[C19fan]

What is pathetic a lot of people looking at Victorian/Edwardian photos think these people were dour because of the facial expression but as you point out you had to make a comfortable facial expression you could hold or else the photo was ruined.

[Since 2009-07-21]

you had to make a comfortable facial expression you could hold or else the photo was ruined

True! Not to mention having to position your head against one of those metal head rests, as was done with some early studio portraiture!