Alternatives to “Say Cheese”: What to Say When Taking Photos That Actually Works

“Say cheese” has a problem: it doesn’t work anymore. It produces the same stiff, mouth-stretched-too-wide grimace it’s been producing for the last 50 years. Your group leans in, someone yells “cheese,” and everyone’s face goes flat. The photo ends up in the “probably won’t use this one” pile.

The real issue isn’t the phrase itself. It’s that saying cheese is a signal to perform, not an invitation to actually feel something. Your face knows the difference between a real smile and a cued one, and the camera catches it every time.

This is where alternatives come in. The best photo commands work because they bypass the performance, trigger genuine emotion (laughter, surprise, warmth), or reframe the moment in a way that feels less posed. Some are silly. Some are sincere. Some are just unexpected enough to break the tension and let people relax into a real expression.

If you’re taking group photos, family portraits, casual hangouts, or anything that needs to feel natural, the phrase you use genuinely matters. Here are the ones that actually work.

QUICK ANSWER

The strongest alternatives to “say cheese” depend on the vibe, but these 5 work across almost any situation:

1. “Say butter” (playful variation that feels fresh without being weird)
2. “Think of something funny” (genuinely triggers laughter and warmth)
3. “Say [inside joke or funny word]” (group-specific and breaks tension)
4. “Smile like you just got away with something” (creates a knowing, genuine smile)
5. “Ready? 1, 2, 3—now relax your face” (paradoxical timing trick that catches natural expressions)

The right choice depends on how close your group is, how much energy you want in the photo, and whether you’re going for genuine warmth or playful energy. Keep reading to find the exact phrase for your situation.

QUICK CHOOSER: DECISION BOX

Use a playful alternative (“say butter,” “say tequila,” “say weird”) if your group is close and you want the photo to feel light and fun.

Use an emotion-based cue (“think of something funny,” “remember when…”) if you want authentic, warm expressions that’ll actually look good when you look back.

Use a timing trick (“now relax,” “stop smiling,” “say nothing”) if your group keeps overthinking the photo and needs to loosen up.

Use a sincere prompt (“say gratitude,” “look like you like each other”) if the moment calls for genuine connection rather than goofiness.

Avoid generic cues if you have the option—the novelty of an alternative genuinely helps people feel less self-conscious about being photographed.

BEST ALTERNATIVES TO “SAY CHEESE”

“Say Butter”

Why it works: It’s close enough to “cheese” that people’s brains process it immediately, but unfamiliar enough to feel fresh. The slight oddness makes people smile without overthinking it. It’s playful without being too cutesy.

Best used when: Casual group photos, friend hangouts, family gatherings where everyone gets the joke.

Avoid if: Your group doesn’t share the same humor style, or you’re going for something more sincere.

“Think of Something Funny”

Why it works: This bypasses the performance entirely. Instead of cuing a smile, you’re triggering an actual emotional response. People think of something genuinely amusing, and their face reflects real warmth or laughter. The photo catches the actual emotion, not the forced version.

Best used when: You want the most authentic result possible. Family photos, portraits, any moment that matters beyond just documentation.

Avoid if: Your group feels awkward or there’s tension—forced thinking about funny things can feel as stiff as forced smiling.

“Say [Specific Inside Joke]”

Why it works: Inside jokes create immediate connection and break whatever nervous energy exists. If it’s truly funny to your group, saying it together creates a moment of shared understanding that shows up in the photo as genuine warmth or even laughter.

Best used when: You’re with people you actually know well—friends, close family, people who share context.

Examples: “Say bad decisions we’re keeping private,” “Say we’re definitely not judging you,” “Say awkward family moments we all relate to.”

Avoid if: Not everyone in the photo gets the reference. People left out of an inside joke often look uncomfortable in photos.

“Say [Unexpected Word]”

Why it works: Unusual words trigger surprise and sometimes laughter. The oddness of saying “tequila” or “spatula” or “existential dread” makes people slightly unguarded. They’re thinking about the weirdness, not about how they look.

Best used when: You want natural, unselfconscious expressions and your group appreciates absurdism.

Examples:

• “Say tequila”
• “Say spatula”
• “Say inappropriate”
• “Say we’re all way more confused than we let on”
• “Say serotonin”

Avoid if: Your group finds this kind of humor forced or uncomfortable. It works best when everyone shares that comedic sensibility.

“Smile Like You Just Got Away with Something”

Why it works: This is specific enough to create a genuine expression without feeling fake. It taps into that knowing, warm energy of shared mischief or inside understanding. The expression it creates is naturally flattering and real.

Best used when: You want a photo that feels intimate and slightly playful, but still sincere.

Variations:

• “Look like you know something the camera doesn’t”
• “Smile like you’re in on a secret”
• “Give me that face you make when someone says something unexpectedly kind”

Avoid if: The moment calls for something more serious or vulnerable.

“1… 2… 3… Now Stop Smiling”

Why it works: This is a timing trick. People relax their intentional smile right after you take the photo, and if you’re fast, you catch that natural, transitional expression. It’s often more genuine than the posed version.

Best used when: Your group naturally overthinks photo smiles and needs permission to stop performing.

Avoid if: Your camera or phone has a delayed shutter—the timing won’t work.

“Say Absolutely Nothing”

Why it works: The permission to not follow an instruction is relieving. People relax. You’re essentially saying “stop trying so hard,” which gives them freedom to have a natural expression. Often results in genuine warmth rather than forced smiles.

Best used when: You have a close group and want an understated, natural photo. Works beautifully for couple photos or intimate friend shots.

Avoid if: You need visible smiles or high energy. This approach often results in neutral or thoughtfully warm expressions, not big grins.

“Pretend You’re About to Laugh”

Why it works: People are actually about to laugh at the weirdness of the whole situation, so this cue leans into that. The expression is warm and open without feeling manufactured.

Best used when: Any relaxed group setting where genuine emotion is the goal.

“Look Like You Actually Like Each Other”

Why it works: For couples or groups that do actually like each other, this creates warmth without cheese. It’s a gentle prompt toward genuine connection rather than a forced smile.

Best used when: Couple photos, family portraits, group shots of people with real relationships.

Avoid if: The dynamic in the photo is surface-level or uncertain.

“Think of Your Favorite Memory with These People”

Why it works: Nostalgia and appreciation genuinely warm your face. The expression you make while remembering something good is universally flattering and authentic.

Best used when: You want photos that radiate actual affection and warmth.

“Say Gratitude”

Why it works: Similar to the favorite memory cue, but more direct. It prompts a kind of internal smile—genuine, warm, present. The expression is sincere without being overly serious.

Best used when: The moment has emotional weight—family gatherings, milestone celebrations, moments that matter.

“Keep Your Mouth Closed and Just Smile with Your Eyes”

Why it works: This removes the “show all your teeth” pressure. A genuine eye smile (crow’s feet, warmth) is more flattering than a forced grin and feels less performative.

Best used when: You want elegant, natural-looking photos.

BEST ALTERNATIVE BY GOAL

If You Want Authentic Warmth

• “Think of something funny”
• “Think of your favorite memory with these people”
• “Say gratitude”
• “Look like you actually like each other”

Why: These prompts trigger real emotional responses instead of performance. The warmth shows.

If You Want High Energy or Laughter

• “Say [inside joke or funny word]”
• “Say something weird or absurd”
• “Pretend you’re about to laugh”

Why: These work directly with humor and genuine amusement, which reads as alive and present in photos.

If You Want Relaxed and Natural

• “Say absolutely nothing”
• “Smile with your eyes”
• “Now stop smiling” (timing trick)

Why: These remove pressure and catch people in a genuinely unselfconscious state.

If You Want Playful Connection

• “Say butter”
• “Smile like you got away with something”
• “Look like you’re in on a secret”

Why: These balance lightness with intimacy. The photo feels fun but also real.

If You Want Something Sincere

• “Say gratitude”
• “Look like you actually like each other”
• “Remember when…” [specific moment]

Why: These anchor the moment to something that matters beyond just the photo.

