Imagine Saying 'Prunes' Instead of 'Cheese' in Photos

In the dawn of photography, instead of the modern “cheese,” people preferred to say “prunes” to ensure the perfect pout for their portraits. This shift in linguistic cues for smiles unveils fascinating cultural trends. As we delve into the historical context, let’s uncover how and why this change occurred, revealing more about the social norms and technological advancements of the time.

Shifting Standards

This practice was born from a combination of long exposure times, societal norms, and beauty standards of the era. Initially, the lengthy process of capturing a photo required subjects to hold poses for extended periods, meaning natural smiles were challenging to maintain. As photography evolved and became more accessible, the tradition shifted towards encouraging smiles, with “cheese” eventually becoming the go-to phrase to elicit a cheerful expression.

An 1855 Punch cartoon satirized problems with posing for Daguerreotypes: slight movement during exposure resulted in blurred features, and red-blindness made rosy complexions look dark.

From Prunes to Poses

The etiquette and aesthetics of the time favored a more subdued expression, leading to the use of “prunes” to encourage a small, controlled mouth. This aligned with the dignified, serious portraits that were customary. Today, saying “cheese” invites a smile to capture a moment of happiness, showcasing how far photography has come from its more formal, restrained beginnings. This evolution mirrors the changing landscapes of both photography and societal expressions of emotion.

A mid-19th century “Brady stand” armrest table was used to help subjects stay still during long exposures. It was named for famous U.S. photographer Mathew Brady. Composite assembled by Cramyourspam.

The Snapshot Revolution

The introduction of more user-friendly cameras transformed photography from a formal affair to a part of everyday life, capturing more spontaneous and genuine moments, including smiles.

The transition from “prunes” to “cheese” in photography reflects broader shifts in societal norms, technological advancements, and attitudes towards portraiture. What began as a method to maintain composure and adhere to beauty standards evolved into a practice that embraces spontaneity and joy.

Reference: WHY PEOPLE SAID ‘PRUNES’ INSTEAD OF ‘CHEESE’ WHILE TAKING PICTURES IN THE 19TH CENTURY