UNIVERSITY MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHY
FOR MMU'S BUSINESS SCHOOL

student sat at desk looking at laptop, other students in background, class environment, university, higher education

As a freelance commercial photographer it's reassuring to be part of MMU's roster of photographers that they call on for projects. This was new work for Manchester Met University's Business School, capturing brand and marketing photography that demonstrates group and collaborative learning between both students and academics on campus.

student and tutor discussing work at a counter with chairs, reflection in glass, both smiling

group of students gathered around a desk working on a project

BRIEF

Capture authentic and engaging student lifestyle photography in the Business School showing classroom teaching, students in group work and student teacher interactions to promote the business school courses.

MMU required photography of real students working together on projects and interacting with academics to promote their Business School and the courses they offer.

Scenarios would be set up to show seminars and presentations and other different types of learning and studying, in a variety of locations within the school – demonstrating the range of different study spaces available to students.

students and tutor grouped around a desk with paper and pens on desk and laptops, group are interacting and discussing project

student presenting work on a flip chart with notes and stickies

students grouped around a desk in a modern university setting, group are discussing work on a laptop in front of them

PROCESS

I love working with universities and shooting higher education photography – especially with MMU because they understand the planning that is required before a photo shoot in order to achieve the authentic and believable results that can help them attract future students to study there.

A selection of MMU students agreed to be in the photographs and live scenarios were created for them to take part in. In addition a core shot list was provided for those 'must have' shots, with space and time also factored in for capturing additional shots that present themself on the day.

Once everyone was in place and briefed, I was free to move around the students and shoot observational style photography as they worked on their projects. I wanted to ensure a mix of wide shots and more focused close-up work of the students and their supportive academics, so it was a case of trying to get everyone to pay no attention to me as I pointed my camera around the room.

a more informal education lifestyle photograph, with one student and an academic sat discussing work. neon sign on wall hints to modern interior design

two students and tutor sat in a booth with books and laptops, in discussion about a project and smiling

RESPONSE

It's always a bit strange at the start of an educational lifestyle photography shoot like this as the subjects will feel somewhat self-conscious with a photographer hovering around them. But this always starts to fade as everyone settles into their roles and the scenarios and the students were brilliant at playing their part.

As well as the shot list provided I was allowed to go off-piste a little, so I offered suggestions to the organiser of other locations around the School that I spotted that I felt would photograph well but also demonstrate the range of study spaces available in this new cutting-edge building.

Working in such a stunning building that has wall-to-ceiling windows is a dream. The natural light pours into the space allowing for some variety in the final images, complemented by shots that used additional lighting kit.

students working around a desk, one has a highlighter and a laptop

students gathered around a desk with laptops and notepads, one student is standing as he explains work to others

tutor sits with students smiling as they work on a project using laptops and notes

student writing and smiling as she discusses work with tutor who is working on a laptop, neon sign in background

student lifestyle photography and education photography, class environment, collaborative working between group of students smiling as they discuss work

student lifestyle photography and education photography, one to one between tutor and student, sat in arm chairs against a glass wall

student lifestyle photography and education photography, class environment, student and tutor sit at high bench focused on work on desk

student lifestyle photography and education photography, class environment, focus on an academic who is talking to student out of frame

student lifestyle photography and education photography, class environment, discussion between and tutor and student in a booth with large window behind

student lifestyle photography and education photography, class environment, tutor stands over a student reviewing their work and discussing

student lifestyle photography and education photography, class environment, collaborative working between group of students, focus on tutors sat on desk and smiling as she discusses work with students

student lifestyle photography and education photography, class environment, study booths with tutor and student in one booth discussing work

UNIVERSITY MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHYFOR MMU'S BUSINESS SCHOOL

IF YOU NEED SOME FRESH ENGAGING PHOTOGRAPHY TO HELP WITH YOUR BRAND OR MARKETING, THEN PLEASE GET IN TOUCH.

UNIVERSITY MARKETING PHOTOGRAPHY
FOR MMU'S BUSINESS SCHOOL