Photograph vs. Photography — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
A photograph is a single image captured by a camera, while photography is the art or practice of taking and processing photographs.
Difference Between Photograph and Photography
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A photograph refers to a single image or picture taken by a camera. Photography, on the other hand, encompasses the entire process of creating such images, from capturing to processing.
While a photograph is a tangible or digital representation of a moment, scene, or subject, photography is the discipline or art form behind creating those moments.
Anyone can have a photograph, whether printed or digital. However, engaging in photography might require skills, techniques, and understanding of the equipment and artistry.
When we look at a photograph, we see a specific moment frozen in time. When we talk about photography, we refer to the broader spectrum, including the techniques, genres, and the history behind those moments.
A photograph can be judged for its composition, clarity, and subject. Photography, as an art form, can be critiqued on its style, method, and the photographer's ability to convey emotion or message.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
A single image or picture.
The art or practice of taking and processing images.
Scope
Specific moment or scene.
Broader: techniques, genres, history.
Involvement
Passive (an end product).
Active (process of creation).
Requirement
Camera and a moment.
Skills, techniques, equipment.
Participation Level
Can be taken by anyone.
Professional to amateur levels of engagement.
Compare with Definitions
Photograph
A two-dimensional depiction often used for memories or documentation.
The photograph in the newspaper highlighted the event's importance.
Photography
The technique, art, or process of producing photographs.
He took a course to learn the basics of photography.
Photograph
A tangible or digital image captured by a camera.
I found an old photograph of my grandparents in the attic.
Photography
A discipline involving the capture and processing of visual content.
Photography can be both a hobby and a profession.
Photograph
A representation of a person, place, or thing in visual form.
This photograph perfectly captures the beauty of the sunset.
Photography
A medium of expression using visual imagery.
Photography has the power to convey deep emotions without words.
Photograph
A snapshot of a particular moment or event.
She showed me a photograph from her graduation day.
Photography
An artistic pursuit that captures light on a medium.
With the advent of digital technology, photography has evolved greatly.
Photograph
An artifact that visually represents reality or artistry.
The artist used a photograph as the basis for his painting.
Photography
Photography is the art, application, and practice of creating durable images by recording light, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film. It is employed in many fields of science, manufacturing (e.g., photolithography), and business, as well as its more direct uses for art, film and video production, recreational purposes, hobby, and mass communication.Typically, a lens is used to focus the light reflected or emitted from objects into a real image on the light-sensitive surface inside a camera during a timed exposure.
Photograph
A photograph (also known as a photo) is an image created by light falling on a photosensitive surface, usually photographic film or an electronic image sensor, such as a CCD or a CMOS chip. Most photographs are created using a smartphone/camera, which uses a lens to focus the scene's visible wavelengths of light into a reproduction of what the human eye would see.
Photography
The art or practice of taking and processing photographs.
Photograph
A picture made using a camera, in which an image is focused on to light-sensitive material and then made visible and permanent by chemical treatment, or stored digitally
A photograph of her father
Photography
The art or process of producing images of objects on photosensitive surfaces.
Photograph
Take a photograph of
She has photographed all of the major ballet companies worldwide
He was commissioned to photograph in the Crimea during the war
Photography
The art, practice, or occupation of taking and printing photographs.
Photograph
An image, especially a positive print, recorded by exposing a photosensitive surface to light, especially in a camera.
Photography
A body of photographs.
Photograph
To take a photograph of.
Photography
The art and technology of producing images on photosensitive surfaces, and its digital counterpart.
Go on a photography course
Photograph
To practice photography.
Photography
The occupation of taking (and often printing) photographs.
Photograph
To be the subject for photographs
She photographs well.
Photography
The science which relates to the action of light on sensitive bodies in the production of pictures, the fixation of images, and the like.
Photograph
A picture created by projecting an image onto a photosensitive surface such as a chemically treated plate or film, CCD receptor, etc.
Photography
The art or process of producing pictures by this action of light.
Photograph
To take a photograph (of).
Photography
The act of taking and printing photographs
Photograph
To fix permanently in the memory etc.
Photography
The process of producing images of objects on photosensitive surfaces
Photograph
(intransitive) To appear in a photograph.
She photographs well. The camera loves her.
Photography
The occupation of taking and printing photographs or making movies
Photograph
A picture or likeness obtained by photography.
Photography
The art or practice of creating images using a camera.
Her passion for photography began at a young age.
Photograph
To take a picture or likeness of by means of photography; as, to photograph a view; to photograph a group.
He makes his pen drawing on white paper, and they are afterwards photographed on wood.
He is photographed on my mind.
Photograph
To practice photography; to take photographs.
Photograph
A picture of a person or scene in the form of a print or transparent slide; recorded by a camera on light-sensitive material
Photograph
Record on photographic film;
I photographed the scene of the accident
She snapped a picture of the President
Photograph
Undergo being photographed in a certain way;
Children photograph well
Common Curiosities
What does photography refer to?
Photography is the art or practice of taking and processing photographs.
Can a phone picture be called a photograph?
Yes, any image captured by a camera device, including phones, can be called a photograph.
How is a photograph different from a painting?
A photograph captures a real scene using a camera, while a painting is a hand-made representation created using paint.
Who practices photography?
Anyone from professionals to hobbyists can practice photography.
How has digital technology impacted photography?
Digital technology has made photography more accessible, versatile, and easier to edit and share.
Can a single image be called photography?
No, a single image is a photograph. Photography refers to the practice or art of creating photographs.
What are the genres in photography?
Some genres include portrait, landscape, macro, street, and wildlife photography.
Is photography considered an art?
Yes, photography is considered both an art and a technical skill.
Do I need a professional camera to take a photograph?
No, even smartphones and basic cameras can be used to take photographs.
Is every photograph a representation of reality?
Not necessarily. Photographs can be edited or manipulated to alter or enhance reality.
What is a photograph?
A photograph is a single image captured by a camera.
How long has photography existed?
Photography has been around since the early 19th century.
How can I improve my photograph's quality?
By understanding lighting, composition, and using appropriate camera settings.
How has photography influenced modern culture?
Photography has influenced journalism, advertising, social media, and how we document and perceive the world around us.
Why is lighting important in photography?
Lighting affects the mood, clarity, and quality of the photograph.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
