Photographing: meaning, definitions and examples

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photographing

[ˈfəʊtəɡrɑːfɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

capturing moments

The act of taking pictures with a camera to capture memories or moments in time. It involves composing the shot, adjusting settings, and capturing the image.

Synonyms

shooting, snapping photos, taking pictures.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
photographing	This word is often used formally or professionally. It can be applied when discussing the activity of capturing photos in a more serious manner, such as in journalism, events, or art. She has been photographing wildlife in Africa for over a decade. He specializes in photographing weddings and captures beautiful moments.
taking pictures	A very general and neutral term that can be used in almost any context, from casual to slightly formal. It simply refers to the act of capturing images with a camera. She's taking pictures of the sunset at the beach. He enjoys taking pictures during family gatherings.
snapping photos	This phrase is informal and usually used to describe quickly taking pictures, often without much planning. It's suitable for casual settings or spontaneous moments. She loves snapping photos of her travels and sharing them on social media. He spent the day snapping photos at the park with his friends.
shooting	This term is more casual and commonly used in both professional and informal settings. It often implies a session where multiple photos are taken quickly or over a period of time. We will be shooting the new fashion campaign this weekend. He spent the afternoon shooting portraits of the local community.

Examples of usage

Sarah loves photographing nature during her travels.
He spent the afternoon photographing the city skyline.
The couple hired a professional photographer for their wedding.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

documenting events

To document events, people, places, or objects through the use of photography. It can be used for journalism, historical purposes, or personal archives.

Synonyms

capturing, documenting, recording.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
photographing	Used when taking pictures with a camera to save memories or for artistic purposes. She enjoys photographing landscapes during her travels. They are photographing the event to create an album.
documenting	Used in more formal or professional contexts, often related to creating records for historical or informational purposes. The team is documenting the restoration process of the old building. She spends her weekends documenting the wildlife in the forest.
recording	Generally associated with making audio or video recordings, rather than taking still images. They are recording an interview for the documentary. He is recording a live concert with his camera.
capturing	Refers to the act of taking a photo or video to preserve a moment, commonly used to describe the action of getting the right shot at the right time. He captured the perfect sunset with his phone. The photographer captured the joy on the children's faces.

Examples of usage

The journalist was photographing the protest for the newspaper.
She enjoys photographing historical landmarks on her travels.
They hired a photographer to document the company's anniversary celebration.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek words 'photo', meaning light, and 'graph', meaning to draw or write.
The term began to be used in the 1830s as the art of making images using light became popular.
Photographing has evolved from early techniques like daguerreotype to modern digital methods.

Historical Development

The first photograph was taken in 1826 by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, using a prolonged exposure process.
In the 1900s, Kodak made photography accessible to everyday people with the introduction of roll film.
The invention of the digital camera in the late 20th century transformed photography, allowing instant viewing and sharing.

Art and Culture

Photographing has become a key medium for artistic expression, showcasing everything from landscapes to social issues.
Photojournalism emerged to document historical events, capturing moments that change how society views issues.
The rise of social media has led to a culture of sharing photographs, making it a crucial part of personal branding.

Science

Photography operates on the scientific principles of optics, using lenses to focus light onto a sensor or film.
The development of high-speed photography allows for the capture of rapid movement, revealing details invisible to the naked eye.
Thermal and infrared imaging are specialized forms of photographing that can detect heat and different wavelengths of light.

Psychology

Research shows that looking at photographs can evoke strong emotional responses and memories.
Photographs can influence the way people perceive events and can enhance or alter their memories.
The act of photographing can serve as a form of self-expression, helping individuals process their experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "photographing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fotografiação

🇮🇳 फोटोग्राफी

🇩🇪 Fotografieren

🇮🇩 fotografi

🇺🇦 фотографування

🇵🇱 fotografowanie

🇯🇵 写真撮影

🇫🇷 photographie

🇪🇸 fotografía

🇹🇷 fotoğrafçılık

🇰🇷 사진 촬영

🇸🇦 تصوير

🇨🇿 fotografování

🇸🇰 fotografovanie

🇨🇳 摄影

🇸🇮 fotografiranje

🇮🇸 ljósmyndun

🇰🇿 фотосуретке түсіру

🇬🇪 ფოტოგრაფირება

🇦🇿 fotoqrafiya

🇲🇽 fotografía

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,243, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19240 estimations
19241 toughest
19242 warheads
19243 photographing
19244 chairperson
19245 robotic
19246 devious
...