3 Photography Mistakes That Are Costing You Website Conversions

Over the years, I’ve worked with countless clients who invest in beautiful websites but still feel like something’s missing. And in just the last two days, two conversations; one with a client, one with a colleague, reminding me of one key truth: your website visuals matter more than most people realize.

My colleague and I had a long talk about AI and how it’s starting to impact the photography industry. Today, AI can recreate photos to make them look like they were taken by a pro. Sounds convenient, right? The problem is, what AI thinks is “professional” may not align at all with your brand. And without a trained eye, how would you know if that style fits your visual identity in the first place?

Then I spoke with a client who had tried (and struggled) to get her family to take brand photos for her. Eventually, she stretched her budget to book a session with me, after realizing she was spending significant time and money on a professionally designed website… but didn’t have the imagery to match it.

This is something I see over and over again. People invest in a stunning new website and treat the photography as a “nice-to-have” rather than a foundational piece of their brand. But the truth is:Your images speak before your words do.They’re the first connection point when someone lands on your site. And if they aren’t working for you, they’re probably working against you.

So here are three reasons your website might not be converting—straight from the lens of a brand photographer:

1. Your photo styles are all over the place.

Using stock photos while you wait for a shoot is totally fine. But are the visuals cohesive? Do they share a consistent tone, color palette, and vibe? Mixing dark and moody with bright and airy, for example, creates confusion for the viewer.

Or maybe you have a polished headshot on your home page, stock images on your about page, and iPhone photos on your services page. I’m not anti-iPhone, but if those images aren’t professionally edited—or don’t match your overall brand style—they dilute your message.

Consistency builds trust. Inconsistency creates friction.

2. You’re not in your own photos.

I get it. Most of us don’t love being on camera, including me! But if you have any kind of personal brand or client-facing business, people need to see you. At minimum, you should have a professional photo of yourself on your homepage and about page.

Even more important? Behind-the-scenes moments. These are the photos that give your audience a sense of what it’s like to work with you. Whether it’s your hands prepping a space, your branded coffee mug on your desk, or your favorite branded notebook in the frame, these little touches say, “This is me. This is mine.”

And more importantly:“This is how much care I bring to the work I’ll do for you.”

3. Your backend is missing the SEO magic.

Let’s talk about ALT text—the hidden gem most people overlook. ALT text is a written description you assign to each image on your website. Originally created for screen readers and accessibility, it also plays a major role in helping search engines understand what your images are showing.

When you upload images without ALT text, you’re leaving SEO opportunities on the table. Every image is a chance to strengthen your visibility online, but only if it’s optimized properly. Yes, it’s a tedious step, but it adds up in a big way over time.

If you’re working with a designer or uploading content yourself, ask:Are your images titled, tagged, and optimized with ALT text?If not, it’s time to start.

Professional photography isn’t just about having “pretty pictures.”It’s about building trust, creating emotional connection, and backing up the investment you’ve made in your website with visuals that actually convert.

If you’ve been pouring into your business behind the scenes, but your visuals haven’t caught up, I’d love to help you create imagery that finally feels like you.

Check out our brand photography page or email us directly with questions! Hello@AmandaLorenStudios.com