Do Your Photos Need to Speak to CEOs, Not Startups?

So…. Do your photos need to speak to CEOs (and Future CEOs), not startups? If your goal is to work with established businesses, leadership teams, or scaling companies then your photos need to say that.

Not “I’m just getting started. Or “I’m winging it with a glass of wine and a Canva freebie.” And definitely not “I’m here to help everyone.”

They need to say: “I know what I’m doing. I work with serious businesses. And I deliver transformation.”

Here’s where I see people go wrong: they invest in a beautiful website, craft thoughtful messaging, maybe even hire a copywriter… and then the photos?

They’re blurry selfies or outdated headshots where they’re squinting into the sun. Or worse generic stock photos (imagine I say that with real shock in my voice ) that say absolutely nothing about who they are or what they offer.

Do your photos need to speak to ceos

Whether you’re a leadership coach, consultant, strategist, or service provider, your clients aren’t just buying your service, they’re buying you. Though not in a “pretty woman” sense that’s an entirely different industry. Your experience, authority and your ability to lead them through a transformation.

Your images need to reflect that.

If the people you’re trying to reach are CEOs or senior leaders (or even future CEOs) then your photos need to show you as someone who belongs in those rooms.

That doesn’t mean you need to be in a boardroom in a power suit (unless that’s your thing). But it does mean the visuals on your website, LinkedIn, and marketing materials should feel polished, intentional, and aligned with the level of client you’re trying to attract.

Because someone hiring for a high-stakes leadership role or investing in strategic growth coaching? They’re looking for someone who gets it. Who feels like a peer. Who they’d trust to walk into a team meeting and command the room, whether in heels or Converse (because it doesn’t have to be white suits and designer heels).

The difference between “I help everyone” and “I work with leaders”

There’s nothing wrong with starting small. We’ve all done it. But at some point, if you’re trying to step upend want to charge more, work with bigger clients, stop trading time for tiny invoices then your brand has to catch up.

And yes, that includes your photos.

Photos that show you in action, in conversation, making decisions, owning your space. Photos that reflect not just what you do, but how you do it with warmth, clarity, confidence, and presence.

So what should your brand photos say?

They should say:

• You’ve done this before
• You’re here to elevate, not hand-hold
• You understand people
• You belong in rooms where big decisions are made

Because if you want to be seen as someone who can support leaders, challenge teams, and deliver meaningful change… your visuals can’t still be whispering “I’m just figuring this out.”

They need to walk in before you do and say: She knows her stuff.

Want help creating photos that speak to the right people (and make you feel more confident showing up online)? Drop me a message – I’ll show you how we do it without making you pose awkwardly or pretend to be someone you’re not.