photography

American  

[fuh-tog-ruh-fee] / fəˈtɒg rə fi /

noun

• photographies
  plural

1. the process or art of producing images of objects on sensitized surfaces by the chemical action of light or of other forms of radiant energy, as x-rays, gamma rays, or cosmic rays.

2. cinematography.

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photography British  

/ fəˈtɒɡrəfɪ /

noun

1. the process of recording images on sensitized material by the action of light, X-rays, etc, and the chemical processing of this material to produce a print, slide, or cine film

2. the art, practice, or occupation of taking and printing photographs, making cine films, etc

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• multiphotography
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• photographies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of photography

First recorded in 1839; photo- + -graphy

Explanation

Photography is the art or process of taking pictures using a camera. If you're very interested in photography, you might want to learn how to develop your own film in a darkroom. You should also practice yelling "Say cheese!" The word photography combines Greek roots phōtos, "light," and graphé, "represent by drawing lines" — so photography is essentially "drawing with light." Since it was invented in the 19th century, the art of capturing images using light has expanded far beyond what the original photographers could have imagined. Today many of us practice photography using our phones. Other advances through the years have included color film, instant photographs, and digital photography, among many others.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

photography

Press is only very rarely allowed on the grounds - meaning that photography of the wood and stone cabins and lodges that make up most of the facility are tightly controlled.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

Banuelos said he did not think he needed a professional photography permit as the videographer was a family member and they did not use amplified sound or temporary structures.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026

Chimi Lhamo, an ethnic Tibetan makeup artist working in one of Shangri-La’s hundreds of costume photography studios, is torn about the tourist waves that have transformed her hometown.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

As Abuja has slowly filled in over the years, it has shed some of its sterile feel, hosting a photography festival, an international film festival and a burgeoning literary scene.

From Barron's ● Oct. 3, 2026

“He’s very nice,” I say, thinking how stupid he seemed in the photography shop.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron