# views.py
profiles = UserProfile.objects.select_related('user').filter(user__in=[1,6,7,8])


# template.html
{% for user in profiles %}
<li>
  <a href="">
    {% if user.photo %}
      <img src="{{ user.photo.thumbnail.url }}" alt="" />
    {% else %}
      <img src="{{ MEDIA_URL }}images/lay-avatar.png" alt="" title="" />
    {% endif %}
  </a>
</li>
{% endfor %}