Photos that build trust are simple, real pictures showing you at work, in your office, or with clients. They are not staged stock images. They help people feel confident that you are professional, reliable, and approachable.
How it works
- Show your face clearly – Use headshots where people can see your eyes and expression.
- Show your environment – Pictures in your office or workspace give context and credibility.
- Show action – Photos of you doing your job make your work tangible and believable.
- Show results – Images of finished products, happy clients, or events reassure visitors.
- Keep it consistent – Use similar style, lighting, and tone across all channels.
Why it matters
Trusted businesses get more leads and quicker decisions. People are willing to pay more when they feel confident in who they hire. Your photos are often the first impression, so showing honesty and professionalism can save hours of back-and-forth and prevent lost clients.
If you ignore this
- Clients may doubt your credibility.
- People scroll past without contacting you.
- Competitors with clearer, authentic photos appear more reliable.
- You may waste money on advertising that doesn’t convert.
Quick wins
- Update your LinkedIn with a clear, approachable headshot.
- Take a few pictures in your workspace with natural light.
- Ask a client if you can photograph a finished project together.
- Choose 2–3 photos for your website that feel real and approachable today.
Tiny example
Before: Jane ran a small consultancy but used generic stock images on her site. Leads were rare.
After: She added three real photos – one headshot, one in her office, one with a client. Within a month, enquiries doubled. Prospective clients said the photos made her feel credible.
Common mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Do this instead |
|---|---|
| Using stock images of people | Show yourself or your real team |
| Dark, cluttered photos | Use clear, bright spaces |
| Smiling too little or too much | Aim for a relaxed, confident expression |
| Too many props | Keep the focus on you and your work |
| Random style across images | Keep lighting and tone consistent |
Once you have the right photos, you need a plan to make the shoot smooth.
Learn how to plan a business photoshoot
FAQs
1. Do I need professional photos to build trust?
Yes, professional-quality pictures show you are serious and reliable.
2. Can I use phone photos?
You can, if the lighting is good and the setting looks professional.
3. How many photos do I need online?
A few clear, consistent pictures are enough to start.
4. Should I include team members?
Yes, pictures with your team help show credibility and approachability.
5. Where should these photos appear?
Use them on your website, LinkedIn, newsletters, and social media to build trust.
The best go-to guide for using Personal Branding for your business
You’re not boring. But your brand might be saying otherwise.
I’m Tom Symington personal brand photographer for C-suite leaders, rising founders, and public figures who need imagery that builds instant trust, visual authority, and long-term influence.
I craft high-impact photography rooted in psychology and strategy so you don’t just get see you get remembered, respected, and chosen.
Clients include HSBC, FSB, MPs, council leaders and reputation-focused business owners who don’t leave their visibility to chance.
If your brand presence isn’t where your ambition is it’s time we talked.
Leave a Reply
You want your business to look professional online. But your website pictures are old, mismatched, or taken on a phone. You are not sure if updating them, or even having some will make any difference. Business photos for website use are simply pictures that show who you are and what you do. They can include […]
Clippy is my Profile Picture. Why as a Personal Brand Photographer since my headshot is pretty important and ithout it people don’t recognize me and it seems hypocritical. Why when I provide headshots and I recommend professional headshots for marketing and yet my own profile picture is now a paper clip. As a Personal Brand […]
You know your business needs better pictures, but the thought of organising a photoshoot feels overwhelming. You worry about time, cost, and whether the pictures will actually help. A commercial photoshoot does not have to be stressful if you plan it right. How it works See examples of costs Good pictures make your business look […]
You want fresh pictures for your business but you are unsure how the process works. How long does it take? What happens between booking and receiving the final files? A clear timeline saves you stress and helps you plan with confidence. A business photoshoot is a planned session where a photographer takes pictures of you, […]
Headshot vs Portrait for Business: A Simple Guide You know you need professional pictures but you are not sure which kind. Should you get a close-up headshot or a wider portrait? The choice feels small, yet it changes how people see you. A headshot is a close-up picture of your face, usually from the shoulders […]
You know your profile photo matters. It is often the first thing someone sees about you. But what makes a photo work in your favour rather than against you? A profile photo is the small picture linked to your name on sites like LinkedIn, email, or your company website. The best profile photo for work […]
