How to Find Photos for Your Brand
Let’s face it — visuals matter.
A clean, consistent photo can make your brand feel polished even when you're just starting out. But not everyone can book a photographer, build a full media kit, or shoot content every week.
So what do you do when you need good images — fast?
You either:
Use photos of yourself
Pull from trusted stock sites
Or create AI-generated visuals that fit your vibe
Here’s how to know what works best for each situation — and where to get high-quality, license-safe images for your brand.
Use Your Own Photos
Nothing builds trust like showing up as yourself.
When to use them:
About page or landing pages
Sales pages (especially for coaching or personal brands)
Social content where authenticity matters
Welcome sequences or video thumbnails
Tips:
Use natural light and neutral backgrounds
Stick to your brand colors in clothing or surroundings if you can
Edit with the same filters or presets for consistency
You don’t need a fancy camera. Most smartphone cameras today will do the trick — especially when paired with editing tools like Canva or Lightroom Mobile.
Use Stock Photos (Free and Paid)
Stock photos are great when you need filler images, backgrounds, or visuals to support a written idea (like a blog post, lead magnet, or course module).
There are a lot of options out there, but here’s a quick guide to the best ones:
Free Options
Modern, high-res photos
Great for lifestyle, creative, and abstract themes
Free to use, but always double-check licensing for commercial use
Similar to Unsplash, with slightly broader subject matter
Good for online business themes like laptops, workspace, marketing
Note: While both offer “free for commercial use” licenses, it’s still smart to check terms before using on anything you sell or advertise.
Paid Options
Huge image library (300+ million images)
Excellent for businesses that need highly polished visuals
More expensive: pay-per-download or subscription-based
Ideal if you need very niche or editorial-style photos (news, events, locations)
Best for publishers, blogs with tight topics, or event coverage
My favorite all-in-one if you need LOTS of assets regularly
Unlimited downloads of photos, templates, fonts, mockups, even music and video
Commercial license included
Starts at around $16.50/month — low cost if you download frequently
If you're creating content at scale (like blog posts, slide decks, course modules, or client visuals), Envato Elements pays for itself quickly.
Use AI-Generated Photos (Optional, But Powerful)
AI images have come a long way — especially for brand backgrounds, mockups, or visuals you can’t find in stock libraries.
Tools you can use:
Canva Pro: Built-in AI image generator
DALL·E (via ChatGPT or standalone)
Adobe Firefly
Midjourney (for advanced use)
Example: Need a photo of a female course creator working in a cozy neutral-toned space with a laptop and coffee mug? You can prompt that exactly.
Good use cases:
You want brand-aligned imagery (like a specific color palette or composition)
You need visuals for something abstract, like “freedom” or “productivity”
You’re making social posts and want something more customized
AI doesn’t replace YOU — but it’s a tool to help fill in visual gaps creatively.
Which Type of Photo Should You Use?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Use This For | Best Photo Option |
|---|---|
| Your About Page | Your own photo |
| Blog or newsletter images | Stock or AI |
| Sales page headers | Branded photo or styled stock |
| Course slides or downloads | Canva with stock or AI |
| Social media content | Mix of your face + high-quality stock |
| Promo videos or thumbnails | You, plus Canva or stock overlays |
Final Thought
You don’t need to be a photographer.
You just need to be intentional.
Whether you’re using real-life images of yourself, free stock from Unsplash, or AI-generated visuals through Canva Pro — the key is to stay consistent in tone and style.
Pick a few image sources that work for you.
Stick to your vibe.
And don’t overthink it — the goal isn’t perfection. It’s clarity, connection, and trust.
Let your brand be seen. Even if you’re just starting small.