RESPONSES BY TONE

Very Short and Punchy

• “Say butter”
• “Say weird”
• “Stop smiling”
• “Eyes only”

Warm and Emotional

• “Think of something funny”
• “Remember when…”
• “Say gratitude”

Playful and Knowing

• “Smile like you got away with something”
• “Look like you’re in on a secret”
• “Say we’re definitely not talking about this later”

Casual and Chill

• “Say tequila”
• “Say nothing”
• “Just relax”

Sincere and Intentional

• “Look like you actually like each other”
• “Say what you actually feel”
• “Let this moment matter”

WHAT “SAY CHEESE” ACTUALLY MEANS (AND WHY ALTERNATIVES WORK)

“Say cheese” is a code for: “Now perform happiness.” It’s a social signal that says, “Everyone smile on cue.” The problem is that a performed smile is fundamentally different from a genuine one, and your face knows the difference—so does the camera.

When you say “cheese,” you’re asking people to:

1. Think about their smile
2. Arrange their face in a specific way
3. Hold that arrangement while a photo is taken
4. Do all of this while aware they’re being observed

That’s a lot of conscious effort. And conscious effort shows up as stiffness.

The best alternatives work because they redirect that conscious effort. Instead of focusing on “how do I look?”, they prompt people to focus on:

• Something funny (attention moves away from self-awareness)
• A memory or feeling (genuine emotion surfaces)
• An unexpected word or task (surprise breaks the stiffness)
• Permission to not try (relief takes over)

The underlying insight that competitors miss: The best photo cues aren’t about the smile at all. They’re about interrupting the self-consciousness.

When someone is thinking about something funny, remembering someone they love, or surprised by the weirdness of what you asked them to say, their face relaxes. The smile becomes a side effect of that genuine state rather than the goal.

This is why photos where people aren’t even trying to smile often look better than photos where they are. You’re not fighting their self-awareness; you’re bypassing it.

Read Also: Alternative Ways to Say ‘To Whom It May Concern’: Polite, Professional, and Personalised Openings

BEST ALTERNATIVE BY RELATIONSHIP OR CONTEXT

Couple Photos

• “Look like you actually like each other”
• “Smile like you got away with something”
• “Say absolutely nothing”
• “Think of your favorite memory together”

Why: Couple photos need genuine warmth and connection to feel authentic. Goofy alternatives often undermine the intimacy.

Family Photos

• “Think of something funny”
• “Say [inside family joke]”
• “Remember when…” [specific moment]
• “Say butter”

Why: Family dynamics benefit from humor and shared history. These alternatives leverage what already exists between people.

Friend Group Photos

• “Say [inside joke]”
• “Say weird”
• “Smile like you got away with something”
• “Say we’re all equally confused”

Why: Friend groups have their own language. Alternatives that tap into that shared humor feel more natural.

Coworker or Professional Photos

• “Think of something positive”
• “Say gratitude”
• “Smile with your eyes”
• “Say butter” (if the vibe is relaxed)

Why: Professional contexts still need to feel warm but usually call for more restraint. Emotional or very subtle alternatives work best.

Kids or Young Children

• “Say silly word” (spatula, banana, dinosaur)
• “Pretend you’re about to laugh”
• “Make a funny face”
• “Say we’re all being weird together”

Why: Kids respond well to absurdism and permission to be silly. This often results in genuine joy and natural expressions.

Formal Occasion or Portrait

• “Say gratitude”
• “Think of someone you love”
• “Smile with intention”
• “Look like this moment matters”

Why: Formal moments need sincerity, not goofiness. Prompts that root people in genuine feeling work best.

WHAT TO AVOID SAYING

“Say Cheese” (Too Obvious)

Why avoid: It’s tired. Everyone knows what it does. Your group will expect the result and might deliver exactly that—a forced smile.

Anything Too Crude or Inside If Not Everyone Gets It

Why avoid: People outside the inside joke look uncomfortable and excluded in the photo. Nothing reads worse than someone not in on the humor.

“Stop Looking Awkward” or “Don’t Be So Stiff”

Why avoid: Pointing out the problem makes it worse. People become more self-conscious, not less.

