Do I Need Professional Photos for My Website?

And what to do if I don’t have any yet

One of the most common questions we hear is:

“Do I have to get professional photos before I launch my site?”

Short answer: Nope — but great visuals do make a big difference!
Let’s break it down so you can feel confident.

First: Why Photos Matter

People are visual. Photos don’t just make your website look nice — they help visitors trust you and connect with you.

Good images help:

  • Build brand personality

  • Show your product, service or space clearly

  • Make your site feel polished and professional

  • Encourage people to stay longer (and click more)

But here’s the good news: you don’t need perfect images to get started.

You Have Options — Even Without a Photo Shoot

If you don’t have professional images (yet), here are some smart, simple ways to still make your site shine:

Use High-Quality Phone Photos

Modern phone cameras are brilliant. With natural light and a steady hand, you can capture:

  • Your products or process

  • Your workspace or studio

  • Candid portraits of you at work

  • Flat lays or detail shots (tools, textures, materials)

    We can help you crop, or optimise these so they blend beautifully with your site’s design.

Use Stock Photos — Carefully

There are fantastic free (and paid) image libraries out there — especially for lifestyle, food, interiors, wellness, and more.

Some great sources:

Avoid cheesy or overused stock. Choose photos that feel natural, human, and you.

Book a Mini Shoot (If You Can)

If you’re ready to invest, a short session with a local photographer can make a huge difference.

We recommend:

  • Headshots

  • “At work” lifestyle shots

  • A few wide images of your space

  • Detail shots of hands, tools, process, etc.

These don’t need to be stiff or formal — they can feel relaxed, modern, and real.
(And they’re great for social media too!)

When Do You Really Need Pro Photos?

You might want to invest sooner if you are:

  • A product-based brand (jewellery, fashion, homeware)

  • A visual artist, designer or photographer

  • Running a luxury holiday let or experience-based space

  • Selling higher-ticket services where trust is key

Otherwise, you can absolutely start with what you have — and update later.

Final Thought from David & George

Don’t wait for perfection to get online.
Done is better than waiting forever for the “right” photos.

We’ll work with whatever you have now — phone snaps, stock, sketches, or a Pinterest board — and help you build a beautiful site that reflects you.

When you're ready for that next level, you can plan a photo shoot that adds the sparkle.

Until then? You’re more than enough!

David & George