Ever wondered why people say 'cheese' before photos? The real reason is surprisingly scientific

Saying “cheese” before clicking a photograph has become a habit for people across the world. From school group photos and wedding albums to casual selfies with friends, the phrase is almost always heard moments before the camera captures the shot. While many people use it without thinking twice, the reason behind this long-running tradition is actually linked to the science of facial expressions.

How 'cheese' became part of photography

The word “cheese” became associated with photography because it naturally helps create a smiling expression. When people say the word, the “ee” sound stretches the corners of the mouth outward and slightly upward. This movement makes faces appear more cheerful in pictures.

Photographers began encouraging people to say “cheese” around the 1940s after noticing that certain words produced better facial expressions on camera. Over time, the phrase became widely accepted and slowly turned into a universal photography cue.

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Unlike longer or more complicated words, “cheese” was easy for people of all ages to say together before a photograph was taken. Its simple sound and quick pronunciation helped it remain popular for decades.

Why people rarely smiled in old portraits

Smiling in photographs was not always common. In fact, many portraits from the 19th Century show people with serious or neutral expressions. One major reason was the technology used in early cameras.

During the early years of photography, cameras required long exposure times. People often had to sit still for several seconds or even minutes while the picture was being captured. Holding a smile for that long was uncomfortable, which is why many people chose calm expressions instead.

Portrait photography was also considered a formal event at the time. Since photographs were expensive and less common than they are today, people preferred to appear composed and dignified in front of the camera rather than relaxed or playful.

As camera technology improved, exposure times became shorter, making it easier for people to smile naturally in photographs. This gradual change helped shape modern photography culture, where smiling eventually became expected in pictures.

Science behind the famous phrase

According to the reports of News18, experts say the popularity of “cheese” has more to do with facial movement than actual emotion. The stretched “ee” sound pulls the lips back, creating an expression that resembles a smile even if the person is not genuinely laughing.

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Over the years, photographers have tried using other words to encourage smiles, but “cheese” remained the most popular option because it was simple, memorable, and effective. Some photographers today prefer natural reactions and encourage people to laugh or talk during shoots instead of posing.

Why 'say cheese' still survives today

Photography styles have changed dramatically in the age of smartphones and social media. Candid moments and unplanned expressions are now often preferred over stiff poses. Despite these changes, the phrase “say cheese” continues to remain deeply connected to taking photographs.

What started as a practical trick for improving facial expressions eventually became one of the most recognisable traditions in photography. Even today, the phrase continues to bring smiles to faces moments before the camera clicks.