Professional Portraits

Staff Directory Portraits

When possible, portraits in a staff directory should be consistent in the composition of each picture as described on this webpage. Ideally, subjects should wear UO-branded attire or University of Oregon primary colors. If not possible, the attire and image should not include marks or logos of competing brands or other universities. When a portrait is not available, approved options include: 

  1. Leaving the portrait’s space empty.
  2. Including the university’s primary mark in the portrait’s space.
  3. Including the departmental mark in the portrait’s space.
  4. Using an approved texture or pattern to fill the portrait’s space.

DIY Portraits

Portraits showcase the individuals in your division or department. Headshots are also a chance for us to communicate a sense of place. When possible, we recommend headshots that showcase the outdoor beauty of our campuses. To ensure uniformity and achieve the best portraits for individuals featured on your website, please consider these guidelines:

Lighting and Background

Proper lighting is the foundation of a great portrait. Soft, diffused lighting is often best as it minimizes harsh shadows and creates a flattering, even complexion. Consider a background that is not distracting and/or that gives a sense of place with trees and nature.

Example of portrait using natural light from a window
Use natural light from a window or diffuse artificial light with tools such as softboxes and umbrellas.
Example of portrait using directional lighting
Note the direction of light; avoid lighting that is too strong from the side or behind. Avoid distracting backgrounds.

Composition and Framing

Composition is crucial in portrait photography. Maintain a consistent, pleasing background that doesn’t distract from the subject.

Example of a posed portrait
Ensure that the subject’s pose and expression are natural and relaxed. Guide the subject’s posture for a flattering appearance.
Example of poorly framed portrait with top of subject's head not included in photo
Position the subject with sufficient clear space above and on both sides.

Professional Portraits

University Communications offers professional portrait sessions for faculty and staff during fall, winter, and spring terms.

A professional portrait session in progress

There is limited capacity for each seasonal session. A signup form is released in the workplace edition of OregonNews two weeks prior to the start of each seasonal session. Space is limited and sign-up is on a first-come-first-served basis. Only available dates and timeslots will appear on the form. These sessions are not available for student employees.

Portrait Sessions

The 2023–24 portrait sessions occur on the following dates:

Fall 2024

Tuesday, October 15: 
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 14: 
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Winter 2025

Tuesday, February 4: 
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 6: 
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Spring 2025

Tuesday, April 8: 
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 8: 
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.


If you have received a professional portrait from University Communications within the past three years, please accommodate others who have not recently participated.

If you are interested in being added to our waitlist, please fill out this form. By doing so you will receive notification of any openings, as well as early access to the release of our next signup sheet. 

If you have any questions, please contact our visuals team.

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