MSU Photography offers photographic services for hire and manages MSU's library of images. If you have an MSU e-mail address, you can search our new photography database. Off-campus people can access our library of downloadable images below.

Need a photographer? Read this page first, and then fill out our on-line request form.

Need the MSU model release? Download here in Microsoft Word (interactive) or PDF (interactive).

Communications and Public Affairs has two distinct photography positions: the marketing photographer and the news photographer. Both photographers work part-time, and their time is scheduled strategically to address high-priority needs as related to the overall goals of OCPA and MSU. Other photography services are available on a cost-recovery basis as schedules permit.

Marketing Photography
The marketing photographer contributes to the university’s overall integrated marketing efforts by:

• developing the distinctive, branded style that reflects MSU’s brand position and personality,
  
• accepting assignments from the university art director and publications director to produce photographs that support the marketing goals and unique identity of Montana State University,
  
• developing a database of marketing photos that is easily searchable and accessible by OCPA and campus staff,
  
• labeling, captioning and dating photo files for easy access,
  
• collaborating on overall MSU marketing photography strategies and goals.
  

• schedules and takes news photographs as requested by the news director or writers;
  
• gathers information for and writes photo captions;
  
• works with news writers on photo ideas for MSU homepage and for release to statewide media;
  
• produces news slideshows for publication on the Web
  
• takes "mugshot" portraits of all new faculty and staff
  

• nationally and internationally recognized scholars;
  
• leading research and research aimed at state issues;
  
• hands-on learning;
  
• student-centered campus and student success;
  
• economic development and service to the state.
  

For-fee services
Photography needs that are not listed above are available through OCPA for a $50 per hour fee during MSU working hours (8am-5pm) and $75 per hour on nights and weekends according to the photographers' availability. A one-hour minimum is required. OCPA directors can also help coordinate the hiring of local freelance photographers.

Photography services that are available on a cost-recovery basis include:

• Photographs for publications, Web sites and other promotional pieces that are not produced through Communications and Public Affairs
  
• Individual department activities
  
• Social events, receptions, dinners, alumni celebrations
  
• Conferences
  
• Awards banquets
  
• Photos for decorating campus buildings
  
• Portraits and "souvenir" group shots not covered under new employee mugshots (above)
  
• Prints and enlargements
  
• Studio photography: photos of books, awards, promotional items, etc.
  

Requests for file photos
Campus personnel and outside agencies such as publishing companies, travel agencies, etc. that need MSU photography (either archival or commissioned) must make their request through the Director of Marketing, Julie Kipfer, (406) 994-5737, jkipfer@montana.edu.

MSU photography may not be used for commercial purposes, and all requests for photographs will be considered based on the final usage. Photography will not be given to any entity that seeks to portray MSU in an unfavorable light. A fee may be charged to provide digital photos or to order prints and enlargements. Commissioned work for outside agencies is available at $75 per hour and based on the photographer's availability.

Summary
Montana State University has just two part-time photographers, so their time is scheduled very strategically. The services of both photographers are available for projects that:

• Directly support the core missions of Montana State University (teaching, research and service), and
  
• Are targeted for one or more of the university's primary audiences: existing and prospective students; alumni, donors and boosters; faculty and staff; Montana leaders and decision-makers
  

http://www.montana.edu/cpa/news/forms/photorequest.html

These images are provided for the exclusive use of the university community on university-related projects. They are all the property of MSU–Bozeman and may be used without a required photo credit. Where credit may be given, it should read "Photo courtesy of MSU."

We will add more images to this collection as we continue to grow our library. If you would like to have access to a wider selection of photos or higher resolution versions of these, please contact university photographer Stephen Hunts for assistance. He can be reached by phone at 994-5918 or by e-mail at shunts@montana.edu.

All images are in AdobeRGB color mode and have been saved in JPEG format using low-compression settings for higher quality. They are sized at 600 x 400 pixels and have ample resolution for computer monitor displays and printing at modest sizes to desktop printers. They have all been color-corrected using a gamma value of 1.8 to achieve acceptable quality for use in print. This means they may appear somewhat dark on PC monitors, which generally use a higher gamma value for display. An image editing application such as Adobe Photoshop can be an invaluable aid in optimizing these for specific project requirements.

To download these images, simply click on the thumbnail preview and a higher resolution version will open in a new window. You may then copy this image to your hard disk for local use.