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Photography Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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photography

[fษ™หˆtรคษกrษ™fฤ“ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

art form

Photography is the art, application, and practice of creating durable images by recording light, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film.

Synonyms

image, photo, picture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
photography

This term is used to refer to the art or process of taking pictures. It is generally used in a more artistic or professional context.

  • She is studying photography to become a professional photographer
  • The museum had an exhibit on the history of photography
photo

A shortened term for 'photograph,' this word is commonly used in casual conversation to refer to pictures taken with a camera.

  • I love looking at old family photos
  • Can you send me the photo you took at the party?
picture

This is a more general term that can refer to any visual representation, including drawings, paintings, and photographs. It is often used in everyday language.

  • Can you draw me a picture? I took a picture of the sunset last night
image

This is a broad term that can refer to any visual representation, including digital graphics, photographs, and pictures. It is often used in technical discussions or when emphasizing the visual aspect.

  • The website has a lot of high-resolution images
  • She edited the image using photo-editing software

Examples of usage

  • Her passion for photography led her to travel the world capturing stunning images.
  • Photography allows us to freeze a moment in time and preserve memories for years to come.
Context #2 | Noun

profession

Photography also refers to the occupation or activity of taking photographs, especially as a profession.

Synonyms

photographing, shooting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
photography

Appear twice for some reason, supposed to be 'photo', meaning an image captured with a camera

  • He showed me a photo of his family
  • She took a beautiful photo of the sunset
photographing

Refers to the act of taking pictures in the present tense.

  • He was photographing the event for the magazine
  • She spent the whole day photographing wildlife
shooting

Informal term for taking photographs, often used in a professional or planned context. Be aware that 'shooting' can also mean using a firearm, so context is important.

  • We are shooting the new collection tomorrow
  • He spent the morning shooting portraits in the studio

Examples of usage

  • She decided to pursue a career in photography after realizing her talent for capturing moments.
  • The wedding photographer was praised for his beautiful and emotional photos.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'photography'

The word 'photography' comes from the Greek words 'photos' meaning light and 'graphia' meaning drawing or writing. It was first used in the 1830s to describe the process of capturing images using light-sensitive materials. Photography has evolved over the years with advancements in technology, allowing for more creative possibilities and ease of use. Today, photography is a popular art form and profession enjoyed by many around the world.

See also: photo, photocopy, photoflash, photograph, photographer, photographic, photos.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,645 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.