Photography
The Office of Communications partners with professional and student photographers in Oberlin, Northeast Ohio, and in such cities as Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston.
Our photographers have signed agreements and set reasonable rates. We can help you hire one for your event or project. Simply provide the following information:
- How will your pictures be used (web, print, electronic)?
- Where and when will your event take place?
- How long would you like the photographer to shoot? Please provide start and end time.
- What is the name and cell number of the person who will be at the event to assist the photographer?
- Specific art direction; for example, would you like a group photo?
- What is your budget?
Additional Considerations
When should I notify you that I need a photographer?
Whenever possible, request photography during the planning stages of your project or immediately after your event is confirmed. The college relies on the schedules of freelance photographers, so it is extremely important that we are given notice well in advance of your event.
A rule of thumb
Photo shoots that require more than one photographer, staging, or other details should be scheduled three weeks in advance. Events and portraits should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. Anything less may compromise planning and execution. Same-day photography is based on the availability of our freelance photographers.
What types of projects do you schedule?
Everything: portraits, Commencement/Reunion Weekend, Convocations, large-scale campus and alumni events, conservatory performances, seasonal campus scenes, lectures, festivals, town and gown events, and more!
Do you help with setting up shoots, reserving spaces, and organizing schedules of subjects?
We can offer suggestions for locations and artist direction but the client is responsible for reserving rooms and spaces on campus. If you are scheduling a portrait, please provide at least three days and times when the subject will be available so we can communicate this with the photographer. However, if you need help in this area, we are happy to make initial contact with the subject for you.
How much can I expect to pay for a photographer?
Rates vary. Photographers bill by the hour, half days, and full days. When using off-campus photographers, it is important to factor in mileage. We can review specific rates with you.
How will I receive my photos?
We can deliver photos via email link, Google, DVD, and Dropbox.
Once you’ve carefully considered these questions, contact our office and we will do our best to find a solution for your needs.
Photography: Yvonne Gay, ygay@oberlin.edu
Ready to schedule a photo shoot? Interested in video?
Contact us by completing our online request form. Photography and video requests must be submitted two weeks in advance of service date. We will make every effort to accommodate late requests, but they will be subject to the availability of our freelance photographers and filmmakers.