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

The singer and his wife, photographer Rachel Demy, were in the middle of an agonizing breakup that would eventually lead to divorce.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

When photographer Tyler Mitchell first visited Havana over a decade ago, he was captivated by Afro-Cuban culture—the centuries-old buildings and spiritual practices rooted in West African traditions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

She had her first brush with show business in 1944, while working in a factory, when a photographer arrived to capture photos of women working on production lines during World War II.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

A group of supporters had stormed the ring road, bringing traffic to a halt for a time and letting off flares, an AFP photographer said.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

As if to say to the photographer, the whole world, “You can’t touch me.”

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes