Cheese...

[Rasputin]

My OK thread inadvertantly gave me the idea for this thread -- strange how my mind works...

Anyways, why do photographers tell people to say "cheese" before taking their picture. Obviously "cheese" is a word that brings about something close to a smile when spoken, but it's usage by photographers is so common and widespread, and there are so many other words that can accomplish roughly the same purpose -- there has to be reason, right? (henceforth to be known as my first failed assumption) Again, any thoughts (or preferably facts) would be appreciated.

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"Give a man a match and he'll be warm for an hour... Set him on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."

[Nickrz]

I used to shoot weddings, freelance. Trust me, "Say SEX" works better. "Cheese" relies on the muscular effort required (pulling back the lips, sorta) to provide a "smile."

The smiles and laughter (especially on the younger members of the wedding party) brought on by the mention of that word (especially in a church or synagog) are much more natural and the pictures were positively "priceless." - Especially when it came time to pay me.