The secret messages hidden in our photographs: revealed

From bad posture to tight lips, Brits have been given advice on how to decode body language in photos.

The photography experts at Parrot Print have identified 7 body language cues and their meaning to help Brits to better understand their moods and relationships with others.

‘A picture speaks a thousand words’ is an adage in multiple languages around the world because we know it to be true but don’t fully understand why.

The majority of us will have heard of open and closed body language but it goes so much deeper than that.

Most experts agree that 70% to 93% of communication is nonverbal so it’s important to understand what posture, gestures and distance from others tells us about ourselves and others.

Gestures like having your arm around someone or leaning your head on someone’s chest can say alot about how close your relationship with that person is.

Conversely if you study your photographs and see that you often keep your distance from someone then that could be a sign that you are uncomfortable being close to that person.

A spokesperson for Parrot Print said: “Looking at people’s body language can be really interesting and it can actually tell you a lot – a picture says a thousand words right?

“Simple things like tilting heads together and mirroring body language can show that people are close and get along.

“However, other types of body language like poor posture and tight lips may indicate something completely different!

“Once you understand the signals you are giving off to others you may want to make use of this knowledge to use body language to your advantage when posing for photographs in future.”

ParrotPrint.com’s 7 body language cues and what they means in photos:

1. Bad posture
If someone has bad posture in a picture it could indicate some stress or lack of confidence. To appear positive, full of energy be sure to stand with your chest out and your shoulders back for your pictures.

2. Head tilt
If people are tilting their heads towards one another in a picture this indicates they’re fond of one another and they get along.

3. Tight lips
People who have their lips tightly sealed in photos can be seen as untrustworthy and the lack of an open smile could indicate that they’re not as happy as they usually are.

4. Leaning head on chest
This one tends to be more for couples, if your partner is leaning their head on your chest in photos it indicates they feel safe and protected by you and that they are dependent on you.

5. Arm over someone’s shoulder
If someone throws their arm over your shoulder when snapping a picture, it shows that they have a fairly dominant personality and they like to be in control.

6. Open body language
If someone’s body language is generally open it means they’re comfortable and confident. They’ll be taking up most of the room with their legs and arms spread out.

7. Mirroring
When people mirror one another’s body language, it becomes very clear that they’re very close with one another and they probably spend a lot of time together and have picked up each other’s mannerisms.