Our primary focus is on JMU marketing projects. Due to limitations on time and resources, we are not able to schedule individual faculty/staff headshots or group photos throughout the year.
Portraits and Group Photos
Faculty and staff are welcome to drop-in to one of our 3 portrait sessions offered throughout the year.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Holland Yates Columns (outside)
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Holland Yates Columns (outside)
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Leeolou Alumni Center - Great Room
How to prepare for your portrait or group photo
- Choose one of the available photo sessions and add it to your calendar.
- If you need a group photo, be sure to communicate the date/time to all persons who need to be in the photo.
- On the day of the shoot, dress professionally and avoid clothing with distracting logos or patterns.
- Photos will be shared with you within 1-2 business days.
DIY Photos
Headshots and group photos for department websites/emails can also be captured with your phone! Below are some tips for capturing great photos of people on your device without the need for a professional photographer.
- Indoor Light - If you’re shooting indoors, have your subject stand near a window (facing the window or slightly facing the window) for soft light and less harsh shadows. Do not take a photo of a person with a window or primary light source behind them.
- Outdoor Light - The best time to take photos of people outside is on a cloudy/overcast day to avoid harsh shadows from the sun. If the sun is out, find a shaded location for best results.
- Background - Consider a simple, non-distracting background. If your phone has portrait mode, consider using it to blur the background.
- Camera Height - Keep the camera near eye-level.
- Individual Pose - If you’re shooting an individual, have the subject turn their body 45 degrees, then have them turn their head toward the camera.
- Group Pose - Have all subjects turn their bodies 45 degrees toward the center.
