In the world of photography, the tradition of saying “Cheese!” for a smile is now as familiar as the camera itself. However, before this iconic phrase became the norm, people were instructed to say “Prunes!” when posing for a photograph—a practice with fascinating origins.
In the 19th century, having your picture taken was a rare and costly affair which required subjects to remain still for extended periods. Staying still for so long made it nearly impossible to hold a smile, so photographers would instruct people to say "Prunes!", which tightened the lips, and allowed them to achieve a pleasant appearance while keeping the mouth taut. Plus, the lack of dental care at the time meant that many people were reluctant to reveal their teeth, and so smiling was reserved for children and the occasional drunk person—because lets be honest, no one can tell a tipsy person to say "Prunes!" and expect them to keep a straight face.
As the 20th century dawned and photography became more accessible with innovations like Kodak’s $1 camera, the practice of maintaining a neutral expression began to wane. The rise of Hollywood and the increasing number of cameras led to more casual and candid photography. Smiling for the camera became popular, reflecting a more relaxed and spontaneous approach to capturing moments.
By the 1940s, the phrase “Say Cheese” began to take over. Although the origin of the term is unknown, the Big Spring Herald, a local Texas newspaper, referenced this new photographic cue in 1943. The “ch” sound in “cheese” causes the teeth to clench, while the long “ee” sound forces the lips to part, creating a natural smile. This simple but effective trick made “Cheese” the perfect word to elicit a cheerful expression, no matter what you're thinking or feeling.
Today, while saying “cheese” has become second nature, it’s interesting to reflect on the evolution from “prunes” to “cheese.” The change represents not just a shift in photographic techniques but also a broader cultural transformation towards celebrating everyday moments with genuine smiles.
