How to Choose Images for Your Website

What Your Photos Are Really Saying About Your Brand

If you’ve ever wondered how to choose images for your website, here’s the truth: your photos say more about your brand than you think.

A blurry headshot, a generic stock photo, or that overused laptop-and-coffee image might look fine, but they can also send the wrong message. And since visuals are processed faster than text, visitors are forming an opinion about your brand before they read a single word.

The good news? With a bit of thought, your website images can reinforce your brand, establish trust, and instantly connect with your ideal clients. Let’s dig into how to choose the right images for your website (and what they’re really saying about your brand).

1. First Impressions Happen in Seconds

Studies show it takes less than half a second for someone to form an opinion of your site. Your website images play a massive role in that impression.

• A polished, professional photo = trustworthy and credible.
• A cluttered or outdated photo = neglected and unprofessional.
• A warm, personal photo = approachable and relatable.

👉 Before uploading a single photo, ask yourself: What story does this image tell about my brand?

2. Choosing the Right Stock Photos for Your Website

Stock photos can be a lifesaver when used well, but they’re also a double-edged sword.

The Upside:

• Affordable and accessible
• Great filler for blog posts, backgrounds, or supporting visuals
• Huge variety—you can usually find something that matches your brand

The Downside:

• Overused images can feel generic (or worse, show up on a competitor’s site)
• Cliché shots (like “business handshakes” or “women laughing over salad”) instantly feel outdated

Tips for Stock Photo Selection:
✔️ Pick images that align with your brand colors and overall vibe
✔️ Look for natural, modern photos that feel less “posed”
✔️ Use sites like Styled Stock Society, Haute Stock, or Unsplash for fresh options
✔️ Crop or edit photos so they feel unique and cohesive with your design

3. Personal Photos: The Secret Ingredient to Connection

Stock images can help, but personal photos are what make your brand real. Visitors want to see you—the human behind the business.

Ways to Use Personal Photos on Your Website:

• Professional headshots or relaxed lifestyle photos
• Behind-the-scenes images: your workspace, your tools, your process
• You in action—teaching, creating, or working with clients

👉 If you’re wondering how to choose images for your website that truly build trust, start with personal photos. Even one or two can make a big difference.

4. Keep Your Website Branding Photos Consistent

Random images thrown together can make your site feel messy. Consistency is what creates harmony.

Tips for Consistent Website Imagery:
✔️ Stick to a defined color palette
✔️ Use the same editing style (light + bright, moody, etc.)
✔️ Make sure stock + personal photos complement each other

When your website branding photos feel cohesive, your site instantly looks more professional.

5. Every Image Should Have a Job

The best websites don’t use photos as “filler.” Every image should support your copy, guide the eye, or spark an emotional connection.

Ask yourself:

• Does this image support what the text is saying?
• Does it guide attention toward a call-to-action?
• Does it show personality and reinforce trust?

If the answer is no, skip it.

A Peek Behind the Curtain: How I Choose Images for Bellano

Confession time: I’m a bona fide photography buff. I love all types of photography, and I take pictures of everything… mostly on my phone, because, let’s be honest, it’s always in my pocket (or hand).

But here’s the real talk: as much as I love taking photos, I don’t have the time to stage and shoot every single image I use on my website, blog, or social media. Running a business means I’ve had to find a balance between “photography passion” and “entrepreneur reality.”

That’s why I lean heavily on my Elevae Visuals membership (seriously one of my best investments). I sub in extras with Pixels (built right into my WordPress dashboard) or Unsplash.com when I need just the right filler image.

So what do I look for? My style leans light and bright with a clear focus; it feels fresh, clean, and inviting. Every now and then, if the mood fits, I’ll go for something a little moodier to match the vibe of the post. My rule of thumb: the photo should feel like it could have come from my own life… or at least the aesthetic I’d like my life to have. **wink**

Take the image above, for example. It’s stock from Elevae Visuals, but it easily “could” be my home. I’m all about cozy blankets, curling up with my laptop for a break from my desk, and yep, my house is full of plants (and my couch really is cream).

One note: while I want the photos to feel like they could be from my life, I don’t always default to images of blonde women just because I’m blonde. I like to mix it up so my visuals feel inclusive, relatable, and not too on-the-nose.

What do I avoid at all costs? The cheesy, overly posed, “perfectly polished” photos, or the glamorous, fashionista vibe (that’s not me at all). Honestly, if I could ban sunglasses and perfectly angled flowers from flatlays forever, I would like to submit my request….I mean, do you sit at your desk with a flower lying next to your keyboard?

When I choose images for Bellano, I want them to feel relatable and authentic (as much as possible), as if you’re getting a peek into my creative world, not flipping through a stock catalog. That balance keeps my site on-brand and ensures every image contributes to the story I’m telling.