AprilEdition

Business Portraits
By: Adrea Nairne-Barrera / Senior Moments
Have you ever noticed the business profile
pictures in magazines,
cards and presentations? Why
do over half of them show the subject standing at a
slight tilt, fake smile and arms crossed?
So I looked it up to find the meaning of such
a stance and I resolved never to have my picture
taken that way. If what I read is true, it means I’m
a psychological mess.
Experts say that you are feeling anxious, tense,
insecure, fearful or responding to distress. Aren’t
we supposed to show a happy, confident image
when representing our business?
Going on… crossing your arms creates a barrier
between them and someone they don’t like. I think
I’m supposed to look friendly and ready to work.
I don’t suggest opening my arms like I’m about
to give you a hug but I’m sure there’s a middle
ground.
Since the meaning seems universal, why do photographers use it as
their “go to” pose? Maybe they don’t like their subjects?
Now we move on to glamour shots. I have rarely seen a business
associate sit in a meeting wearing a gold sparkly hat and feathers.
Dripping in jewelry was pretty common in the
old days and now it’s jeans and a ball cap. I kind
of like that.
Sometimes people pose with their dogs which
probably means they don’t want to do business
with anyone who has cats. It’s a subtle “don’t call
me” message.
Let’s talk hair. Short, long, up, down, windblown
and slicked. Sometimes you can tell a person’s age
by the hairstyle even after a face lift. And in some
instances, it’s pretty obvious when the picture is 20
years old. (I think I covered that when I wrote
about online dating LOL)
So now I come to my pictures. I try to smile, only
use head shots, wear make-up and do my best.
Then you might see me in the market and I’m in
a ponytail, no make-up and cranky because the
supermarket keeps changing everything around.
My solution has been to work at home, so no one can actually see me.
Adrea likes to opine and find the lighter side of life as a senior.
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April 2022