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Brandfolder
Find additional photography information and browse curated galleries showcasing the breadth of photography created for MSU Denver. From student experiences and academic settings to campus landmarks and special events, these examples highlight the visual assets available to support university storytelling and communications.
Getting Started in Brandfolder
Usage
All of the images in this gallery are produced and curated by the office of University Communications and Marketing at Metropolitan State University of Denver for use in MSU Denver-affiliated publications, websites and other digital platforms. News media and other organizations may also download and use these images for editorial, non-commercial purposes. For such uses, please credit the photographer followed by MSU Denver: (name of photographer)/MSU Denver. The photographer’s name and caption can be found by clicking on the “Show Info” button below each image.
The following is MSU Denvers’ policy related to the use of photographs from our library and archives:
Commercial use is strictly prohibited.
A photo’s content must never be changed or manipulated.
Manipulation of a photograph that misleads, confuses or misrepresents its truth is strictly prohibited.
Enhancing the technical quality (color balancing, conversion to black and white, cropping without changing reader perception) of a photograph is acceptable, but altering the meaning is not.
MSU Denver photos must not be used or manipulated to generate AI photos.
Photos in these galleries are generally less than three years old. University Communications and Marketing also maintains an historical archive for older photos. If you need an archived photo or have questions about these terms of use, please fill out the UCM Request/Consultation form. News media can direct inquiries to [email protected].
More media from MSU Denver
Brandfolder Photo Portal
Brandfolder Photo Portal
B-Roll showcase
B-Roll Showcase
MSU Denver on YouTube
MSU Denver YouTube
Service request form
If you don’t find the image you need in the photo library, or if you need to request photography for your project or event, complete the request/consultation form, or directly email the clients services email at: [email protected].
Please request photography at least two weeks prior to your event.
Photo release form
Photo releases are required for any people you photograph or video at your event.
Headshots
We schedule campus headshot sessions once per semester for employees who need an image for their department website, promotional materials, or other professional uses. Our next sessions will be held:
Feb. 10, June 9 and Sept. 15, 2026
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Jordan Student Success Building, CAVEA 424
All faculty and staff members with an MSU Denver badge are eligible for this service and are photographed on a first-come, first-served basis. We ask that employees limit using our headshot service to once every two years to ensure that others who haven’t had the opportunity can be photographed.
MSU Denver visual identity guidelines
Our visual identity is rooted in authenticity, storytelling and the transformative experiences of the MSU Denver community. Whether through photography or video, our imagery should capture real moments, real people and real impact while reflecting the energy of our urban campus and the spirit of our Roadrunners.
Photojournalism and documentary photography
Our signature visual style draws inspiration from the storytelling approach of RED, MSU Denver’s newsroom. Images should capture genuine moments that communicate emotion, action and context, inspiring curiosity, accomplishment, empathy and possibility.
Key characteristics:
- Authentic: Real moments with minimal direction or staging.
- Emotive: Grounded in genuine human expression and lived experience.
- Urban & Contemporary: Reflecting the textures, architecture and energy of Denver.
- Technically Strong: Thoughtful composition and effective use of natural or available light.
- Creative: Unique perspectives and framing that strengthen the story being told.
Portrait photography
Portraits should highlight the individual while connecting them to a meaningful environment that supports their story.
Key characteristics:
- The subject is the clear visual and emotional focus.
- Locations should be relevant to the individual’s role, experience or achievements.
- Images should convey determination, optimism, accomplishment or possibility.
- Lighting should enhance the setting, whether natural, available or studio-created.
- Creative compositions are encouraged when they support the narrative.
- Portraits should reveal personality, presence and purpose.
Still-life photography
Still-life imagery is used when objects, spaces or details help tell the MSU Denver story.
Key characteristics:
- Clean, intentional compositions with a strong sense of purpose.
- Strategic use of negative space to create mood and accommodate design elements.
- Natural or simple lighting that supports authenticity.
