The Science of the Smile
The enduring tradition of saying 'cheese' before a photograph is more than just a playful instruction; it's a clever phonetic device designed to instantly
elicit a genuine-looking smile. The prolonged 'ee' sound at the end of the word naturally pulls the corners of your mouth upward and outward, simultaneously lifting your cheeks and often revealing your teeth. This specific vocalization effectively shapes your facial muscles into the desired expression, making it an easy and reliable cue for photographers to capture a pleasant, ready-for-the-camera look. It's a simple yet ingenious trick that leverages the mechanics of speech to achieve a specific visual outcome in portraiture, transforming a neutral expression into a cheerful one with just a single word.
A Shift in Expression
The notion of smiling in photographs is a relatively recent development in the history of portraiture. In the early days of photography, long exposure times were the norm, requiring subjects to remain perfectly still for extended periods. During this era, stiff, serious expressions were favoured, not only for practical reasons but also due to the prevailing formal traditions associated with capturing one's likeness. Smiling was often considered too informal or even undignified for a permanent record. It wasn't until photography became more accessible and less ceremonial that the idea of a cheerful or relaxed expression in photos began to take hold and be actively encouraged, paving the way for the widespread adoption of smiles.
From Prunes to Cheese
Before 'cheese' became the standard prompt for a photo-ready smile, photographers experimented with different words to achieve their desired results. One notable predecessor to 'cheese' was the word 'prunes.' This instruction was used with the intention of making subjects purse their lips into a more composed and subtle expression, a stark contrast to the broad, toothy grins we associate with modern photography. The shift from 'prunes' to 'cheese' reflects a broader cultural move towards more relaxed and approachable photographic styles. The 'prunes' era likely emphasized a more reserved, almost stoic appearance, whereas 'cheese' signifies a move towards warmth and conviviality in captured moments.
The Rise of 'Cheese'
The phrase 'cheese' began its ascent to photographic ubiquity around the 1940s. This period marked a significant transition in photography, as the technology advanced, making it more accessible and less of an elaborate event. As cameras became more common and the practice of taking pictures transitioned from formal sittings to more casual snapshots, people increasingly desired images that reflected joy and spontaneity. The 'cheese' command perfectly aligned with this evolving aesthetic, offering a simple way to infuse photographs with a sense of cheerfulness and capturing those coveted candid-looking smiles that characterized the era's desire for livelier portraits.
A Photographer's Tool
For photographers, especially in group settings or fast-paced environments, 'cheese' serves as an invaluable and efficient directorial cue. It's a universally understood command that, when spoken, prompts multiple individuals to simultaneously adopt a smiling expression. This synchronized action simplifies the process of capturing a well-composed shot with everyone looking their best and engaged. Instead of individually coaxing smiles or missing the perfect moment, the photographer can rely on this collective utterance to create a unified, happy appearance across the group, making the entire photographic experience smoother and more effective.
Global Variations on a Theme
While 'cheese' is a widely recognized prompt, the underlying principle of using a specific word to induce a smile for the camera is not exclusive to English-speaking cultures. Many other countries and languages have adopted their own versions of this technique, utilizing words that, when pronounced, create a similar facial contortion. For instance, in some regions, 'kimchi' might be used, while in others, 'whiskey' serves the same purpose. Regardless of the specific word chosen, the objective remains consistent: to find a phonetic trigger that naturally brings forth the desired smiling expression, demonstrating a universal human desire to present a happy face in photographs across diverse linguistic landscapes.
