Imagery conveys meaning, builds brand personality, and guides the reader towards relevant information.

Images on the Macquarie website should contribute to a look and feel that reflects our university. Whether they are professional photographs, user-generated photos, or illustrations, they should share consistent functions, styles and intentions.

Photography

Macquarie's visual identity has become instantly recognisable thanks to the depth and authenticity of the images our photographic team gathers. Wherever possible, use the professional images found in our Cumulus library.

Using stock photos on the university website is not encouraged. If you must use an image from the web, make sure it is not copyright-restricted and observe the requirements of the Creative Commons license attached to it.

Crediting artists

Always credit images to the photographer, unless the photographer has agreed not to be credited. Artworks appearing in photos must also be credited to the artist. You might need to seek permission from the artist or the University Art Gallery to publish these images.

Sensitive topics

Take special care when choosing images to illustrate potentially sensitive ideas, for example:

  • misuse of alcohol or other drugs
  • violence or abuse
  • sex, sexuality or gender
  • disability and mental illness
  • chronic illness or disease
  • race or religion
  • representations of indigenous peoples and cultures.

Unauthorised uses

Only use an image in ways the photographer or artist has agreed to. Other uses infringe copyright, and you could be required to pay damages and stop further use of the image.

Permission from subjects

When taking photos, always obtain signed release forms from the people who are identifiable in them. Release details should be as specific as possible, to make sure the images are not used in ways that go against the subjects' wishes.

Stay clear of legal issues like defamation by avoiding any use of an image which could reasonably be interpreted as:

  • exposing someone to ridicule
  • disparaging a person or product
  • associating someone with an issue they have no affiliation with.

Download:

Cumulus

Cumulus is Macquarie's own image database. It houses over 40,000 pictures taken by university photographers of our people, events and campus.

Our staff make more than 8,000 requests for images every year for newsletters, web and other publications to showcase their work.

With Cumulus 2.0 you can easily search, order and download high quality imagery that's been taken specifically for use in Macquarie's content.

Get started with our quick guide to using Cumulus.

Best practice

Size appropriately

Make sure your web pages both look good and work properly by using correct image sizes.
Do

Export images at the lowest file size you can without compromising quality. This helps your page load faster.

Oversized images will slow loading time for your page dramatically, while images that are too small will appear pixelated.
Don't

Avoid using small file sizes, which could cause images to blur and pixelate. Test resolution sizes across different devices to make sure everything looks right.

Focal point

Good composition makes images feel professional. When cropping, always establish a clear focal point for your new composition.
Do

Give your image a clear focal point.

If it feels unbalanced, apply the rule of thirds: divide your image into three parts across and three parts down, then position the focal point on one of these lines.
Don't

Don't crop your focal point out, or place it too close to the image's border.

Thumbnails

Thumbnails should focus on one subject, with a simple background.
Do

Use images that give a clear and engaging snapshot into the topic you're communicating.
Don't

Don't use crowded images, complex infographics or pictures that don't fully occupy the thumbnail space (full bleed).

Avatar

Avatars should focus on a subject, with a simple background.
Do

Use a clear photo where the subject is easily recognisable.
Don't

Don't use photos which are blurry, or where the subject is not easy to recognise.

PURE profile images

Academic profiles information is drawn from PURE — including profile images for some academics, eg. department heads.
Do

Use a square profile image in PURE, of at least 150 x 150 pixels. 200 x 200 is recommended.

For these people, profile images in PURE must be square in order to fit the GEM profile image component.
Don't

Don't use photos which are blurry, or where the subject is not easy to recognise.