Skip to Content
Texas State University
University Marketing
Brand Guidelines
Texas State Brand Guidelines Photography

Photography

Canto - Digital Asset Manager

All our available photos are in a digital asset manager called Canto. Particularly suited for web use, these selections tell the Texas State story in a beautiful, modern way. Images are free to download.

View photos by category: Academics, Campus, Research, Student Life, Campus Buildings and Landmarks, or University Events.

Or use the keyword search in the upper right corner to find exactly what you're looking for.

Canto Public

Canto Public has a limited selection of branded images, primarily intended for use by those outside the University.

Canto with Login

Log in with your TXST NetID to see a wider selection of images intended for use within the Texas State community.

grid of example photos

Shooting your own Photography

Looking for photo and video releases?

Framing

Old Main framed by trees
Use the environment to frame your subject.
Violinist during a performance
Focus on the subject to emphasize details.
UAC arch shot from below
Use a low angle for a dramatic feel.

Best Practices

  • Practice storytelling techniques: wide establishing shot, mid-range centering on the subject, close-up detail of the action.
  • Frame your subjects with elements in the natural environment for an organic, layered feel.
  • Try low angles or off-center composition to create an interesting, dramatic feel.
  • Tightly frame your subject to make important details stand out.

Avoid

  • Avoid clutter in the frame.
  • Remove water bottles, food and anything not related to the subject from the frame.

Lighting

Teacher smiling
Natural light is vibrant and positive.
Classroom viewed through a wall of glass
Reflections create interest and add depth.
Vaquero statue from below
Cloudy days provide soft, even lighting.

Best Practices

  • Use natural light whenever possible.
  • Shoot outdoors in the morning or late afternoon when light is less intense. Cloudy days are best for even light.
  • When shooting in available light, place subjects so the light is on their face, not behind them.
  • Reflections create interest and add depth to the image.

Avoid

  • Avoid shooting in low light or extremely bright conditions.
  • In low light, avoid placing the subject in front of the light source.

Staging

Students walking in San Marcos square
Don’t force the moment.
Teacher with students at a table
Give subjects something natural to do.
Students at their computers
Shoot the student's perspective.

Best Practices

  • Give your subject something natural to do, like daily routines, class projects or recreational activities.
  • Allow your subjects to talk freely.
  • Use the student perspective; shoot on campus to capture their environment whenever possible.
  • Be flexible; remember that your audience will not know if the subject has graduated or is in another major.

Avoid

  • Don't ask for smiles; be patient.
  • Avoid forcing diversity into the scene.
  • Avoid dressing everyone in the same or similar attire, creating a staged look.

Photography Resources