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 Scottish photographer, a trained diver and marine biologist, captured spectacular views of the frozen world above and below the water.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

I wanted to be a comedian, I wanted to be a poet, and I wanted to be a photographer.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

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

Though she did not know it at the time, all of this was training her to be the photographer she would become.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng