A1 noun Neutral

photography

/fəˈtɒɡrəfi/

Photography is the activity or job of taking pictures with a camera. It is a form of art that uses light to create images of people, nature, or objects.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I take photography classes on the weekend to learn how to use my new camera.

I take photography classes on the weekend to learn how to use my new camera.

2

The museum's new exhibition features contemporary photography from local artists.

The museum's new exhibition features contemporary photography from local artists.

3

I'm really into photography lately and I take my camera everywhere.

I'm really into photography lately and I take my camera everywhere.

Word Family

Noun
photography
Verb
photograph
Adverb
photographically
Adjective
photographic
Related
photographer
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Photo' (light) and 'Graph' (draw) - photography is simply 'drawing with light.'

Quick Quiz

She is studying ___ because she wants to be a professional photographer.

Correct!

The correct answer is: photography

Examples

1

I take photography classes on the weekend to learn how to use my new camera.

everyday

I take photography classes on the weekend to learn how to use my new camera.

2

The museum's new exhibition features contemporary photography from local artists.

formal

The museum's new exhibition features contemporary photography from local artists.

3

I'm really into photography lately and I take my camera everywhere.

informal

I'm really into photography lately and I take my camera everywhere.

4

Digital photography has significantly changed the way we document historical events.

academic

Digital photography has significantly changed the way we document historical events.

5

High-quality professional photography is essential for our new marketing campaign.

business

High-quality professional photography is essential for our new marketing campaign.

Word Family

Noun
photography
Verb
photograph
Adverb
photographically
Adjective
photographic
Related
photographer

Common Collocations

digital photography digital photography
nature photography nature photography
wedding photography wedding photography
take up photography start doing photography
black and white photography black and white photography

Common Phrases

aerial photography

taking photos from the sky

street photography

taking photos of people in public places

candid photography

taking photos of people without them knowing

Often Confused With

photography vs photograph

Photography is the activity or art, while a photograph is the actual image produced.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'photography' as an uncountable noun to talk about the hobby or the profession. You do not say 'a photography'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'I like to do a photography,' but you should say 'I like photography' or 'I like taking photos.'

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Photo' (light) and 'Graph' (draw) - photography is simply 'drawing with light.'

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek words 'phos' (light) and 'graphis' (stylus or paintbrush), literally meaning 'drawing with light.'

Grammar Patterns

uncountable noun used with verbs like 'study', 'practice', or 'enjoy' no plural form in standard usage
🌍

Cultural Context

Photography is a central part of modern culture due to smartphones and social media platforms like Instagram.

Quick Quiz

She is studying ___ because she wants to be a professional photographer.

Correct!

The correct answer is: photography

Related Grammar Rules

More art words

painting

A1

A painting is a picture that someone makes using paint. It is usually created on a surface like paper or canvas and is considered a piece of art.

sculpture

A1

A sculpture is a three-dimensional piece of art made by shaping or carving materials like stone, wood, metal, or clay. Unlike a painting, you can walk around a sculpture and see it from many different angles.

sketch

A1

A simple drawing that is done quickly and without many details. It is often used as a rough draft or a plan for a more finished piece of art.

portrait

A1

A portrait is a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person, usually focusing on the face and shoulders. It is created to show what the person looks like and often to express their personality.

landscape

A1

A landscape is a painting, photograph, or view of a wide area of land. In art, it usually shows natural scenes like mountains, trees, and rivers instead of people.

still life

A1

A still life is a type of art, such as a painting or photograph, that shows objects that do not move. Common subjects include everyday items like fruit, flowers, bottles, or bowls.

cubism

A1

Cubism is a style of modern art that shows objects and people as simple geometric shapes like cubes, triangles, and circles. Instead of looking realistic from one side, the art shows the subject from many different angles at the same time.

surrealism

A1

Surrealism is a style of art and literature that mixes real objects in strange or impossible ways, like in a dream. It aims to show the power of the imagination and the hidden thoughts of the mind.

contemporary art

A1

Contemporary art is art produced at the present period in time. It includes works made by artists living today and reflects the issues of our modern world.

easel

A1

An easel is a wooden or metal frame that stands on three legs. It is used to hold a canvas or a board while an artist is painting or drawing on it.

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