We communicate through a variety of methods. Of course, the most obvious mode of communication is verbal, but the body can reveal so much beyond what is spoken. It is the dance of body language that drives home what that pensive yes means or why he paused before saying “I love you.” The language of the body transcends all language barriers, allowing people to communicate on a different level. It reveals many things about a person, their state of mind, character, age and even health.
Different types of people are revealed through their body language. No matter where you go, this is true and consistent. Mental status, attitudes and physical characteristics are conveyed through a person’s body language.
Think of six characters, either male or female. They are about the same size and weight, maybe even the same hair and eye color and dress. Assign each a different character such as a vagrant, a factory worker, a corporate executive, a dancer, a teenager and a grandmother. Consider their stance only. How would their body language convey each character type? Take a moment to construct in your mind how each of these people could use their body language to become the character they were assigned. This is what models, actors and directors do every day.
Interestingly, it is the torso and shoulders that bear the brunt of the load when conveying the messages that the body emits. As a photographer, it is important to understand how to effectively use them.
The shoulders can create an impression of character and mood. They can reveal the spirit of the model posing and the mood with little effort but big results.
Neutral shoulders are the starting point for more advanced positions. They can be used to gauge just how much or how little emotion should be conveyed through the stance. On the other hand, they may not show anything at all.
Forward shoulders show weakness, illness, timidity and weariness.
Low shoulders relay grace and elegance. They reflect poise and a natural carriage.
Back shoulders give the impression of courage, pride, strength and physical vitality.
High shoulders reveal anxiety, strain, lack of confidence and fear.
Different and more complex emotions are conveyed when several different positions are combined.
Up and forward shoulders bring out a more playful attitude, one that is coquettish, flirtatious and kittenish.
Low and forward shoulders give off a more dejected attitude, emitting a sense of weariness, defection and discouragement. It can also indicate advanced age.
The movements required to bring the shoulders into these expressive positions may be dramatic and pronounced, or they may be slight and barely discernible. It is all dependent upon the character that the posing model is trying to portray.
The torso can also delineate moods and attitudes while depicting certain characters. Just slight angles of parts of the upper and lower torso can create dramatic emotional draw and impressions. If a model is facing the camera directly and her hip track (line from one hip to the other) is stationary, but her shoulder track (line from one shoulder to the other) is tipped to one side or the other, the female model may give off a feeling of interest, curiosity, alertness or concern. If, on the other hand, the hip track, or lower torso, is tipped to one side or the other and the shoulder track (upper torso) is square to the camera, the feeling is more flirtatious or casual.
Even body language in group shots can be very telling. If the people are leaning toward each other, it has a tendency to appear more friendly and fun then when the subjects are leaning or drawing away from each other. No matter where the body is in the shot, or where it is facing, the position and message it communicates comes through. It is vital that photographers develop an understanding of body language and how to interpret it. This will help them to achieve great shots that tell a story.