I believe the broader point Nielsen is making is that "filler" photos provide nothing of value to the user, even if they are supposed to set a tone. However, d

I believe the broader point Nielsen is making is that "filler" photos provide nothing of value to the user, even if they are supposed to set a tone. However, detailed product shots, photos of actual employees or customers using a product can be valuable and relevant to the user. Stock photos used to "jazz up" websites are the scourge of the internet and the bane of any designers dealing with clients or internal stakeholders. The next time someone suggests that a stock photo of smiling people huddled around a glowing computer be added to the homepage, send them a link to JN's post and suggest an actual product shot instead.