As monitors get bigger and Internet connections get faster, more and more eye catching web design is thanks to striking photography. I've just found a blog post of 30 beautiful designs thanks to clever uses of - often simple - imagery.
I've always tried to find strong photography for my designs; my favourite examples are below, including a site we're working on at the moment for Magnetic North. Whether your site is a shop, brochure site or start up, hitting your audience with a beautiful shot (that works well no matter what their monitor size or browser) will make you memorable.