photographer

American  

[fuh-tog-ruh-fer] / fəˈtɒg rə fər /

noun

1. a person who takes photographs, especially one who practices photography professionally.

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photographer British  

/ fəˈtɒɡrəfə /

noun

1. a person who takes photographs, either as a hobby or a profession

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Etymology

Origin of photographer

First recorded in 1840–50; photograph + -er ¹

Explanation

Do you frequently take pictures with a camera? Then you're a photographer. It's especially common to call someone a photographer if they do this as a paid job. Soon after photography was invented in the 19th century, people who were passionate about this new art form came along — the first photographers. In the 1840s, they were also known as photographists. The process of making photographs has become less complicated over the years, but photographers remain just as enthusiastic about it. Whether you take photos as a hobby or hang your shingle as a professional, go right ahead and call yourself a photographer.

Example Sentences

A young Iberian lynx caught mid play has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award 2026.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

The other 24 nominated images for this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award, which you can see below, received a record-breaking 85,917 votes from wildlife photography and nature fans worldwide.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Photographer Malick Bodian’s second book illustrates coming of age in Africa.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

Photographer Lyndon French captured high-speed action with Dane and Malee Blue, and their 6-year-old twins, Rhett and Toby, at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill., in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

Photographer William M. Smith was to take a historic photograph of the presidential inauguration in front of the recently completed Capitol dome.

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson