Portrait Guidelines
Page Contents
Professional portraits are an important part of how providers are represented in marketing and communications spaces because they often serve as a patient’s first introduction to their provider. Consistent, high-quality images help create a professional, welcoming first impression.
To ensure a consistent visual identity, Sanford Health follows established photography standards for all portraits. Whether a portrait is captured by Sanford Health’s in-house photography team or an approved external vendor, the same standards apply.
Portraits/Provider Packages
Portraits created by marketing are intended primarily for use in marketing materials, such as provider promotion, press releases, public speaking engagements or other instances where an employee represents the organization. Professional staff photos are provided to:
- Executive leaders, director level and above
- Physicians and APPs that meet the physician web government standards
- Identified media/brand ambassadors who represent Sanford Health outside the organization
If you need a portrait that is not part of a marketing campaign, and your request meets these criteria, please submit your request via the marketing request form.
Preparing for a portrait
Attire
Professional business attire should be worn. Please remove badges and avoid bright colors, busy patterns, prominent logos or distracting graphics.
- Examples of appropriate attire include:
- Suit jackets, blazers, dress shirts and ties
- Professional blouses or tops with a structured neckline or collar
- Neutral or solid-colored clothing appropriate for a professional healthcare environment
- The following are not recommended:
- Sleeveless or casual tops such as tee shirts or polos
- Seasonal accessories, such as scarves, hats or outerwear
- Athletic wear, denim or clothing with visible branding
GROOMING AND APPEARANCE
Individuals are encouraged to present themselves as they typically do in a professional setting.
- Hair should be neatly styled and away from the face when possible.
- Facial hair should be clean and well-groomed.
- Makeup, jewelry and other personal style choices should reflect everyday professional appearance.
- Basic edits are applied to correct blemishes, flyaway hair and minor distractions.\
VIRTUAL CARE PROVIDER PORTRAITS
Virtual care providers who are not located near an on-campus studio or partner studio may contract with a local vendor of their choosing for a portrait. Sanford Health will reimburse up to $125 for a self-coordinated professional portrait. Photos must align with Sanford Health photo standards , and specifications and headshots must be received before reimbursement can be issued. Portraits personally altered with social media filters or online editing apps will not be accepted.
Sanford Health has three on-campus photography studios. Please contact your marketing business partner or photo@sanfordhealth.org with questions.
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY VENDOR STANDARDS
A PDF detailing the portrait specifications is available below to ensure background, lighting, and composition meet system standards. Headshots and provider packages are taken with a classic three-point lighting system, using a key/fill/hair light look.
VENDORS:
Please download the Sanford Health Portrait Specifications PDF for setup instructions.
Photo Example
