Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, Community Chaplain
The Wisdom Behind "Say Cheese"
“Say cheese” used to be a term used by photographers when arranging their photo set up.
Only a few decades ago, photo taking was reserved for the trained photographer who would arrive at a family event with his Kodak or Minolta camera. It was his responsibility not only to take the professional photos but to position each member in the exact place he or she needed to be so that his photo would yield the desired results.
When all was ready, he would announce, “Say cheese” so that everyone can give their best smile.
Things are vastly different today. With the wide usage of cell phones, each one becomes a photographer, each having the ability to take anyone’s photo at any time without any prior notice nor permission (and then post it anywhere). Today, “Say cheese” is no longer popular or even necessary.
The wisdom behind “Say cheese” is that it allows for permission of the one whose photo is being taken to approve and to prepare for it.
No doubt that technology offers tremendous benefits. However, we must see to it that our usage of technology does not breach human boundaries of respect, privacy and sensitivity.
Whoever thought that a rather simple expression such as “Say cheese” used by professional photographers forty years ago would carry a message today of awareness and sensitivity?
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