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

Example Sentences

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

Looking ecstatic and dazed, Arkapaw, who’s also the first Black director of photography to win an Oscar, ascended the platform to get her statue engraved beside her young son.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

The company is set to announce partnerships with some large publishing houses and plans to move into music, photography, film and animation too.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

Along with the basics of photography, she began to absorb Mia’s aesthetics and sensibilities.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng