Photography options

UW Tacoma does not have a full-time staff photographer. We have a Communications staff member who is an expert photographer, but photography is only a portion of their responsibilities. 

  • Portraits/Headshots: We are happy to take professional portraits for faculty and staff as scheduling allows. We are not able to offer this service for students.
  • Group shots: With limited exceptions, we are not able to help with group shots. These generally do not require a professional photographer.
  • Events: Aside from a handful of major campus events, we are not able to help with event photography.

To request photography assistance from the MarCom team, contact uwtnews@uw.edu at least one week in advance.

If we are not able to help with your photography needs, you can:

  • Use your phone. If you have a phone built within the last few years, you might be surprised at the quality of photos it will take. For events or images you need for your website or newsletter, the resolution should be fine.
  • Hire a freelance photographer. This will range from $350-$1600 depending on how much time is required, what they are shooting and who you hire. We have worked with and recommend:

Taking photos in a public space or event does not require special permission. Taking photos in classrooms should be cleared with the faculty member and students must be allowed to opt out of participating. If you are taking photos with the intent of using them for advertising, we strongly recommend you get a signed release form (see Resources). Any photos of minors require a parent's permission.

Video options

At this time, Advancement does not offer video production services to other units. We highly recommend the very talented Paul Lovelady and his crew in Media Services if you need video assistance.

Outside organizations filming on campus

Non-UW organizations (aside from news organizations) who wish to film on campus, must get permission by filing a Filming Request Form. Note that some areas of campus (particularly the Steel W or other UW brand signage) are off limits for filming for non-UW organizations.

Outdoor spaces

The outdoor spaces of campus are considered public spaces -- like a city park -- and there are no restrictions on filming or photography by the media or the general public. Commercial filming or photography -- for any business or organization -- requires prior approval from the University.

Indoor spaces

Filming or photography inside campus buildings is considered disruptive to University business and therefore requires prior approval and scheduling (see "Requesting permission" below). Journalists may request a faster approval process by contacting the Communications office at uwtnews@uw.edu. We do not allow filming in classrooms during the fall, winter or spring academic quarters.

Requesting permission for commercial filming or photography

There is a formal process to request permission to film on campus and the request form must be completed one month before filming is to begin. A signed location agreement is required to film or photograph any University property. This includes movies and television, commercial videos, student films, festival or independent films, advertising, and internet use.

This process ensures the production does not interfere with campus operations and that appropriate accommodation can be made for the production company in advance.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FILMING ON UW CAMPUSES

If you receive requests from outside groups for filming on campus, please forward them to Events & Conferences at 253-692-4676 or tacconf@uw.edu.