Two other poses were tried and I emerged from the booth to find photos of me as Indiana Jones, a fireman from Backdraft and a wrestler being strangled in a headlock.
It is caused in part by prolonged hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and results in dysfunction of one or both tibial nerves and a plantigrade stance (down on the hocks).
The MERL system uses 3D face models and specifically targets illumination and pose variation, which they think as the most critical factors limiting performance.
Although you may feel stupid, and will probably look a bit odd, this posturing will reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase testosterone, making you scientifically stronger and better prepared for that test.
Because when you are on a red carpet and you're wearing a dress that is corseted and boned and you have to stand, pose, and sit in it for very long periods of time, it's important to feel comfortable.