How to Make Sense of Family Photos: Body Language
Photographs hold many clues to our past. Therefore, if you're looking at old photos, consider decoding the body language to better understand past events.
By decoding body language, you'll have a better understanding of what was happening at the time the photos were taken. For example, you may discover non-verbal clues as to why a relationship ended, held strong, or a family member became estranged.
When decoding body language in photographs, almost everything can be split into two categories—open versus closed signals. Here are a few examples to look for:
Hands: Are the subject's hands relaxed with open palms or closed in fists? What we do with our hands is an incredible indicator of how confident, comfortable and happy we were then. For example, touching others on the shoulder or arm displays social hierarchy. It can also be seen as showing dominance or possessiveness over another person. In close relationships, touch is also a sign of affection and familiarity. Examples of closed body language include closed fists, hidden hands (hands in pockets), or holding your own hands for comfort.
Arms: Are the subject's arms crossed, oddly posed, or wrapped around another person? Crossed arms are not only standoffish but also a way to protect oneself. In older family photos, you may see many awkward poses, as people are uncertain of what to do with their bodies when posing for a photo. Arms around another person indicate closeness and unity. However, if the recipient of the gesture looks uncomfortable, it could be a sign of forced unity.
Legs: Are the subject's legs relaxed, tightly crossed or spaced apart in a dominant stance? Also, are the sitter's knees and feet pointed toward the lens or away from it? A person's feet are an exciting body language indicator because they tend to point in the direction you want to go. For example, the next time you bump into someone you don't want to talk to or don't have time for, notice where your feet are pointing. The same can be said for someone's knees when they're seated. On the other hand, a dominant stance, which most often displays confidence and pride, can also be closed off when paired with crossed arms and a direct stare.
Facial expressions: Are the subjects' mouths partially open in a joyful smile or laugh? Are they smiling with tight lips or maintaining a straight face? Pay close attention to their eyes. Are they relaxed, sparkling with joy, heavy and sad, or longing for something? Facial expressions can be challenging to decode because even as children, people are trained to smile for the camera. Often, the eyes will have the most to say.
It's important to remember that decoding body language in a photo is not a one-dimensional task. It's the combination of various signals that truly unveils the story. By understanding this, you can feel empowered to decipher the complex narratives hidden within these images.
Here are two photographs of my parents when they were much younger, at different points of their relationship. I'm sharing these because they are still very much in love, and their feelings for each other are evident in both photos.
In the photo above, my dad is giving my mom a big “bear” hug, showing his affection for her and his playful nature. He’s looking directly into the camera with an open-mouthed smile displaying his joy. His feet are also firmly planted in a confident stance.
My mom is receiving and reciprocating his affection by wrapping her arms around him. She isn’t facing him directly (her feet are turned away); however, that’s most likely because she was caught off guard. She responds by leaning in and nuzzling her face against his.
In this photo, my mom is leaning into my dad. Her arm drapes over his shoulders with a relaxed, open-palm hand. And she’s looking directly at the photographer as though she’s speaking to them while also smiling.
Interestingly, while still leaning into my mom, my dad is also signalling signs of stress and discomfort. His gaze is off in the distance, showing that he’s not fully present, and he’s holding his finger as a sign of self-comfort.
His body language in this photo is most likely a result of work-related stress at the time.