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

Around 20,000 people, including many youngsters, packed a square in Gyor, according to an AFP photographer.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

They’ve got to meet their wedding photographer to plan setups.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

The acclaimed wildlife cameraman and photographer Doug Allan has died while trekking in Nepal.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Inspired by seaside U.K. town of Brighton, the collection pays homage to photographer Martin Parr’s candid stills of life by the beach.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The drivers were: James McIlroy and Alexander Macklin, the two doctors; Frank Hurley, the photographer; Frank Wild, Shackleton’s loyal second-in-command; Tom Crean, the Antarctic veteran; and George Marston, the expedition artist.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong