photographer

American  

[fuh-tog-ruh-fer] / fəˈtɒg rə fər /

noun

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

---

photographer British  

/ fəˈtɒɡrəfə /

noun

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

---

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

Police arrested several unruly fans near Madison Square Garden in New York Wednesday night, where basketball fans gathered for Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Spurs and the Knicks, an AFP photographer observed.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

The colorful city of Salvador has long been on photographer Tyler Mitchell’s bucket list.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Having developed a trusting relationship with Yarrow in his solo shoot, Haaland - "the unofficial voice of the team" - was keen to involve the photographer in their World Cup preparations.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

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

With that apology, she dashed out the door, followed by the photographer weighed down with cameras.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary