Punk Rock Photos – body language and facial expression Part 1

Lily Saunders Media Coursework

A Rock Star Pose

In a photo, the body language and facial expression of the person within the frame is important as it portrays a message about themselves and/or the group of which they belong to.

I shall be taking this idea and exploring different stances and their effects, in search for how I would like the people within my pictures to look. To follow the punk rock genre of my magazine, the photo’s I have found within magazines such as Kerrang and fanzines, show that the main body language and facial expressions that are used aim to shock audiences.

For example, the anarchy symbol, often worn by punk rockers, has the meaning of rebellion and disorder, shows that they don’t follow or recognise the authority of the government. They also demonstrate this lack of following authority with their angry and aggressive behaviour.

I have looked at a range of bands that fall under categories other than punk rock, but they all show a similar kind of “I want to kill you” expression that is quite common in punk rock images, anger is a key feature.

This shot demonstrates some of the aggressive poses – three of the band members are using the sign of the horn, a typical rock symbol. The facial expressions of the band are quite aggressive.

Bearing teeth is a common aggressive punk rock pose.

Middle finger up, a rude offensive gesture.

Bearing teeth – if there were sound to this image he would be growling. His hands are almost clenched in fury and he looks like he wants to attack someone.

The gun to the head pose: acting in a psychotic manner, facial expression suggests that he is wild.

This shot shows more aggressive poses as the person at the front is pulling an angry face and their hand appears to be beckoning someone, implying they want a fight.

The sticking out tongue shows a “I don’t care” kind of attitude held by this drummer.

Bearing of the teeth and hand made into a claw like shape demonstrates some of the animalistic features of rock poses.

Teeth bearing and snarling

The legs apart stance of this man is a threatening power pose, especially because he is holding a piece of meet and his fist is clenched.