Photography

Our photography style

Photography helps us tell our story. With documentary-style authenticity, our imagery showcases our hands-on confidence. It feels candid and effortless, embracing a sense of place – be it our classrooms, industries or city.

We embrace natural light to highlight the people and places in our community. We focus on our subject matter with a shallow depth of field.

We’re connected, and our photography emphasizes that. We show how people interact and support one another – whether shot in environments or in a studio.

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Interior

Classroom-focused

Photography is one of our strongest tools to show audiences the real, collaborative energy that’s alive in our classrooms. Look for well-lit spaces, capture candid action or conversations and place students and faculty within their proper context.

Interaction and hands-on learning

What’s more SAIT than hands-on learning? Our community is engaged and inventive – we want our photos to reflect this. Photos should highlight the real-world experiences of students and faculty. They shouldn’t feel forced or staged. Be sure to draw awareness to the setting – our labs and living classrooms are part of the action!

Exterior

Campus architecture

Memories and connections are associated with a sense of place. Establishing photos of SAIT’s buildings and campuses evokes associations of our past, present and future, ultimately setting the stage for us to tell our story. Try to capture wide shots, use natural lighting and find unexpected framing!

People-focused

People-focused images give our audience the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a part of SAIT.

Make sure the people in the photo are the center of attention and reflective of SAIT’s diverse community. They should be well lit and placed within the context of our campus and buildings.

City and mountains

Calgary’s diverse communities, vibrant arts and culture scene and easy access to the Canadian Rockies make it an awesome place to live, learn and play. Our photography should capture the energy and movement of our city.

Bring out the human side of the city by capturing smaller, more personal moments. Use skyline photos to provide broader context and street photos for key details. Don’t forget to capture movement.

Portraits

We want to ensure SAIT’s diversity is represented in our portraiture. When taking portraits of students, faculty or other members of SAIT’s community, ensure they are relaxed and lit naturally so that their personality stands out.

We get hands-on at SAIT. Pick locations that demonstrate this and help bring your subject to life, such as a campus lab, out in the field or with a view of downtown Calgary in the background.

Studio

Taking photos in a studio can be an effective tool to highlight the personalities of our subjects. You can adapt lighting and backgrounds to meet your needs. Use studio photography to put more emphasis on your subject and their personality.

Photography tips

• Use real, authentic people in the classroom or their place of work.
• Capture confidence – moments of feeling empowered, self-assured.
• Emphasize people interacting with each other. Show people in deep focus working on their craft.
• Use a shallow depth of field to bring focus and allow for type overlay.
• Document candid, imperfect moments.
• Use interesting angles and perspectives.
• Documentary-style quality.
• Highlight SAIT’s inclusive community — all genders, abilities, body types, skin tones, faiths, spiritualities and ages.
• Integrate SAIT colours where possible with props, clothing or backdrop options.