Photography

Photography is the driver for connection with our clients. 

Our photographic style

Our approach to photography is human-centered, intimately-scaled, documentary. A great Unum photo is one that documents a real moment in time, a real Unum member, a real life. Our images are unvarnished, imperfect (in just the right way), and true to lives our members are leading. They should feel they are lit by just the available light, using natural light when available. They have texture and a rich tonal range.   

While Unum is a large network, our imagery isn't. It's scaled to the individual, the family, the company. We seek to capture the humanity of our customers, our clients, our employees. They should not feel like stock imagery. They should feel like your next-door neighbor, your friends, your coworkers.

We group our imagery into three large categories: real life (simplicity), the big moments (empathy), and working together (expertise). Photos should keep within our percentage guideline where photos make up 70% visual space and 30% color. 

Example of the hierarchy of color usage with photographic style



Photo Do's and Don'ts

DO

Use photos that appear natural and spontaneous.

Use photos that appear natural and spontaneous.

When cropping, use the 'rule-of-thirds' to create interesting compositions.

When cropping, use the "rule-of-thirds" to create interesting compositions.

Use images that look natural and realistic.

Use images that look natural and realistic.

When selecting a photo with a backlight, please make sure the subject is well exposed.

When selecting a photo with a backlight, please make sure the subject is well exposed.

DON’T

Don't use photos that are posed or staged.

Don't use photos that are posed or staged.

Don't crop the subject at the joins, neck, wrists, hips, knees, or ankles.

Don't crop the subject at the joins, neck, wrists, hips, knees, or ankles.

Don't use filters, lens flares, or any artificial visual effects.

Don't use filters, lens flares, or any artificial visual effects.

When selecting a photo with backlight, avoid underexposing the subject.

When selecting a photo with backlight, avoid underexposing the subject.


Photography rights/usage

Confirm licensing/usage of the photo.