watching the birdie
Heeding photographer's command
Watching the birdie is what photographers ask subjects to do before snapping a picture—directing attention toward the camera lens to create the appearance of eye contact in the resulting image.
The phrase comes from early portrait photography, when photographers would hold up a small bird or toy to capture children's attention.
Now it's simply a cue to look at the camera: Okay everyone, watch the birdie!
- say cheesePre-snapshot instruction
- diversionRedirection of attention
- cameraImage capturing device
- photo opArranged publicity picture
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
sleight of hand · smoke and mirrors · shutter · lens · decoy · focus · keep still · look over here · pay attention · aperture · flash photography · snapshot · distraction · laughter · viewfinder · illusion · framing · exposure
watching the birdielooking away
Directing eyes elsewhere
glancing away · turning away · staring into space · distracted · not paying attention
watch, watching, watched, watches, watcher, watchers, watchful, watchfully, watchfulness