Body language in posing

People communicate without speaking.

A subject’s body language when posing can be influential on the image’s message and the viewer’s perception of the subject’s attitude and character.

BODY LANGUAGE INFLUENCES PERCEPTION

We all read into other peoples’ body language - how they position and carry themselves, how they hold their arms and legs, even the direction in which their eyes are looking. In doing so, we make inferences about them and their state of mind at the time. Our assumptions are not always correct, since few among us are body-language experts, and the study of body language is by no means exact. It remains open to wide interpretation. However, knowledge of the general meanings associated with the interpretation of body language can be very helpful in posing or in overcoming barriers to posing or getting the right expression.

Finger-pointing, for example, is said to be aggressive, where the person pointing intends to intimidate another or to show dominance or control. By "stabbing" the finger, the person is increasing the level of dominance. Combining finger-pointing with direct eye contact and a serious expression increases the aggression, and can indicate accusation or a command. It tends to make a person, even the viewer of a photograph, feel he or she is being "singled out" by the one doing the pointing, placing attention - often uncomfortable or unwanted attention - on him or her.

CONSIDER ALL OF A SUBJECT’S BODY LANGUAGE

A combination of several components of body language lend themselves to more correct interpretation than a single observed item. If gestures are also included, interpretation can have even greater accuracy. A child’s stamping foot, for instance, can signal a temper tantrum, a happy dance, impatience or even a bee sting. Without other tell-tale indicators, there is no certainty as to the meaning by itself of a stamping foot because it cannot be taken in context. Additional indicators can provide the missing context. A picture of a little girl with her arms tightly crossed, a scowl on her face, an obviously-tapping foot and her back turned towards her mother can say quite a lot about the child’s displeasure.

Changes in body language can often convey meaning more clearly than simple positioning. A picture of a person’s back doesn’t necessarily mean any attitudinal change has taken place, because it is not accompanied by action. But, if a person abruptly turns his or her back on someone, it probably indicates they wish to break contact and stop communicating with that person. Change cannot always be shown in a single still photograph, however other aspects of body language can influence the viewer’s opinion about the subject and the image’s message, and therefore photographers should have an understanding of common interpretations of body language.

POSITIVE & NEGATIVE MESSAGES

Body language is often categorized as being either positive or negative, generally meaning that a person is reacting favorably or unfavorably to stimulus or to another person.

POSITIVE INDICATORS

1. Maintaining eye contact is generally taken to mean that a person is interested in the other party, or interested in what the other party may be saying or doing. Eyes that are wide open convey interest. Tilting the head is another indicator of a person's interest, especially in something being said.
2. Relaxed posture (looking comfortable, no stiffness or muscle tightness, etc.) indicates a relaxed attitude with little tension being felt. Tilted back, with hands clasped behind the head, is a sign of familiarity and comfort, but can also be used to indicate power over another.

3. Arms and hands open, particularly with the palms up, indicate receptiveness and trust.
4. A natural smile indicates comfort, contentment and good humor.
5. Leaning closer indicates interest and friendliness.

NEGATIVE INDICATORS

1. Prolonged eye contact, particularly with a serious look, a look of displeasure or a blatant stare, can mean confrontation, strong dislike or an open challenge. Eyes narrowed can mean distrust, and frowning or a furrowed brow can indicate displeasure or worry. A blank stare or lack of eye contact can mean boredom and disinterest.
2. Stiff, tense posture where persons look ready to leap to escape or defend themselves indicates discomfort, concern or distrust.
3. Clenched hands and crossed arms often mean resistance, rejection or opposition, and are a barrier to openness. Nervousness can be indicated by a person’s hands fidgeting with a watch, a tie or brooch. Clasped hands may mean concern or an attempt at maintaining control.

4. Leaning back, especially with a wrinkled brow, can mean wariness and unapproachability, but also mean thoughtfulness and deep concentration.
5. If a subject places something in front of him or her, between the two of you, he or she may be creating an invisible psychological barrier that says “keep back,” but moving it to the side may mean “the barrier is down now.”

The above indicators do not, by any means, make up a comprehensive list of the entire vocabulary of body language.

Body language indicators in a photograph may or may not mean that the person actually felt the emotions or attitudes normally associated with that kind of body language. The point is that the viewer of a portrait may get the impression that the subject has a certain attitude because his or her body language in the picture seems to express it.

Photographers should be alert to how body language can be interpreted so that a negative-looking pose can be altered to have the subject look his or best.

WATCH YOUR OWN BODY LANGUAGE

The other aspect of being aware of body language is that you, as the photographer, may unintentionally communicate feelings to your subject by the postures, expressions and gestures that you adopt. Consciously selecting positive body language yourself, and being aware of the subject’s unspoken body statements, may help to put the subject more at ease.