Prior to the word “cheese,” what word was traditionally used to prompt a smile in photographs? Explained

Prior to the word “cheese,” what word was traditionally used to prompt a smile in photographs? Explained

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, broad smiles were commonly viewed as frivolous or lacking in dignity in formal portrait photography. To promote a reserved and composed appearance, photographers often instructed subjects to utter “prunes,” prompting them to form a tight, modest expression by pursing their lips, aligning well with the era’s preference for seriousness. In contrast, the term “cheese,” popularized in the 1940s, encouraged a natural and amiable smile, prompting a genuine and warm expression, with the sound of the “e” contributing to a more defined, teeth-baring grin.

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