Photography

We want to strengthen our visual identity by using powerful images that bring Leiden University’s stories to life and support our core message. A consistent and recognisable visual style helps us clearly express what we stand for as a university: a bastion of freedom.

Typen fotografie met tips

Different genres of photography require different approaches. Below is an overview of the most commonly used photography styles at Leiden University, along with useful tips for taking great photos:

• Portrait photography
• Event photography
• Architecture and landscape photography

Photography tips

If you would prefer to hire a freelance photographer, our image editors can help you find a suitable photographer for your assignment. There are a number of things to consider when briefing a photographer.

Contact: beeldredactie@leidenuniv.nl

Briefing photographers

It's always best to use images made by and for Leiden University. You will find these in our image bank. But sometimes you may need to use images from stock sites, 

Websites with stock images

• iStock: relatively cheap and lots of options (make sure the photo you choose isn't too 'stocky')
• Shutterstock: comparable with iStock.
• ANP Foto: more expensive but a good, accurate source for photos from the Dutch news. Please note: photos you have purchased can only be used once!
• Free material without attribution: Pexels and Unsplash. 

Be careful with creating AI images. These images aren't always correct and the copyright to the material is a grey area. We therefore advise creating your own photographs.

Photos are copyrighted from the moment they are taken. This means that the creator (photographer) automatically has the exclusive right to publish, copy or edit the photo. Others may only use a photo with the permission of the copyright owner, unless an exception applies.

• Copyright: In most cases, the rights to the photos are bought out from the photographers. Be sure to check this when making arrangements with them. Sharing photos with third parties is not automatically included in these rights.
• Permission: If you want to use a photo (e.g. on a website, social media or a flyer), ask the creator in writing. You will often have to pay for this.
• Attribution: Always include the photographer's name, unless you have agreed otherwise.
• Stock photos: When using stock photos (e.g. Unsplash or Shutterstock), read the licence terms carefully. Not all photos are free for commercial use. 
• Portrait rights: If someone is clearly identifiable on a photo, portraits rights may apply. To publish the photo you may also need the permission of the person in the portrait, especially for commercial use. 

Please note: Copying photos from the internet (e.g. from Google Images) without permission is nearly always a copyright infringement. So this really isn't allowed.