How to Get Photos for Your Website That Don’t Suck

A totally reasonable guide for business owners who are not secretly professional photographers

We’ve all seen those websites—you know the ones. A grainy team photo from 2008, stock images of two strangers shaking hands in a weirdly sterile office, and maybe a headshot taken against a beige wall with lighting that says “witness protection” more than “trusted professional.”

Let’s not do that.

Whether you’re hiring a photographer or going the DIY route, getting the right photos helps us make your site look its best—and function even better. Here’s how to get us what we need to build you something great.

1. Portrait and  Landscape, Please

Most people take photos the way they use their phone—vertically. That’s fine for Instagram Stories and selfies, but your website is built on horizontal space. Banner images, background sections, and full-width elements all beg for landscape photos.

That said, portrait shots aren’t useless. They’re great for bios, mobile views, and cropped thumbnail layouts. Get both. We’ll have way more flexibility when it’s time to build out your site, and you won’t find yourself needing to redo anything down the line.

2. Leave Room for Text

Here’s the pro move: when taking landscape shots, don’t always center your subject. Snap a few with your subject (person, product, or workspace) offset to the left or right side. That space you left on the other side? That’s where we’ll drop in your call to action, headline, or any other content.

Centered photos might look nice in a frame, but offset shots give us the room we need to make your site function like it should.

3. Show Some Personality (Yes, Even in Headshots)

Unless your business requires lab coats and clipboards, your headshots shouldn’t look like they were taken at a passport office. Use natural light, include a bit of your real space in the background, and let people relax.

Candid smiles, relaxed posture, and organic moments are gold. We’re not trying to make you look like a stock photo—just a real human that customers can connect with.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Get a Little Artsy

Not every photo needs a person in it. In fact, some of the most useful images are the abstract ones—close-ups of tools, details from your workspace, textures, signage, or a well-framed shot of the front door.

These kinds of photos help us create section backgrounds, visual breathing room, and unique transitions on your site. They’re the unsung heroes of web design—quietly making everything look more polished and intentional.

5. Show the People Behind the Brand

If you’ve got a team—even a small one—don’t hide them. Photos of your staff working or just being themselves add authenticity and help build trust. It shows your customers that real people are behind the business, and that matters more than you think.

Plus, it gives us great material to build out an “About” page or team section that feels personal rather than cookie-cutter.

6. Consider the Whole Vibe

Your photos should match the tone of your business. High-end consultant? Go clean, polished, and minimalist. Fun local shop? Be warm, casual, and full of charm. Whatever you do, make sure your images feel aligned with the rest of your brand.

We design your website around the mood your content sets. So the more your photos reflect your vibe, the easier it is for us to design something that fits like a glove.

Final Thoughts (and Slightly Pushy Advice)

If you’re investing in a new website, good photos make a massive difference. They’re not filler—they’re design tools. Every extra bit of planning at the photo stage makes our job easier, and your site better.

Not sure what to shoot? We’re happy to help you figure that out—or even recommend a local photographer who matches your style and your budget.

The sooner we have the right images, the sooner we can stop using “temporary” stock photos and start building something that feels unmistakably you.