watch the birdie
Pre-snapshot instruction
Watch the birdie is what photographers say to get subjects—especially children—to look at the camera and smile.
The phrase originated when photographers would use toy birds or other props to capture attention.
Now it's a stock phrase, often said with deliberate corniness: Okay everyone, watch the birdie!
Sometimes used figuratively to mean directing attention to a specific point.
smile
Pleased facial expression
- poseDeliberate bodily arrangement
- cheeseFermented milk solid
- snapshotInformal photograph taken quickly
portrait · camera · shutter · flash · focus · lens · tripod · aperture · exposure · viewfinder
misdirection
Intentional focus manipulation
- diversionRedirection of attention
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- attentionFocused mental awareness
ploy · ruse · feint · deflection · bait · lure · sleight · trick · gimmick · redirect
watch the birdiecandid shot
Unposed, natural photograph
unposed · candid photography · caught off guard · unstaged · stolen shot
watch, birdie, watched, watching, watches, watcher, watchers, watchful, watchfully