UMD Receives Professional Photo Booth at the University Career Center, Enhancing Student Employability

May 14, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ilya Albert | 301.314.7230 | ialbert1@umd.edu

College Park, MD – Preparing for a future career can be challenging for students. One key milestone is obtaining a professional headshot, essential for building a strong personal brand and leaving a lasting impression. 

The University Career Center and the President’s Promise announce the launch of the professional photo booth, a first for the University of Maryland campus. This booth is free of charge to all UMD students, alumni, faculty, and staff. It is made possible through the generous support of the Facilities Grant Fund and procured through collaboration between the University Career Center and the University of Maryland Student Government Association. 

The Iris Air photo booth powers the University Career Center’s professional photo booth, a state-of-the-art, do-it-yourself professional headshot machine. By leveraging innovative technology, it meets the demand for accessible, high-quality professional headshots, enhancing the personal brand of students, alumni, faculty, and staff. It's easy to use; students can quickly take high-quality headshots with pose suggestions and editing tools at no charge. Headshots are emailed immediately and are accessible for one year. The professional photo booth is located on the third floor of the Hornbake Library South Wing, in the University Career Center. 

“The Professional Photo Booth as a strategy to cultivate personal branding skills and expand personal networks is a forward-thinking approach that advances the Center’s commitment to reimagining the teaching and learning of career education,” said Allynn Powell, Director of the University Career Center & the President’s Promise. “By utilizing the Professional Photo Booth as a tool to practice, refine, and receive feedback on personal branding techniques, students can gain a competitive advantage.”

Students can access the Iris photo booth at the University Career Center Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by scheduling an appointment through their Handshake account. Undergraduate and graduate students who schedule an appointment via Handshake will have priority for the professional photo booth. Faculty, staff, and UMD alumni are welcome to drop by during operating hours, but priority is given to students with appointments.

Visit the UMD Career Center website to learn more about the Professional photo booth.

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About the University Career Center & The President’s Promise: The University Career Center & The President’s Promise is one of sixteen University of Maryland Division of Student Affairs (DSA) departments, which provides comprehensive career assistance for all University of Maryland, College Park students. Designed to support students through each stage of their career development, the Center offers various resources, services, and programs that empower students to pursue their ambitions and navigate a meaningful career journey.