Each of us on Facebook understands that picking a profile picture is a very big deal. This the first image that people visiting your profile will see. For example, if you haven’t been in contact with your high school class since graduation, people will more than likely remember you a certain way and be even more interested in how you look after all the years they haven’t seen you.

Remember the 1997 movie, Romy & Michelle’s High School Reunion? Well, Facebook is sort of like an online class reunion. Every one is anxious to see if the jock and head cheerleader gained weight, or if the brainy nerd is now the suave and wealthy CEO of a major tech company or if the kid who played in the school band is now a famous musician. It’s safe to say that after 20 years everyone wants to make the best impression possible.

Here are the top five basic types of Facebook profiles pictures:

• Type 1 – The Portrait: A clear photo of the subject from the waist (or higher) up and includes the entire face.
  • What does it say about you? That you are a normal, well-adjusted adult who is confident in your appearance.

• Type 2 – The Far & Away: The subject is so far from the camera that you can discern there is a person in the frame, but can’t pick out any details of his face or appearance.
  • What does it say about you? You are a private person who doesn’t want any old gawker knowing what the hell you look like. You are probably slightly shy and reserved until people get to know you.

• Type 3 – The Up Close & Personal: The subject is so close to the camera that you can only see part of her face or appearance.
  • What does it say about you? You want people to think that you don’t want to be recognized on Facebook, but you really do and you mask that in pseudo artiness.

• Type 4 – The Family Photo: A photo of the subject’s children and/or baby usually without the subject.
  • What does it say about you? Being a mother or father is the most important job there is.

• Type 5 – The Party Picture: The subject, often with someone else, clearly at a party. She may be holding a drink, drinking a drink, dancing, or giving duck lips at the camera.
  • What does it say about you? You are young and will one day regret this picture and replace it with a wedding picture and then pictures of your children.

There are at least five other types of basic profile pictures, each with their own meaning.

Is your picture saying what you want it to say about you?

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