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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Forty-Four: Photographing human response – gesture, body language, and expressions > Jaunty soldier, Rabat, Morocco, 2006
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14-DEC-2006

Jaunty soldier, Rabat, Morocco, 2006

I made this photo outside the Royal Palace, headquarters of Morocco’s government. I saw the thrust of the palm shadow on the wall, and waited for someone to step in front of it. This soldier obliged – his jaunty step is a perfect complement to the upward sweep of the palm shadow. The body language – swinging arm and a full stride -- suggests self-confidence and positive attitude.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/400s f/7.1 at 36.5mm iso100 hide exif
Full EXIF Info
Date/Time14-Dec-2006 03:37:09
MakeLeica
ModelV-LUX 1
Flash UsedNo
Focal Length36.5 mm
Exposure Time1/400 sec
Aperturef/7.1
ISO Equivalent100
Exposure Bias-0.33
White Balance
Metering Modemulti spot (3)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Programprogram (2)
Focus Distance

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Phil Douglis20-Jan-2007 19:09
Thank you for this marvelous analysis, Cecila. I like your concept of the shadow as a staff. He is a soldier and it shows in his step and attitude. You see pride, I see confidence. As for rigidity, it is an essential part of military life. He gives orders and he follows them, just as instructed. There is not much room for compromise. That, too, part of the body language here.
Guest 20-Jan-2007 07:33
It's amazing what happens to people when you put them in uniforms with gold buttons and gewgaws all over the front and on the shoulders, and then add hats! They do indeed get jaunty, as well as puffed up, and sometimes, deranged with power. This guy seems to be holding a large branch (the shadow) as a staff, and even though he's not carrying anything, his right hand is hard clenched into a fist -- almost a gesture of aggression, which, along with his rather exaggerated stride, seems to indicate self-importance. Or maybe he was just hearing a good march in his head, and moving along in time! Who knows? It's a strong and balanced picture, embodying military pride tinged with the typical rigidity of the armed forces.
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