Photography is one of the greatest elements in our brand toolbox. It helps connect our system of colleges, enhance communication design, and make our brand stand out. Our imagery showcases our diversity, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities — showing that we are proud of who we are and our city.

Stylistically, the photography reflects real-life moments, people, places, and spaces — all with a sense of pride, confidence, and grit. The city of Chicago is both our campus and our canvas; bringing our neighborhoods and unique surroundings to the forefront of our visual storytelling is critical and a key differentiator.

Subject matter should be:

• Real life, authentic (not staged, posed or fictional) 
• Bold, prideful, and gritty • Inclusive and diverse — representing students, faculty, staff, and community members from a wide range of socioeconomic and racial backgrounds

Photography for the City Colleges brand crosses four main categories:

Learning — classroom settings to hands-on learning
Portraiture — isolated settings to natural environments
Student life — on-campus and off-campus
Chicago communities — iconic Chicago to local neighborhoods

Black-and-white photography can be powerful when used in combination with full-color photography, as well as on its own or with color overlays. Lead with real, authentic, proprietary photography is preferred and should only be supplemented with stock when necessary.

Learning: Traditional to hands-on

Photography here aims to capture an authentic moment in time, including individuals focusing on their work or concentrating on the task at hand, as well as pairs and small groups interacting and collaborating.

Portraiture: Isolated to environmental

When capturing students, faculty and staff, always be mindful of ensuring appropriate representation across your imagery. City Colleges is comprised of individuals from many cultures and backgrounds; our photography should not only showcase our diverse community, but celebrate it.

Student life: On-campus to off-campus

Student life photography has an editorial feel, with subjects looking off camera to enhance authenticity and ensure a genuine feel. Shallow depth of focus allows the subject to remain the focal point.

Chicago community: Iconic to local

Highlighting and celebrating the unique communities surrounding each of our campuses is core to our story. There is strength in showing iconic Chicago references as well as detailing special pockets unique to certain communities. This imagery should be shot from the point of view of a resident, not a visitor.