We all know that when it comes to websites, first impressions matter. And nothing sets the tone of your brand faster than the images you use. Whether it’s your homepage, blog, or social media, the right photos help tell your story, reflect your personality, and make your business feel professional and trustworthy. But how do you choose the right images?

Your Images Should Reflect Your Brand

What is the vibe of your website copy? Are you presenting yourself as polished and sophisticated? Friendly and approachable? Fun and creative? The images you use should match that same tone. A sleek, high-end consultant with a more serious tone might go for crisp, neutral-toned photos, while a vibrant, playful brand might lean toward bright colors and candid shots.

Stock images can work, but be picky! Avoid the obviously staged, cheesy ones. Instead, invest in high-quality photography that aligns with your brand’s personality.

The Elevae stock photos that I used in this post were part of the original mood board I created when dreaming up this brand. I knew I wanted organic, moody colors that were one part dark academia and one part coastal – not an easy feat!

Why Professional Photography is Worth It

If you can swing it, hiring a professional photographer—at least for a great headshot—is one of the best investments you can make. A strong, authentic photo of you instantly builds trust and makes your website feel more personal. Plus, you can reuse your professional images in Canva, on your blog, across social media, and even for print materials.

Photography costs can vary widely, but if you’re just starting out, consider working with a photography student or someone building their portfolio. It’s a win-win—affordable, quality photos for you and experience for them. Isn’t it great when new business owners support each other?

Subscription Services for High-Quality Images

If custom photography isn’t in the budget yet, check out high-quality stock photo services like Elevae (my personal favorite!). These platforms offer stunning, non-cheesy images that can elevate your brand and keep your visuals consistent across your website and marketing materials.

Stay Consistent for a Cohesive Look

Having a library of go-to images makes life so much easier. Whether you’re creating a blog post, designing a flyer, or updating your website, using the same style of photos keeps everything looking polished and on-brand.

So before you throw random pictures on your website, take a step back. Choose images that reflect you and your brand, invest in a solid headshot if and when you can, and create a library of visuals you can use over and over. Your business will look more professional, and your audience will feel that much more connected to you!