PHILIPPE HALSMAN a portrait photographer for Life magazine in the 1950s. Halsman would ask his subjects to jump for his camera. Rolleiflex in hand and tongue in cheek. From Nixon to Marilyn Monroe he would launch into orbit.
WHY JUMP? To answer this question we must plunge deep into the art of jumping. Often the photograph of a jump does not transmit its symbolic message immediately. Closer scrutiny will show ...
...that every element in the jumpers body- his legs, the position of the body, and the expression on his face reveals definite character traits.
A general rule we can say: A jumper who does not move his arms is a person who does not like to communicate or is unable to. We call him an introvert.
Some jumpers like to hold things while they jump.
When children are asked to jump they always smile and say "okay".
Legs Spread usually is a sign that the jumper is telling us she is not a girl but a woman.
Sometimes the arms are lifted in a gesture intended to draw attention to the jumper.
Jumping subjects can be divided into two categories: one which tries to jump as high as possible and one which does not care.
The ones who try hard have ambition, drive, and the desire to impress others. The ones who dont care, either dont take the jump seriously or lack ambition.
For some jumping is a new activity. If a new jumper is smiling it signifys that he is inclined to enjoy new tasks.
Thrillseekers like to pee while jumping.
Many jumpers prefer to jump with friends or in groups.
Holding the hands open shows a more relaxed and mild disposition. It can also mean a lack of energy, especially if the dianogsis is supported by the facial expressions or an insufficient height of a jump.
An experienced jumpologist will also observe what the jumper does with his hands: clenching them into fists discloses an energetic or perhaps violent character.
Making oneself as narrow as possible is a sign of modesty.
Alas, the most common, also known as the staple of all jumps...the open mouth jump. 9 out 10 jumpers always use this style. Of course, they use it involuntarily.
We hope that the preceding pages will give the reader enough material to be able to interpret, in a general way the jumps of his friends. Grab a camera and have plenty of headroom. Now, go to it. Enjoy!