website photography tips
are you planning a photoshoot for your new website?
Professional photos can dramatically elevate your website — but they need to be planned with web design in mind. You are welcome to pass this along to your photographer with your brief so that they understand how we intend to use your images.
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1. wide angle shots with space for text
You often use negative space for headings, text and buttons. We design for a range of screen shapes and sizes, however the most common are desktop and mobile. For desktop we need images that look good on a widescreen with space for text beside you.
- Include plenty of wide shots where you are positioned on one side of the frame, leaving open space on the other side for text placement.
- Think homepage banners and hero images.
- Clean walls, blurred backgrounds, or simple outdoor space work well.
- Ensure you get plenty of horizontal compositions.
- Vertical shots are useful for social & mobile, but desktops rely heavily on landscape formats so these must take priority!
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2. don’t crop too tight
Because of the need for mobile responsiveness, please avoid heavy cropping. We often need to crop at our end to fit specific screen sizes, if your photographer has already cropped an image close, parts of your face or body may disappear on certain screens.
- Please avoid heavy cropping in-camera.
- Always leave extra space around the subject.
- Always shoot slightly wider than feels necessary.
Websites are responsive — images are cropped differently on desktop, tablet, and mobile.
We can always crop later — but we can’t “uncrop” a tight image!
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3. wear colours that match your brand
Your photos should feel cohesive with your website.
- Wear clothing that fits your brand colour palette.
- Consider background colours that complement your brand.
- Avoid busy patterns unless they align with your visual identity.
Consistency builds trust and professionalism.
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4. capture a range of distances
Ask for variety:
- Close-up headshots
- Mid-length portraits
- Full-body shots
- Wide environmental shots
Different areas of your website require different image shapes and proportions.
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5. include candid & “in action” shots
Not every image needs to be posed.
- Shots where you are working
- Writing, talking, creating, walking
- Looking away from the camera
- Natural laughter or conversation moments
- Shots of hands, your tools if you have any.
- Shots of elements in your office that feel authentic/aligned with who you are.
These images feel authentic and are perfect for Backgrounds, About pages, blog posts, and social media.
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6. communicate the purpose
Tell your photographer these images are for website use.
That context helps them frame, compose, and leave space appropriately.