At some point, most of us have been told to “say cheese” when taking a photo, and many of us have used the same phrase when snapping pictures of others. But in the Victorian era, people were instructed to say something completely different while posing for portraits.
Richard Beard, Britain’s first portrait photographer in the 1840s, reportedly asked his subjects to say “prunes” instead. The reason? Beard believed it would make their mouths appear smaller and more refined, as Victorian etiquette discouraged broad smiles.
According to historian Christina Kotchemidova, mouth control was highly important in those times.
The word “prunes” was chosen for its ability to create a subtle, controlled expression, and it also helped hide the less-than-perfect teeth, given the poor dental care of the era.
Plus, portraits took a long time to capture, making it difficult to maintain a cheerful demeanor.
Smiling in photos only became popular after advertisements and personal cameras in the 1920s showcased models with wide grins.
Interestingly, today, celebrities like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen reportedly still use the “prune” technique for their signature pout.
As for the origins of “cheese,” it’s unclear when it became the go-to word, but by 1943, it was already being used, likely thanks to a politician’s recommendation. Whatever the case, “cheese” certainly guarantees a smile!
