> I'm wondering if companies use a stock photo because it's easier than taking photos of their unphotogenic staff, or if it is because they wish to appear diverse but come photo time they look around the office and..."oh, shit, we really need to quit hiring based on 'cultural fit'".

It's just cheaper to use stock photos than to bring-in a photographer. Especially right now with Covid. It's also awkward to ask employees.

And you have to stage the office as well.

There's also a good chance the office looks like something like https://twitter.com/calvinfo/status/1315691567408185346 at launch.