diff --git a/backend/images/__init__.py b/backend/images/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e69de29
diff --git a/backend/main.py b/backend/main.py
index 228bcec..2483e65 100644
--- a/backend/main.py
+++ b/backend/main.py
@@ -225,6 +225,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
         # Test or CI Mode: Run server process temporarily for test validation
         ssl_dir = Path(cert_path).parent
         ssl_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+        os.makedirs("images", exist_ok=True)
 
         # Generate self-signed certs if missing
         if not Path(cert_path).exists() or not Path(key_path).exists():