Image, born in 1772, was son of John Image, vicar of Peterborough, and rector of Elton, Northamptonshire. He was educated at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and graduated B.A. 1795 and M.A. 1798. In 1798 he presented himself to the rectory of Whepstead, near Bury St. Edmund's, and in 1807 he became also rector of Stanningfield.