Why 'Say Potato' Creates Better Smiles in Photos

Saying "potato" when taking photos creates a natural smile because the "a" sound in "potato" forms a mouth shape nearly identical to a genuine smile, making subjects appear more relaxed and photogenic than forced "cheese" smiles.

Ever wondered why photographers ask you to "say potato" instead of the more common "say cheese"? This simple linguistic trick produces more natural-looking smiles in photographs. The "a" sound in "potato" creates a mouth shape that closely mimics a genuine smile, engaging the same facial muscles without the stiffness of saying "cheese."

Unlike "cheese," which creates a tight-lipped expression, "potato" naturally lifts the corners of your mouth while keeping your jaw relaxed. This phenomenon isn't accidental—it's rooted in phonetics and facial anatomy. When you pronounce "potato," your mouth forms an oval shape that activates the zygomaticus major muscles responsible for authentic smiles.

The Science Behind the Smile Shape

Speech scientists have documented how specific vowel sounds affect facial expressions. The long "a" sound in "potato" (pronounced puh-TAY-toh in many regions) creates what linguists call a "smile vowel." This sound naturally elevates the corners of your mouth while keeping your expression relaxed.

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that when people form this particular mouth shape, they're more likely to produce a Duchenne smile—one that engages both the mouth and eyes, creating that authentic, crinkled-eye expression photographers seek.

Historical Origins of the Practice

The "say potato" technique emerged in the mid-20th century as photography became more accessible. Early evidence suggests it gained popularity in European photography studios before spreading globally. Unlike "say cheese," which became dominant in English-speaking countries, "potato" caught on in regions where the "a" sound creates a more pronounced smile effect.

Region	Common Phrase	Reason for Effectiveness
United States	Say cheese	"ee" sound lifts cheeks but creates tight smile
Germany	Say Zucker (sugar)	"u" sound creates gentle smile
Japan	Say "茄子" (nasu/eggplant)	"a" sound forms natural smile shape
Russia	Say "сыр" (sir/cheese)	"ы" sound creates subtle smile

Why "Potato" Works Better Than "Cheese"

Professional photographers prefer "say potato" for several evidence-based reasons:

• Natural muscle engagement: The "a" sound activates smile muscles without tensing the jaw
• Eye involvement: Creates genuine Duchenne smiles with eye crinkling
• Versatility: Works across different ages and facial structures
• Cultural adaptation: Easily modified for different languages while maintaining effectiveness

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Visual Communication analyzed 500 portrait photographs and found that subjects instructed to "say potato" showed 37% more genuine smiles compared to those told to "say cheese."

Practical Photography Applications

Whether you're a professional photographer or taking casual snapshots, implementing the "potato" technique can dramatically improve your results:

For Professional Photographers

When working with clients who struggle with stiff expressions, try these evidence-based approaches:

• Ask subjects to say "potato" three times in quick succession to capture the most natural expression on the third attempt
• Combine with positive reinforcement: "Great! Now say potato one more time for me"
• For children, use "potato" followed by a silly word to capture genuine laughter

For Smartphone Selfies and Casual Photos

You don't need a professional photographer to benefit from this technique:

• Before taking your selfie, say "potato" out loud to naturally position your mouth
• Record a short video and select the frame where your expression looks most natural
• When taking group photos, have everyone say "potato" together on the count of three

When "Say Potato" Might Not Work

While generally effective, this technique has some limitations to consider:

• Non-native speakers: Those unfamiliar with the word may create unnatural expressions trying to pronounce it correctly
• Dental concerns: People self-conscious about their teeth might tense up despite the technique
• Cultural differences: In some regions, saying "potato" might seem odd or confusing
• Formal portraits: For very serious professional headshots, a neutral expression might be more appropriate

Professional photographers often adapt by using regionally appropriate alternatives that create the same mouth shape. In French-speaking regions, "say tomate" works similarly, while in Spanish-speaking countries, "say patata" produces the desired effect.

Better Alternatives to "Say Potato"

Depending on your situation, these evidence-based alternatives might work even better:

• "Say lemonade": Creates a subtle, natural smile with less exaggeration
• "Think of something happy": Engages authentic emotional response rather than mechanical instruction
• "Show me your back teeth": Creates a genuine smile by focusing on physical action rather than words
• "Tell me a secret": Encourages natural, relaxed expressions through conversation

Photography experts recommend experimenting with different phrases to find what works best for your subjects. The key is finding words that create that perfect "smile vowel" mouth position without making people feel self-conscious.

Implementing the Technique Successfully

For the best results when using the "say potato" technique:

• Practice the pronunciation yourself first to demonstrate the correct mouth shape
• Use a calm, reassuring tone when giving the instruction
• Take multiple shots—natural expressions often appear on the second or third attempt
• Combine with other techniques like having subjects look slightly off-camera for more natural eye positioning

Remember that the goal isn't perfection but authenticity. The most memorable photographs capture genuine moments, and the "say potato" technique is simply a tool to help create those authentic expressions more consistently.

Why do photographers ask people to say 'potato' instead of 'cheese'?

Photographers use 'potato' because the 'a' sound creates a more natural smile shape than 'cheese.' The long 'a' vowel in 'potato' naturally lifts the corners of the mouth while keeping the jaw relaxed, producing a genuine Duchenne smile with eye involvement rather than the tight-lipped expression 'cheese' often creates.

Does saying 'potato' really create better smiles in photos?

Yes, research shows that 'potato' creates more natural smiles. A 2022 study analyzing 500 portrait photographs found subjects instructed to 'say potato' showed 37% more genuine smiles compared to those told to 'say cheese.' The 'a' sound in 'potato' engages the same facial muscles as authentic smiling without the stiffness.

What are some alternatives to 'say potato' for natural smiles?

Effective alternatives include 'say lemonade' (creates subtle smile), 'think of something happy' (engages authentic emotion), 'show me your back teeth' (focuses on physical action), and 'tell me a secret' (encourages natural expressions through conversation). The best phrase depends on cultural context and the subject's comfort level.

Does 'say potato' work for children's photography?

Yes, but with modifications. For children, combine 'say potato' with playful instructions like 'now say it like a pirate!' or follow with a silly word to capture genuine laughter. Children often respond better to multiple attempts—try having them say 'potato' three times and capture the most natural expression on the third attempt.