Generic Motivational Phrases (“Be Your Best Self,” “Shine Bright”)

Why avoid: They sound corporate and often feel hollow. People don’t naturally think in these terms, so the response is usually forced.

Anything Sexual or Inappropriately Flirty (Unless You Know Your Audience)

Why avoid: It creates discomfort, not laughter. People will either shut down or feel pressured into an uncomfortable vibe.

Multiple Cues Back-to-Back

Why avoid: “Say cheese! No wait, say butter! Actually, say tequila!” creates confusion and kills momentum. Pick one and commit.

Phrases That Reference Only Some People

Why avoid: “Say that party we went to,” when not everyone was there, makes people feel excluded even if they hide it.

Anything That Asks People to Fake an Expression You Explicitly Call Fake

Why avoid: “Pretend to smile” or “fake laugh” contradicts itself. Better to say “pretend you just heard something funny” (which creates a real expression) than to ask for fake-looking behavior.

Read Also: Other Best Ways to Say Happy New Year 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ALTERNATIVE

Step 1: Know Your Group’s Humor Do they appreciate absurdism? Inside jokes? Sincerity? Gentle playfulness? Your audience matters. A random weird word lands differently depending on who’s in the photo.

Step 2: Read the Moment Is this a casual hangout or a formal occasion? A couple photo or a group shot? The context changes what works. Playful alternatives suit relaxed moments; sincere ones suit milestone photos.

Step 3: Consider Your Goal Do you want the biggest smiles possible, or the most authentic expressions? Do you want laughter, warmth, or quiet presence? The answer shapes your cue.

Step 4: Commit to One Don’t try multiple cues. The moment you’re indecisive, your group feels it. Pick an alternative and say it with conviction. The confidence in your cue matters.

Step 5: Be Ready for the Unexpected Sometimes the funniest photos happen because someone laughed at your cue, or made a weird face, or the moment became genuinely chaotic. Stay alert and ready to capture those moments too.

The core principle: The best photo cue is the one that makes people forget they’re being photographed long enough for their real expression to surface. Everything else is just technique.

FAQs

Q: Is “say butter” actually better than “say cheese”? A: It works better psychologically because it feels fresh without being weird. It’s the Goldilocks alternative—unexpected enough to break the automatic “cheese” response, but familiar enough to process instantly. That moment of mild surprise often produces a more natural smile.

Q: What if my group doesn’t find anything funny? A: Skip the humor alternatives and go straight to emotion-based cues (“think of something you’re grateful for,” “remember when…”). Warmth reads naturally even without laughter.

Q: Can I use the same alternative every time? A: You can, but varying it keeps people engaged. If you’re doing multiple photos in one session, switching cues prevents people from getting tired or overthinking the same prompt twice.

Q: What’s the best alternative for a group where I don’t know everyone? A: Stick with universal options: “think of something funny,” “smile with your eyes,” or “say butter.” Avoid inside jokes, sincere emotional prompts, or cues that assume shared experience.

Q: How do I deliver the cue so it actually lands? A: Say it with ease and warmth, not like you’re announcing something important. The tone matters as much as the words. If you say it like it’s no big deal, it lands that way.

Q: What if someone still ends up with a forced smile? A: Take more photos. Some people need multiple shots to relax. Or try a different cue. Not every alternative works for every person, and that’s okay.

Q: Is there a best alternative for selfies or self-portraits? A: “Smile like you’re about to laugh” or “think of something good” works better than external cues. Self-directed prompts tend to feel less forced in solo photos.

CONCLUSION

“Say cheese” became a cliché because it works—but it works by accident. It produces a smile because people know what smile is expected. It doesn’t produce a good smile; it just produces a recognized one.

The alternatives that actually work bypass that automatic response. They either trigger genuine emotion (laughter, warmth, affection) or they interrupt the self-consciousness that makes posed photos feel stiff.

Which alternative is “best” depends entirely on your group and the moment. But the principle is consistent: the better your cue, the less self-aware people are, and the more authentic the photo becomes.

So next time you’re about to say “cheese,” pause. Think about what would actually make your group relax, laugh, or feel connected. Then say that instead. Your photos will thank you.

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