Many of you may have already known this, and it may be in result of how naive I can be.
The past 2 weeks or so I have been seeing photographers on campus at all times taking pictures of beautiful Mt. Oread. I assume for new campus promotional materials. On many brochures and pamphlets there are images of students gathered and talking, walking, studying...etc. I was recently surprised to find that these images suggesting traditional KU campus life are staged. Certain students were positioned to act "natural" for photographers. It gets me thinking that are we an image conscious school? With these pictures of "model" students are we trying to suggest that only certain types of students attend KU? Or are we trying to create this false image of how campus and student life really are? I'm just confused as to why photographers couldn't capture campus naturally, with no staged photos. I mean go to Wescoe Beach on a nice afternoon and you are sure to find KU students in their natural habitat. Why would we have to falsify our student life for the sake of a promotable picture?
This is the 'Statement of Purpose' from University Relations:
"This collection from University Relation's photo library showcases the best recent images of KU people, places, and events. Our goal is to reflect KU's beautiful, diverse, supportive, and resourceful nature rather than to provide news or historical photographs. We welcome your comments and suggestions."
Just look at the following image from University Relations web-page, natural or staged?
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