Smile Like You Mean It

What do you say when someone points a camera at you?
Do you say "cheese?"

This is Norman Parkinson, the famous fashion photographer. He didn`t like people saying "cheese" when he was taking their picture. He used to ask them to say

"lesbians"

I don't know why, but he's the genius, not me. He won all the awards, he did lots of Vogue covers, and Pirelli calendars, and advertising for the Conversative Party (don't ask, don't tell). So let's see how that works in practice, shall we? You can join in at home, if you have a camera.

If you think this is a reference
to the Blues Brothers,
you really need to get Sky.

Here is a picture of a young Audrey Hepburn,
saying "lesbians" to a pony.

As is often the case in these pictures,
the pony really doesn't seem motivated.

This couple are running towards the camera,saying "lesbians" out loud. How happy they look!

A two girl scene from Swinging London, 1963.
It's not just the paint that's wet...

Here is David Bowie, in a portrait by Parkinson.
Is he saying "lesbians" under his breath? Or is he far too cool?
Or is he just completely off his tits on coke?

Jerry Hall saying "lesbians" under a monument to David Niven, the father of Russian communism.

Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. What lovely smiles they both have. But it would be improper to ask.

"The life of a world famous fashion photographer would appeal to many. But Norman Parkinson knew that without sausages, it was all meaningless.''