Best Alternatives to Say 'Cheese'

“Do we really need to say ‘cheese’ every time we snap a photo?”

That question hit me squarely in the face last summer during a family reunion in the Lake District. My cousin, always the prankster, yelled, “Bananas!” right before the camera clicked—and guess what? We all burst out laughing, and the photo? Easily the best in the bunch. That moment made me rethink this age-old photo cue. Surely, there must be better ways to prompt a natural smile.

As a content writer who frequently works with lifestyle photographers and family bloggers, I’ve spoken with several pros who agree: “Cheese” feels tired. Worse, it often produces forced, awkward smiles. So, let’s explore alternatives that not only keep the mood light but also draw out genuine expressions that make photos worth remembering.

Why “Say Cheese” Is Losing Its Spark

The phrase “say cheese” has been used for decades because the “ee” sound naturally pulls your mouth into a smile. But professional photographers, like London-based portrait expert Amelia Clarke, argue that it creates a static smile rather than a sincere one.

“Kids especially can spot insincerity from a mile away. If you tell them to say ‘cheese,’ nine out of ten times, you get that robotic, staged look,” Clarke says.

Moreover, as photo culture has evolved with smartphones and Instagram, people are less interested in perfect poses and more focused on authentic moments. That means getting people to laugh, react, or feel something in the moment.

Fun and Fresh Alternatives to “Cheese”

1. Say “Money!”

Oddly effective—this one gets both kids and adults smiling. It carries a cheeky undertone, and the “ee” at the end still does the trick.

Pro Tip: Try saying it in a silly voice. Laughter guaranteed.

2. Shout a Favourite Food

From “Pizza!” to “Ice cream!”, naming comfort foods can bring joy to faces of all ages.

“In my studio, we ask kids to shout their favourite snack. You’d be amazed how many giggle just saying ‘chicken nuggets,'” says Zoe Trent, a Bristol-based family photographer.

3. Use a Joke or Funny Prompt

Rather than a single word, try:

“Who just farted?”
“Don’t blink or you owe me a fiver!”
“What noise does a giraffe make?”

These ridiculous cues create curiosity and laughter—perfect for group shots.

4. Personalised Cues

Say something meaningful to your group:

For a family: “Group hug in 3…2…1!”
For couples: “Whisper your partner’s nickname.”
For pets: “Treat time!”

5. Try Gibberish Words

Made-up phrases like “Zibble-zabble!” or “Wiggle-bop!” catch people off guard, lighten the mood, and often get real laughs.

What Works Best? Test & Tweak Based on the Crowd

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all cue. Age, culture, language fluency, and setting all influence what works.

Children: Silly words, animal sounds, or pretend scenarios like “a dinosaur is behind you!”

Adults: Light humour, inside jokes, or prompts like “Look at the person next to you like they owe you money.”

Formal Settings: Try “Teamwork!” or “Success!” for corporate or event photography.

Insights from Psychology: Why It Works

A 2022 study in The British Journal of Psychology found that people shown humorous prompts before a photo session reported feeling more relaxed and rated their photos more positively.

Smiling is often a social reflex, triggered not by a camera but by connection. Creating that moment of connection—whether through humour, surprise, or memory—makes for better photos.

Making It Work: Tips for Natural-Looking Smiles

1. Engage Before the Shot

Instead of saying, “Everyone look here,” start a conversation, get people talking, then snap the photo mid-laughter or reaction.

2. Take Multiple Shots Quickly

Use burst mode or continuous shooting to capture the natural transition from surprise to laughter.

3. Stay Present, Not Posed

The best photos often come when people forget the camera is there.

Evergreen Applications: Beyond Just Photos

Using alternative phrases isn’t limited to photography:

Video Shoots: Use prompts to relax your subject and produce more animated expressions.
Live Streams & Zoom Calls: Break the ice with quirky prompts like “Say ‘pickle juice’ before we start.”

Family Gatherings: Make it a game—who can come up with the weirdest, funniest photo prompt?

FAQ: Alternatives to Say Cheese

Q: Why not just use “smile”?
A: It’s overused and doesn’t trigger emotion. The goal is a genuine reaction, not an instruction.

Q: What about in professional shoots?
A: Even corporate photographers are shifting towards natural moments. Try prompts that relate to the brand or occasion.

Q: Can this work with pets?
A: Absolutely! Words like “walk” or “treat” perk up pets instantly. Use high-pitched tones for best results.

Q: What if the group is shy?
A: Start with simple, low-risk prompts and gradually build comfort. The key is to warm up the crowd.

Final Takeaway: Swap “Cheese” for Connection

Photography is about capturing emotion, not perfection. Replacing “cheese” with something more creative and spontaneous helps people drop their guard and show up as their truest selves.

So next time you’re behind the lens, try something new. Ask a question. Crack a joke. Or just say, “Ready for a weird one?” and see what unfolds.

What phrase makes your friends laugh the most during photos? Share it in the comments below—I’m always hunting for fresh ideas!

Alternatives to Say Cheese: Fun and Natural Phrases to Spark Real Smiles in Photos

Why “Say Cheese” Is Losing Its Spark