Photographing: meaning, definitions and examples

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photographing

 

[ ˈfəʊtəɡrɑːfɪŋ ]

Verb
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?

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'photographing' is derived from the combination of 'photo-' meaning light and '-graph' meaning to write or draw. It refers to the process of capturing images using light-sensitive materials. The practice of photography dates back to the early 19th century, with the invention of the camera obscura and the development of photographic techniques over time. Today, photographing is a common way to preserve memories, document events, and express creativity.

See also: photographs.

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.