photography

American  

[fuh-tog-ruh-fee] / fəˈtɒg rə fi /

noun

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

• multiphotography noun

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

We should pay attention to what makes practices like film photography so appealing in a digital age.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Coles is a real champion of home-grown talent on the island of Ireland and in more than 10 years in photography, "the strongest work I have created has been right here at home".

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Auf der Maur insisted that she was happy with her life, that she wanted to finish art school and get her MFA in photography.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

“Each director of photography has his little secrets,” Dorieux said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

“I’m pretty good at doing research and investigating. So how about you help me with my photography and I’ll keep you loaded with information?”

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai