Communicating With Images
Images – whether photographs, videos or illustrations — can help tell stories in ways that words often cannot. Thinking visually and about sounds and the spoken word can provide new depths and dimensions to stories. These elements should be considered essential ways to move a story forward, as they are part of the story-telling process – not afterthoughts.
Photographs
Including photographs with your stories — whether for use in print materials or web materials — can add to the comprehension of the message. These photography tips can help you with taking photographs that help you achieve your goals. If students are identified by name, you should obtain a signed photo release form. If you are a UNC Charlotte employee, you can access the form on the Brandfolder site.
Videos
These video tips can help when you are creating videos. Other things to keep in mind include:
- The College OneIT personnel can assist in some ways with videos. The Office has video editing software on computers in its lab that faculty and staff may use upon request.
- You will need to obtain a signed photo and video release form for each student who is identified by name in your video.
- You will need to add what is called a “lower third” identifier for each speaker, such as their name, title and organization. Tips for how to identify alumni can be found on the University’s brand site, under the editorial guide section.
- You also should include an introductory slide at the start of the video with the University or College logo, or a College-approved department logo. Consult with us on this. This can be added in the editing process. Take care to comply with the clear-space requirements for the logo, by leaving sufficient space around it so that it does not compete with other text or design elements.
- University Digital Communications provides some television and video production services to the University community. While they cannot help with every project, you can approach them to see if they can assist with your work. The team can provide streaming video support, and satellite downlink services.
- If an official entity of the university creates a YouTube or other video channel, that is considered an official social media site and is governed by the University’s Social Media Policy
- Videos should include captioning, so that they are accessible to people who have hearing disabilities. It is the policy and practice of UNC Charlotte to comply fully with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and all other federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability. You can obtain guidance through the Office of Disability Services and its handbooks.
