Showing, Not Telling

I have never had a knack for drawing. No matter how hard I try, my trees never quite look like trees, my houses resemble uneven boxes, and even my stick figures lack proper form. It seems the drawing gene skipped over me entirely and landed squarely on my younger brother. Whenever I babysat him, he would ask for sheets of white printer paper and a box of crayons. He would retreat to his room for hours, only to reappear with drawings in hand, his feet pattering excitedly against the floor. As he shared his art work, he would weave fantastical stories to accompany them. I swear I could see the pictures come to life as he spoke, each line and color infused with his imagination. The more he did this, the more I began to appreciate the power of images—how they don’t just depict something but tell a story, evoke emotion, and ignite creativity.

My grandmother’s house is filled with framed photographs, each one a doorway to a cherished memory. When guests visit, she proudly guides them through the gallery of her life, offering the stories behind each image. She points to my mother’s graduation photo, beaming as she recounts how she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Then, she moves onto a picture from my piano recital—an image that, without fail, prompts her to insist I play something for her guests. These snapshots do more than document milestones; they encapsulate the emotions of those moments, allowing them to be relived again and again. Pictures remind us of life’s inherent beauty. Even the simplest of photos can spark new thoughts, ideas, or philosophies.

Yet, in today’s world, we often take pictures for granted. With a smartphone in our pockets, it’s effortless to capture endless moments. With stock images readily available online, it’s easy to find a visual representation of just about anything. But not all pictures hold the same power. A personal photograph, rich with meaning, differs vastly from a generic stock image. This is where the role of photography and video in web design becomes crucial. In a sea of impersonal, overused stock visuals, custom images and videos have the ability to breathe authenticity into a website. They engage users, tell a unique story, and create a visual identity that resonates on a deeper level.

Now, I have a question for you: How do these two pictures differ?

Picture 1

Picture 2

Well, I’ll give you a hint: Picture 1 was taken by Starling co-founder Ben Price and Picture 2 is a stock image of a foot bridge. 

Ben’s picture beckons you to cross the bridge, drawing you into the unknown. His masterful use of shadows, light, and perspective creates depth—layers that evoke emotion beyond words. In contrast, Picture 2 merely documents the footbridge’s existence. It fails to showcase its connection to the surrounding nature or spark a sense of exploration.

True artistry in web design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about crafting an experience. Just as my brother’s drawings told vivid tales and my grandmother’s pictures carried emotional weight, the right visuals in web design go beyond decoration.They invite the audience in, hold their attention, and make a lasting impression. 

This is what sets Starling apart. Ben and Justin have a gift for storytelling, capturing moments in a way that makes you feel the emotions all over again. WithStarling, your vision comes to life. They don’t just take photos—they craft an atmosphere, blending authenticity with artistry. Their photojournalistic simplicity allows each moment to breathe, to be reexperienced time and time again.

They understand that pictures are more than just images; they are narratives waiting to be told. This innate understanding has shaped their ability to build websites for those with a story to share. By infusing personality and authenticity into every design, they create spaces where audiences don’t just see a product—they connect with it.

With the vastness of the internet, standing out and forging a genuine connection with your audience can be a daunting challenge. Countless websites compete for attention, often blending into a sea of generic imagery and uninspired design. But Starling understands that storytelling is what truly makes a brand memorable.

Due to their experience and proven track record,Starling has helped individuals and businesses craft their unique narratives, transforming ideas into compelling digital experiences. They don’t just build websites—they cultivate identities, ensuring that every image, every video, and every design choice reflects the heart of your brand. By seamlessly blending storytelling with strategic design, they help you not only reach your audience but resonate with them on a deeper level.

In a digital world saturated with stock images and generic design, authenticity is what makes a website truly stand out. Starling goes beyond aesthetics, using the power of photography, video, and storytelling to create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. Through their thoughtful approach, they transform websites into immersive experiences—ones that evoke emotion, capture moments, and bring stories to life. With Starling, your website isn’t just a place for information; it’s a reflection of your vision, your journey, and the story you want to share with the world.