- Visual emphasis on innovation, creativity, craftsmanship and community.
- Arranged elements should still feel genuine and believable.
Landscape and environmental photography
Landscape and environmental imagery should establish a strong sense of place while showcasing the character of MSU Denver and the city we call home.
Key characteristics:
- Visually impactful and inspiring, whether capturing natural or urban environments.
- Strong connection to campus and Denver’s unique identity.
- Thoughtful use of scale, geometry, light and atmosphere.
- Creative use of negative space to support storytelling and design needs.
- Images should evoke wonder, possibility and connection.
Video
Video content should extend the same documentary-driven approach into motion, creating authentic and engaging stories that reflect the MSU Denver experience.
Key characteristics:
- Authentic, cinematic storytelling rooted in real moments.
- People-centered narratives that showcase diversity, ambition and impact.
- Intentional camera movement and framing that immerse viewers in the environment.
- Editing that is clean, emotional and purposeful.
- Natural, true-to-life color with subtle cinematic enhancement.
Unified visual principles
Regardless of format, all visual content should:
- Be authentic, human and rooted in real experiences.
- Reflect the Roadrunner spirit – bold, hardworking and resilient.
- Showcase transformation, opportunity and meaningful impact.
- Express MSU Denver’s urban identity and connection to the city.
- Inspire confidence in what is possible through an MSU Denver education.
Every image and video should help tell a story that is distinctly MSU Denver: ambitious, accessible and driven by possibility.
Brandfolder Frequently Asked Questions
Brandfolder is MSU Denver’s new centralized digital asset management system. It provides one place to find approved photography, logos, templates, marketing materials, Advancement assets and other branded creative resources.
The platform replaces separate storage locations for many visual assets, making it easier to find, manage and share University-approved content.
Brandfolder provides:
- Faster access to approved assets
- AI-assisted search and smart tagging
- Improved search filters and organization
- Better version control
- Stronger brand governance
- Easier collaboration across campus
- Reduced manual file sharing
- More consistent University branding and storytelling
PhotoShelter was designed primarily for photography.
Brandfolder supports a much broader range of digital assets, allowing employees to access photos, logos, templates and other branded materials from a single platform.
It also includes:
- AI-assisted search
- Metadata-driven organization
- Smart filtering
- Collections
- Labels and tags
Rather than navigating folders, users can quickly locate assets using keywords and filters.
Yes.
Departments will continue to own and approve their content. Brandfolder simply provides a centralized location for storing and distributing approved assets.
A training video and quick-start resources are available to help users get started.
Additional information about:
- Creating an account
- Access permissions
- Training opportunities
- Support resources
will be shared through future Early Bird communications.
Brandfolder is designed for any MSU Denver employee who needs access to approved University visual assets, including:
- Campus communicators
- Marketing staff
- Advancement
- Faculty and staff creating presentations or publications
- Event organizers
- Anyone using approved University photography, logos or branded materials
The move to Brandfolder will simplify how employees access and use visual assets while improving brand consistency across the University.
By consolidating resources into one platform, Brandfolder helps reduce duplicate files, improve collaboration and make approved assets easier to find.
Brandfolder includes:
- Photography
- University logos
- Brand templates
- Marketing materials
- Advancement assets
- Illustrations and graphics
- Brand kits
- Supporting creative files
Photography from 2024 to the present will be available in Brandfolder.
Older archived photography will remain available through University Communications and Marketing upon request.
No.
Video publishing and hosting workflows will continue through existing platforms such as Vimeo and YouTube.
Most MSU Denver employees will have access to search for and download approved assets.
Contributor and uploader permissions will be limited to designated users and may require onboarding.
Resources include:
- User tutorial video
- Navigation guide
- Search tips
- Quick-start guides
- Demo videos
- Training sessions
Questions about Brandfolder, training opportunities or access will be shared through Communications and Marketing Cohort updates and future Early Bird communications.