºAƬ. From student experiences and academic settings to campus landmarks and special events, these examples highlight the visual assets available to support university storytelling and communications.

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Usage

All of the images in this gallery are produced and curated by the office of University Communications and Marketing at Metropolitan State University of Denver for use in °®ÒºAƬ-affiliated publications, websites and other digital platforms. News media and other organizations may also download and use these images for editorial, non-commercial purposes. For such uses, please credit the photographer followed by °®ÒºAƬ: (name of photographer)/°®ÒºAƬ. The photographer’s name and caption can be found by clicking on the “Show Infoâ€� button below each image.

The following is °®ÒºAƬs’ policy related to the use of photographs from our library and archives:

Commercial use is strictly prohibited.

A photo’s content must never be changed or manipulated.

Manipulation of a photograph that misleads, confuses or misrepresents its truth is strictly prohibited.

Enhancing the technical quality (color balancing, conversion to black and white, cropping without changing reader perception) of a photograph is acceptable, but altering the meaning is not.

°®ÒºAƬ photos must not be used or manipulated to generate AI photos.

Photos in these galleries are generally less than three years old. University Communications and Marketing also maintains an historical archive for older photos. If you need an archived photo or have questions about these terms of use, please fill out the UCM Request/Consultation form. News media can direct inquiries to [email protected].

More media from °®ÒºAƬ

Brandfolder Photo Portal
B-Roll showcase
°®ÒºAƬ on YouTube

Service request form

I´ÚÌýyouÌýdon’t find the image you need in the photo library, or if you need to request photography for your project or event,Ìýcomplete the request/consultation form, or directly email the clients servicesÌýemail at: [email protected].Ìý

Please request photography at least two weeks prior to your event.Ìý

Photo release form

Photo releases are required for any people you photograph or video at your event.

Headshots

We schedule campus headshot sessions once per semester for employees who need an image for their department website, promotional materials, or other professional uses. Our next sessions will be held: 

 

Feb. 10, June 9 and Sept. 15, 2026

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Jordan Student Success Building, CAVEA 424

 

All faculty and staff members with an °®ÒºAƬ badge are eligible for this service and are photographed on a first-come, first-served basis. We ask that employees limit using our headshot service to once every two years to ensure that others who haven’t had the opportunity can be photographed.Ìý

°®ÒºAƬ visual identity guidelines

Our visual identity is rooted in authenticity,ÌýstorytellingÌýand the transformative experiences of the °®ÒºAƬ community. Whether through photography or video, our imagery should capture real moments, real people and real impact while reflecting the energy of our urban campus and the spirit of our Roadrunners.

Concertgoers enjoy Outside Days music festival on Auraria Campus.

Photojournalism and documentary photography

Our signature visual style draws inspiration from the storytelling approach of RED, °®ÒºAƬ’s newsroom. Images should capture genuine moments that communicate emotion, action and context, inspiring curiosity, accomplishment,ÌýempathyÌýand possibility.

Key characteristics:

  • Authentic:ÌýReal moments with minimal direction or staging.
  • Emotive:ÌýGrounded in genuine human expression and lived experience.
  • Urban & Contemporary:ÌýReflecting the textures, architecture and energy of Denver.
  • Technically Strong:ÌýThoughtful composition and effective use of natural or available light.
  • Creative:ÌýUnique perspectives and framing that strengthen the story being told.

Portrait photography

Portraits should highlight the individual while connecting them to a meaningful environment that supports their story.

Key characteristics:

  • The subject is the clear visual and emotional focus.
  • Locations should be relevant to the individual’s role, experience or achievements.
  • Images should convey determination, optimism, accomplishment or possibility.
  • Lighting should enhance the setting, whether natural, available or studio-created.
  • Creative compositions are encouraged when they support the narrative.
  • Portraits should reveal personality, presence and purpose.
Formal portrait of a young woman.

A set dinner table, tortilla soup with sides.

Still-life photography

Still-life imagery is used when objects, spaces or details help tell the °®ÒºAƬ story.

Key characteristics:

  • Clean, intentional compositions with a strong sense of purpose.
  • Strategic use of negative space to create mood and accommodate design elements.
  • Natural or simple lighting that supports authenticity.
  • Visual emphasis on innovation, creativity, craftsmanship and community.
  • Arranged elements should still feel genuine and believable.

Landscape and environmental photography

Landscape and environmental imagery shouldÌýestablishÌýa strong senseÌýof place whileÌýshowcasingÌýthe character of °®ÒºAƬ and the city we call home.

Key characteristics:

  • Visually impactful and inspiring, whether capturing natural or urban environments.
  • Strong connection to campus and Denver’s unique identity.
  • Thoughtful use of scale, geometry, light and atmosphere.
  • Creative use of negative space to support storytelling and design needs.
  • Images should evoke wonder, possibility and connection.
Backcountry skiers hiking to a mountain's summit.

Aerial view of Auraria Campus and Downtown Denver.

Video

Video content should extend the same documentary-driven approach into motion, creating authentic and engaging stories that reflect the °®ÒºAƬ experience.

Key characteristics:

  • Authentic, cinematic storytelling rooted in real moments.
  • People-centered narratives that showcase diversity, ambition and impact.
  • Intentional camera movement and framing that immerse viewers in the environment.
  • Editing that is clean, emotional and purposeful.
  • Natural, true-to-life color with subtle cinematic enhancement.

Unified visual principles

Regardless of format, all visual content should:

  • Be authentic, human and rooted in real experiences.
  • Reflect the Roadrunner spirit – bold, hardworking and resilient.
  • Showcase transformation, opportunity and meaningful impact.
  • Express °®ÒºAƬ’s urban identity and connection to the city.
  • Inspire confidence in what is possible through an °®ÒºAƬ education.

Every image and video should help tell a story that is distinctly °®ÒºAƬ: ambitious,ÌýaccessibleÌýand driven by possibility.

°®ÒºAƬ grad earns his diploma.

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