Translation guide
The art, practice, or hobby of taking photographs. In Japanese, the most common word is 写真 (しゃしん), which covers both 'photograph' and 'photography' depending on context. For the activity or art form, 写真撮影 (しゃしんさつえい) or 撮影 (さつえい) are used.
Referring to photography as an art form, profession, or general activity.
The most common word for 'photography' in everyday conversation. It can mean both 'photograph' and 'photography' depending on context. Often used in compounds like 写真を撮る (to take a photo).
彼は写真が趣味です。
His hobby is photography.
写真の勉強をしています。
I'm studying photography.
Literally 'photo shooting', this explicitly refers to the act of taking photographs. More formal than 写真 alone.
写真撮影は禁止されています。
Photography is prohibited.
Means 'shooting' or 'filming', used for both photography and videography. Common in technical or professional contexts.
撮影技術が進歩した。
Photography technology has advanced.
Loanword from English, used mainly in artistic or brand names. Not common in daily speech.
彼はファインアート・フォトグラフィーを専門にしている。
He specializes in fine art photography.
Talking about photography as a personal interest or pastime.
The most natural way to say 'taking photos' as a hobby. The verb 撮る (とる) specifically means 'to take (a photo)'.
写真を撮ることが好きです。
I like photography.
Often used metonymically to refer to photography as a hobby, similar to 'I'm into cameras' in English.
趣味はカメラです。
My hobby is photography.
Referring to the action of photographing something in a particular situation.
The standard verb phrase for 'to take a photo'. Use this for the act of photography.
ここで写真を撮ってもいいですか？
Is it okay to take photos here?
More formal verb for 'to photograph' or 'to film'. Used in official notices or professional settings.
許可なく撮影することはできません。
You cannot take photographs without permission.
写真 (しゃしん) is the general term for both 'photograph' and 'photography'. 撮影 (さつえい) specifically means the act of shooting (photos or video). Use 写真 for hobbies and everyday talk; use 撮影 in technical, professional, or prohibition contexts.
In casual conversation, saying 趣味はカメラです (My hobby is cameras) is a natural way to say you enjoy photography. It implies the activity, not just collecting equipment.
写真に興味があります。
I'm interested in photography.
ここでの写真撮影は禁止です。
Photography is not allowed here.