I was researching a number of different Boston-area company’s websites recently, looking at executive/management team individual headshot photos. A number of the sites had a very consistent look to the images – backgrounds, lighting, clothing options, and expressions. Many others seemed to take the approach of asking each individual to provide the best photo of themselves, whether it be a selfie or one taken by a friend or colleague.

On one these sites, the CEO is sitting outside with sailboats and water behind him, one of the founders (CTO) is wearing a dark colored T-shirt shot against a blue background, the Chairman is wearing a collared shirt shot against a grey background, and an SVP is posed sitting down on a couch with what appears to be a wide screen TV off to the side perhaps shot in a living room. Other supporting cast (advisors, etc.) had many shots where they’re not even looking at the camera, some shot in color others in black and white, different colored backgrounds (including red), etc..