Photography

University image library

External Relations has a password-protected image library covering a wide range of subjects, from buildings to student life. If you have marketing responsibilities, please contact brand@glasgow.ac.uk for access to the library.

Please read our guide to using the image library.

Background images for video conferencing

We have a selection of stunning images of the University suitable for use as a background in video conferencing software such as Zoom: Images for video conferencing.

Stock image library

We have a licence agreement with stock photo library Shutterstock (shutterstock.com) which means we can download a limited daily allocation of images for use in University materials.

Note: our licence does not extend to passing images to any third party organisation. The definition of a third party organisation includes, but is not limited to, print and broadcast media, networks such as Universitas 21 or the GUILD, funders such as the Scottish Funding Council or research councils, partners such as another university and organisations such as THE or QS.

Images need to follow our photographic style, so natural-looking images should be used, without any unrealistic effects or situations, and avoid images that look too set-up or posed. You should also avoid selecting clip-art, cut-outs or word-clouds and if people are in the photo they should look like they could be based at University of Glasgow.

  1. Go to www.shutterstock.com and search through their database
  2. When you see the image you want to use, note the stock photo ID number
  3. Contact brand@glasgow.ac.uk with the ID number (please note that you may have to wait up to two working days before the image is emailed to you and you cannot request more than six downloads each day as we are limited to the number of downloads we can make each day.)

Royalty-free image libraries

If you need images that you want to pass on to a third party, there are royalty-free image libraries that may an option. A few of the more popular options are listed below to get you started, but you are not limited to these suggestions. Be aware that by accessing and using images from these libraries you agree to comply with the licence terms. Please take the time to read these carefully.

Unsplash
A large selection of images – over 6 million free high-resolution photos and illustrations.
License terms

Pixabay
A selection of stock photos, illustrations and vector graphics.
License terms

Pexels
A selection of high-quality photography.
License terms

Arrange photography

If available photography isn't suitable for your needs, the University Photographic Unit provide a wide range of photography services for University staff. With modern digital facilities and equipment coupled with experienced staff, they can undertake most photographic/digital and print related work. 

A successful photoshoot is dependent on many factors. Here’s a helpful guide to steer you through the process of briefing and running an effective photoshoot.