Jumpology

This is an interesting concept I learned about recently in Art History. The photographer Philippe Halsman did a lot of work for Life Magazine in the 1950s. He usually would ask his subjects, which were celebrities, politicians, scientists, etc. to jump. He believed that at this moment, the person's "mask" was removed and you could see their true personality.

Philippe Halsman and Marilyn Monroe

This type of psychology analyzed such things as arm and leg positions, and facial expressions.

Edward Steichen

IDK who this is :/

For an extra credit assignment, we had to take our own jump portrait and analyze it using Halsman's techniques. Here's what he probably would have said about me:

*My arms suggest that I am trying to support something, such as family or friends. They are also trying to propel me upward, suggesting I have a plan or purpose in mind.

*My open hands tell the viewer I am relaxed.

*My legs are not held together but not spread far apart either so I am not reserved but I am not concerned with appearing masculine either.

*My smile says I am open to new experiences (such as jumping for a photograph) and me looking at the photographer means I am interested in what other people think of me.

Well at least that's what Philippe Halsman probably would have said.