Photography today is synonymous with cheerful expressions and wide grins. We all know the universal cue, “say cheese,” used to coax a perfect smile. But this wasn’t always the case. The journey from the austere portraits of the 19th century to today’s carefree snapshots is a story shaped by culture, technology, and the shifting perceptions of joy and propriety.
In the mid-19th century, photography was an expensive and labor-intensive process, making it a serious event in one’s life. Early cameras required long exposure times, often several minutes, which meant that subjects had to remain perfectly still. Holding a natural smile for such durations was nearly impossible, leading to the default solemn expressions seen in daguerreotypes and other early photographic formats.
Beyond technical constraints, cultural attitudes of the time also played a significant role. The Victorian era emphasized propriety, and a broad smile was often associated with frivolity or even drunkenness. For many, photography was a means of creating a lasting legacy—a serious document to pass down through generations. As Mark Twain aptly put it, “A photograph is a most important document, and there is nothing more damning to go down to posterity than a silly, foolish smile caught and fixed forever.”
Before “say cheese” became the photographer’s tool of choice, “prunes” was the preferred prompt. Unlike “cheese,” which stretches the lips into a smile, “prunes” caused the mouth to purse, producing a sophisticated and restrained expression. This practice aligned with the Victorian ideals of control and decorum, where subtlety was favored over exuberance.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant advancements in photography. Faster shutter speeds reduced exposure times, freeing subjects from the need to maintain rigid poses. These technological shifts made it easier to capture more spontaneous and relaxed moments.
At the same time, the invention of portable cameras, such as Kodak’s Brownie in 1900, revolutionized photography. For the first time, everyday people could document their lives in informal settings. Advertising campaigns for these cameras often featured smiling families and carefree gatherings, gradually associating photography with happiness and leisure.
The phrase “say cheese” entered the popular lexicon in the mid-20th century. The choice of “cheese” was strategic: the “ch” sound brings the teeth together, while the extended “-ee” sound lifts the corners of the mouth into a natural smile. It became the standard instruction for creating a photogenic expression, ensuring everyone looked their best in a single shot.
Cultural shifts after World War II further reinforced this trend. In an era marked by optimism and prosperity, smiling became a symbol of success and well-being. Family albums filled with grinning faces became a staple of middle-class life, and smiling in photographs evolved into a universal expression of positivity.
In today’s digital age, smiling for photos has taken on new dimensions. The proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms has made photography an everyday activity. Selfies, group photos, and candid snapshots dominate our feeds, and the pressure to present a cheerful persona online has never been greater.
However, cultural nuances around smiling still persist. In some cultures, a serious expression remains the norm for formal portraits, reflecting values of dignity and restraint. Meanwhile, the rise of playful and exaggerated expressions—from duck faces to goofy grins—shows how photography continues to evolve as a medium for self-expression.
The evolution of smiling in photography is more than just a story of changing aesthetics. It mirrors broader societal transformations, from the rigidity of Victorian decorum to the informality of modern life. Advances in technology, shifts in cultural attitudes, and the democratization of photography have all contributed to this remarkable journey.
The next time someone asks you to “say cheese,” consider the historical weight of that simple smile. It’s not just a cue for a photograph; it’s a reflection of over a century of human history, emotion, and expression.