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

His campus involvement started as a photographer at the student media outlet, the OU Daily.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

The clarifying photos would go on to generate something even more exciting for the photographer, Eadweard Muybridge.

From Slate • May 25, 2026

Renato Hickel, World Surf League vice-president of tours and competition, said the photographer, Australian Ed Sloane, had "small puncture wounds" and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

An AFP photographer saw civil defence personnel recovering equipment from the rubble.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

She looked at the vacant-faced woman lying in a bed, her hair cut off short and her hazel eyes staring at the camera without any expression, as if the camera and photographer were not there.

From "Homecoming" by Cynthia Voigt