diff --git a/leads_gui/photo.py b/leads_gui/photo.py
index cddd882f..c3a2a141 100644
--- a/leads_gui/photo.py
+++ b/leads_gui/photo.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ def __init__(self,
                  command: _Callable[[_Event], None] = lambda _: None) -> None:
         CanvasBased.__init__(self, master, theme_key, width, height, fg_color, hover_color, bg_color, corner_radius,
                              clickable, command)
-        VariableControlled.__init__(self, variable)
+        VariableControlled.__init__(self, variable if variable else _StringVar(master))
         self.attach(self.partially_render)
         self._image: _PhotoImage | None = None