Out and About

Why do chefs cross their arms when posing for pictures?

Shkruar nga Anabel

24 Nëntor 2023

Why do chefs cross their arms when posing for pictures?

It seems like every chef has their own way of posing in photos, just like sharpening knives or turning pans in the kitchen.  

Not only foreigners, but also Albanian chefs have the same attitude in the photos, if we take a look at the photos on social networks, magazine covers or in various interviews:

Why do chefs cross their arms when posing for pictures?
Rene Rexhepi
Why do chefs cross their arms when posing for pictures?
Ravajol Hasani

Chefs didn't invent this pose. There are many other characters from the world of politics and art who take the same attitude in the photo, but why?

Why do chefs cross their arms when posing for pictures?
Renato Mekolli
Why do chefs cross their arms when posing for pictures?
Mario Beijing
Why do chefs cross their arms when posing for pictures?
Ismet Shehu
Why do chefs cross their arms when posing for pictures?
Alfio Rotani
Why do chefs cross their arms when posing for pictures?
End Gjepali

Melanie Dunea, a portrait photographer says that crossing the arms is a message of self-defense. "It's a reflex that probably comes from creating some distance between yourself and the camera. When a big, black camera lens is pointed at their face, maybe it feels a little intimidating,” she explains.

Mark Bowden, an expert on human behavior and body language, explains that the pose sends a message to the kitchen staff.

"The pose echoes the professional kitchen. There's orders, yelling, coercion," says Bowden. "The crossed arms gesture shows great upper body strength, an obstacle you cannot overcome."

Human limbs are inherently awkward, especially when you're standing in front of a camera. The impulse to cross the limbs, to position the hands correctly in the photo, comes naturally, including chefs.

Plus, it may have already become a tradition.
 
Source: Eater