Research Blog Body Language in photography

 Roland Barthes: Camera Lucida

chapter 5 is interesting dealing with how someone feels as the camera is pointed at them. The clear change in mood, and reaction. I wonder how much the individuals I have photographed were effected by my presence as a photographer. But more importantly I wonder at what degree they changed their body language for the camera, and when did they lower their guard to let me as the photographer and the camera in to their memory recollection, if at all.

Read-Body-Language

• People with crossed arms are closing themselves to social influence. Though some people just cross their arms as a habit, it may indicate that the person is (slightly) reserved, uncomfortable with their appearance, or just trying to hide something on their shirt. If their arms are crossed while their feet are shoulder width or wider apart, this is a position of toughness or authority.
• If someone rests their arms behind their neck or head, they are open to what is being discussed or just laid back in general.
• If their hands are on their hips, they might be waiting or impatient.

Reading body language is important to note while addressing these photographs. The apprehension and uneasiness is clear with some of the individuals I have photographed. Some images hide this a little better but I have noticed subtle cues such as hand gestures that create a certain window to emotions created by a memory they are recalling.