WHAT THE SUBLIMINAL MIND "SEES"

I am, among other things, a professional photographer; now semi-retired (I shoot when I want to). My work is mostly glamor, boudoir and outdoor portrait. I have decades of experience in posing the female and male form, to accentuate positive features and project a more appealing image, visually and subliminally. Creating images, with light, is a visual process. Consciously, the photographer and model/client, use settings, attire, cosmetics, posing and facial expressions, to project a conscious thought. What is, often, not considered, is "subliminal perception" of the image that is created. The subconscious mind, of an observer, plays an important role in interpreting images. This mental process results in a subliminal image, below the threshold of consciousness. With still images, it is more critical, because both the conscious and subconscious are focusing on one "frame". In video, the subconscious threshold of visualization is around 1/30th of a second. Coincidentally, normal video is shot at 30 frames per second. At that speed, motion appears seamless. If a frame is inserted, say a picture of popcorn, the conscious mind will not see the image, but the subconscious mind will. It then creates a conscious thought that you are suddenly craving popcorn.

The subconscious mind "sees" a "subliminal image" along with what the conscious mind sees, with your eyes. Those "images" are compared and contrasted, instantly, against what is "stored" in your mind as correct and appealing. The shapes, lines, curves, colors, and poses of people, in the photo, have significant meaning. For instance: straight lines and angles of 90, 180 and 270 degrees, are "masculine", while, curves and obtuse angles are "feminine". Females, wishing to appear "feminine" and attract attention, should avoid creating masculine angles, when posing or in public. In fashion, a stoic, or emotionless look of the face, emphasizes the clothing and not the model. High heels have the same effect as "pointing your toes" when sitting or supine. They cause the calf muscles to contract, creating a flattering image of the leg. An obtuse angle is created at the ankle and the natural curvature of the calf muscle is enhanced. The natural angle, formed by the foot and ankle is 90 degrees. A man's leg "appears" normal, with a 90-degree angle, but, the same angle is unappealing, for a woman. Imagine a woman standing straight, her arms dangling by her sides, flat footed, with no smile, and think how unflattering of an image that presents. Now, think of a poster, depicting a Marine, standing at attention, in a perfectly creased uniform, and it appears "normal". A female's elbows and knees, allow the arms and legs to extend beyond straight. Imagine the inside of an elbow pushed forward and the backside of the knee, flexed backward. This is called "hyper-flexing". It is common in an image where the model is lying on her side, using her hand to support the weight of her upper body. A man's elbows and knees will not hyper-flex. To the subconscious mind, hyper-flexing is "unusual" and not flattering. Compatible and coordinating colors are also important in visualization. If a woman's nails are painted, and her lip shade matches, along with coordinating eye shadow, she is more appealing. A woman's skin tone and hair color will often dictate what shades of makeup and colors she wears. If a black and white image is created, the "deeper" the shade, the darker it will appear. Contrasting colors of her attire can, sometimes, create an unflattering image. Imagine wearing a pair of white shoes, with off-black hose, and you get the idea.

The subconscious mind has different expectations for females and males. What the subconscious mind "sees" can mean the difference between a glance or a "second look". Everyone, involved in creating an "image", of a person, should learn what the subconscious mind "sees". Using that knowledge, the "image" will be more effective, because it is appealing, to both the conscious and subconscious threshold of visualization.

If you want help, in projecting or improving your "image" or to learn more about the basics of employing subliminal messages, contact me. I would enjoy the opportunity!

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