Rhys
Sep 4, 20204 min
Updated: Oct 22, 2020
In the past, when you've been out seeing the sights, exactly how much attention have you paid to the groups posing for photos.
There's one group in particular that stands out from the rest. We’re talking, of course, about
Don't overlook the undisputed masters of the pose - learn some instagrammable moves from the true masters.
(if you don't know who we're talking about, just take a look at the pics below)
Check this out:
And this:
The same Chinese lady generation-X’ers seem to appear every public holiday, every long weekend. At statues and heritage sites, natural scenic spots, in China, abroad… they’re omnipresent, and they have travel photo scenes down to a science.
”Can someone like me learn these killer group poses?”, you might be asking.
Well, look no further. Just like this guy(video), we’ve been studying them, and we think we’ve cracked their formula!
▼
Now for the real content:
1,000,000+ Instagram followers? NO PROBLEM! These moves are the ace up your sleeve.
This may seem basic at first, but don’t be fooled. Like the world cup referee who raises that little flag for a free kick, a lot goes into this pose. The essentials: stand in a line, hold your posture, lean back slightly from the shoulders and look back over your shoulder at the camera. Let your left arm hang naturally, then take grab an edge of your silky scarf together with your friends and raise it up and let that bad boy fly~. Let the scarf work it’s magic.
From the pros:
This gem can be called the “The Group Star Shines”. In this move, 6 Aunties coordinate, each extending their arms to form a 6-point star. The six-point star is associated with goddesses and symbolizes protection.Rock your Facebook feed with this deadly pose.
The “Great Wild Goose Flies South” requires the Auntie to extend her arms like the goose’s wings, body tilted with their center leaning in towards the camera. On this flight the geese have been hit by a sudden headwind. You have to enter the mind of the goose for the best effect.
Inspired by Dutch impressionist painter Van Gogh’s painting "Woman sitting in the Grass", this pose is more or less just that. This move, when executed as a pair, requires a kind of delicate coordination. Remember that afternoon on the grass all those years ago, put on your maiden sunglasses, and watch the likes explode.
Move number 5 is “Greeting the Sun”. The key to this one is to stretch yourself up as high as you can with your arms raised in a “V”, head back as you look towards the sky, hands flat as if you’re getting ready to catch a giant beach ball falling from above.
Flamingo to the right:
Flamingo to the left:
To do the Flamingo you need four or more people to achieve the kind of cumulative “wow” factor capable of impacting social media feeds. The move goes like this: line up front-to-back, bodies turned side on to the camera. Looking at the camera, everyone tips backwards, lifting their camera-side leg 45° into the air. Hold the person in front’s shoulders to stay upright. This pose is a test of balance and lower back strength.
Finally, the majestic “White Crane Spreads its Wings”. A move borrowed from Taichi. Two aunties lean in close to each-other, shoulders touching. They each raise their outer arm above their head, palm towards the sky, fingertips facing their partners’. The inner arms hang naturally behind them out of view. Together, you are the crane~
A few observations from the author:
Why the scarf?
In the minds of older generation Chinese, the words “elegant”, “beauty” and “maiden” conjure up an image something like this. Equip a scarf for an instant boost to elegance.
Why the same set of standardized poses?
Not sure… why do you do the bunny ears on your friend’s head? Pose No#1 is reminiscent of ballet, stretches; No#3 and #5 seem like they’re inspired by old time dance and burlesque… but we don’t have any conclusive answers.
Maybe you do! If you have any thoughts let us know~
Share your thoughts on “A’yi” poses here, or go directly to action and share your photos in the Trendy People group chat :P