University Communications Photography team's daily work includes representing major strategic initiatives for the university through the highest quality photography.
Professional headshots
Headshots are available for faculty and staff during drop-in sessions held once a month. Photos are taken on a first-come-first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.
Students should contact the Career Development Center for information about student headshot options.
What to Wear
We recommend wearing solid colors with muted tones.
Proofs and Final Images
All images will be reviewed during your session. Your preferred high-resolution image will be emailed to your @appstate.edu account within a week.
Upcoming Dates - Boone campus
Location: UComm Photography Studio, 143U Anne Belk Hall
- Jan. 22, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Feb. 5, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- March 18, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- April 15, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- May 14, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Upcoming Dates - Hickory campus
Location: Atrium
- Jan. 18, 2025, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- March 19, 2025, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
- May 15, 2025, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Photo catalog
University Communications has a database of photos available for download. These images were taken by our university photographers, and are the property of Appalachian State University. They may be used for any official university communications. Other usage approved by request through ucomm@appstate.edu. We do not provide access to a commercial stock photography platform.
Photography resouces
Often, specialized photography is needed for specific recruitment, advancement, alumni or other customized information representing the university. We will work with you to develop a shot list and schedule for these purposes.
Please note that we make every effort to meet the photography needs on campus, but we employ only two full-time photographers. Our university photographers attend major events and shoot photos for release to the press, as well as for general publicity purposes. For more specialized events, photography can often be handled by staff or students attending the events. Cameras may be checked out through Information Technology Services. If you require a professional photographer for an event for which we aren’t available, contact us for a list of recommended freelance photographers.
Occasionally, we get requests for photos for office decoration. The university’s interior designer, Jacki McGuire (mcguirejs@appstate.edu), is tasked with office decoration and has a limited number of photographs that are available in large format for framing.
Are you recording video, taking photos or recording soundbytes for promotional purposes?
Please download the release form, have it signed by the participants in your project (or by the appropriate parents/guardians if they are minors), and keep the release on file with your project records. We recommend that you keep the originals or a digital copy for 3 years.