Visual Elements

Enhance Storytelling with Media

Content is more than words; it also includes images and videos. Photography that meets a high professional standard plays a critical role in creating a positive image of WPI. The photographic images used on the website should inspire prospective students and faculty and make a connection with the people and activities depicted. Using high-quality color images and videos complements the content and supports storytelling—without distracting from it. 

Preview

CONTACT
Location: Boynton Hall
Office Location: 3rd Floor
Phone: 508-831-5305

Photography

Image Quality, Usage Rights, and Compliance

  • Use professional-quality images. Search WPI’s digital asset management system for relevant images. Use university-provided images whenever possible.
  • If you’re in need of new professional-quality images of your classroom or lab, you may request a shoot with the university photographer via our photography request form.
  • For externally submitted images by outside photographers or people who are not part of the WPI community, please fill out a media release form before publishing the photo on WPI’s website.
  • To submit a photo for WPI’s use (website, social media, or to appear in our digital asset management system), upload it to the media release form and agree to the terms and conditions.
  • If participating in a promotional photo session with the Marketing Communications Department, please sign the media release form so that we may use your image in any digital or print publication. 

File Size and Optimization

  • Resize images for web use (1MB or less is recommended).
  • Avoid skewing, stretching, or distorting images.
  • Files larger than 2MB may be removed without notice to preserve site performance and SEO.

Alt Text and Accessibility

  • All visible images must have meaningful, descriptive alt text in compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards.
  • Keep alt text concise (5–15 words).
    • Example: “Aerial view of Boynton Hall; white and purple blooming iris.”

Logo Usage

  • Only approved WPI logos may be used.
  • Do not upload third-party logos without explicit permission.

Image Sourcing and Accessing Campus Photography

  • Do not use Google Images for WPI content.
  • If a needed image isn’t available, search Getty Images for stock images or video assets (with the exception of editorial content) and email the link to marketing-photography@wpi.edu. A member of the creative team will reply with your desired asset.
  • Alternatively, email your request to marketing-photography@wpi.edu, and we’ll help locate a suitable WPI image.

Lab and Technical Environment Photography

  • Ensure all safety protocols are followed.
  • Subjects in labs or similar environments must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Images and videos with subjects not wearing required PPE may be tagged by the campus safety technician and will be removed/replaced.
  • More information can be found in the Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Image Style and Representation

  • Prioritize tight shots of 1–3 people engaged in hands-on activities over posed group photos.
  • Strive for diversity and inclusion in representation of WPI’s students, faculty, and staff.
  • Avoid using logos, graphics, or text overlays in banner or hero images.

Creative Commons Content

  • Use only images with proper Creative Commons licensing.
  • Attribute images in the Caption or Alt Text field in the Drupal Media Library.
    • Example: “Photo by [Photographer’s Name] via [Source] (CC BY 4.0).”

Videos

  • The only video sources that can be embedded on the WPI website are YouTube and Ensemble.
  • To add a video to WPI’s YouTube channel or WPI’s Ensemble video library, send the video file to cmshelp@wpi.edu.
  • Sign this Media Release Form if you are captured on video. You may use this form to submit and release video content (such as a video you would like posted to YouTube) for the Marketing Communications Department.
  • Do not use videos as primary sources of information. Users have short attention spans and cannot be expected to stay on a page to watch a full video. Industry standards suggest 60 to 120 seconds is an ideal length.
  • All videos posted on wpi.edu must be ADA compliant and therefore must be captioned.

Watch a time-lapse video of the creation of WPI's newest mural.