Photos and Videos

You should NOT use AI tools to create or modify locations on our university campus. Using genuine photography helps maintain the integrity and spirit of our campus locations. Bottom line, relying on AI can lead to inconsistencies and it's essential that all campus buildings and location details are accurate and reliable.

Reasons to avoid using AI for creating campus photos:

• Authenticity: AI-generated images may lack the genuine feel and character of real campus life, which can misrepresent our university's environment.

• Quality Control: Real photographs capture the nuances and details that AI might miss, leading to less accurate or appealing representations.

• Copyright Issues: Using AI can raise concerns about ownership and copyright, especially if the images resemble existing works.

• Community Engagement: Real photos often involve students and faculty, fostering a sense of community and involvement that AI cannot replicate.

• Trustworthiness: Relying on AI for visuals can undermine trust in our communications, as stakeholders may question the authenticity of the content.

The NMSU Media Library includes short video clips of all of the NMSU campuses and campus life. Some of the clips are not edited for stand-alone use, but they can be incorporated into any digital media project.

The types of video clips in the NMSU Media Library include:

• Short videos showing campus life and campus b-roll.
• Aerial videos taken from a drone flying over various parts of campus – these feature flyovers of some of NMSU’s most iconic buildings and will require editing to be integrated into your video project.
• Vertical videos used in social media to promote NMSU programs, events and campus life in general.

For more information, contact the MarComm Creative Services team.

In addition to the NMSU Media Library, the NMSU News Room is another source for campus photography and video content. Any media asset that is included in a news release is also available for download from the News Room. If you are going to use a photo or video from the News Room take the time to review the specific usage rights/restrictions listed for each photo you want to use. Some assets in the News Room are courtesy photos or are restricted for other use outside of editorial broadcast.

Use of online stock images to advertise or promote NMSU academic programs is highly discouraged, although at times it might be necessary to incorporate a stock image in your communications project. Online stock image resources include royalty-free and rights-managed photographs. When you license a royalty-free image, you are granted rights to use the image in as many different projects as you like for as long as you like. The cost is typically based on the image resolution you select. When purchasing a rights-managed stock photo, you will be asked questions regarding the scope of use, including the number of publications or types of media in which the photo will be used, the print quantity, and the length of time you expect the item to be distributed. Fees will vary accordingly. 

Members of the NMSU community and photographers/videographers who are hired for NMSU work should consult and follow the guidelines below.

License and release form

• Obtain a signed  license and release form if you are using photos and/or videos for marketing communications (e.g., print or online materials intended to promote your department, lab, or program). A release form is required if subjects are recognizable. News-related use does not require a signed release. 
• Do not take or use photos/videos of minors (individuals under the age of 18) without obtaining a parent’s or a guardian’s signature on the license and release form.
• Keep signed permissions for as long as you think you may use the photos/videos.
• If you need assistance with creating a license and release form, reach out to MarComm and we will send you one to use. 

Expectation of privacy

• If you are taking photos/videos in a public space (e.g., the I-mall, Corbett Center, etc.) or at a large, open event such as Commencement, there is limited expectation of privacy and a signed release is not needed.
• If you are taking photos/videos in a classroom or at a closed event, it might be logistically difficult to have everyone sign a release form. One option is to contact the faculty member or event coordinator in advance to ask how they’d prefer that you notify participants about being photographed. You also may post a sign at all entrances with the following text:

Photographs and/or videos may be taken [in this class/at this event, etc.].

By entering and attending [this class/event, etc.], you acknowledge and agree that your likeness may be included in photos and videos of the event and used by NMSU in connection with communications about [your department] or in other NMSU communications.

If you do not agree to this usage, [please notify the photographer or videographer/sit on the left side/do not enter the event, etc.].

Terms of use

• If you are already using photos/videos on your website or other communications without permission from the subjects, attempt to contact the recognizable people to obtain their permission, preferably in writing. If you are not able to obtain consent, you will need to discontinue using the photos/videos.
• If your photographer/videographer is an NMSU employee, you may use his or her photos/videos for NMSU purposes. If your photographer/videographer is not an NMSU employee, be sure you have a signed contract outlining how NMSU may use the photos/videos.
• Credit the photographer or videographer when possible.