The Spartan Marching Band in their trademark MSU formation before an MSU/UM football game

Policies and Guidelines

Photo Overview

All photos taken by University Relations (UR) are the property of Michigan State University; copyrights are held by the MSU Board of Trustees. Photos taken by UR may be used for promotion of MSU and its units in work managed and executed by University Relations. UR is committed to making these photos accessible for use by university units at reasonable cost. Fees charged offset the costs of equipment and labor.

Original Photo Shoots (Location or Studio)

After a shoot, the client will receive a CD/DVD containing high-resolution jpegs in approximately three business days. Photos are for unlimited use by the client in official MSU communications only. All photos are filed in UR’s database for use in communications executed by University Relations. In addition, selected photos may be included in UR’s published database, where they may be used by other units subject to use restrictions specified by the original client.

Pricing: Estimates are provided for original photo shoots.

Photos needed for news purposes are taken routinely by UR. They are available at no cost to the cooperating unit and may be reused in official MSU communications materials.

Studio Portraits

Studio portraits needed for news purposes are taken free of charge and may be reused in official MSU communications materials at no cost. Studio portraits of the president, provost, associate or vice provosts, vice presidents, or deans are taken at no cost and available free of charge to all university units.

Pricing: Estimates will be provided for all other studio portraits.

Passport Photos

Passport photos are taken in studio.

Pricing:

  • $15.00/set of two
  • $8.00/additional set
  • $30.00/specialty passports

Group or location passport sessions can be arranged; estimates will be provided.

File Photos

To purchase electronic files of existing photos, submit a request through photos.msu.edu. Requested files will be delivered via e-mail. High-resolution files will be provided unless the client requests another format. Use of purchased photos is unlimited in official MSU communications materials.

Pricing:

  • $25.00/file
  • $20.00/file for 21–49
  • $15.00/file for 50 or more

NOTE: A complimentary online photo gallery also is available.

Prints (Mounted and Unmounted)

To purchase photo prints, submit a request through photos.msu.edu. Once the request is processed, arrangements for delivery will be made.

View price list for prices. Quantity discounts are available for unmounted prints.


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