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.
photography (as art/hobby)
Most common word; context distinguishes 'photograph' from 'photography'.
photography (act of taking photos)
Explicitly refers to the act of shooting photos.
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).
His hobby is photography.
I'm studying photography.
Means 'shooting' or 'filming', used for both photography and videography. Common in technical or professional contexts.
Loanword from English, used mainly in artistic or brand names. Not common in daily speech.
Talking about photography as a personal interest or pastime.
Referring to the action of photographing something in a particular situation.
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.
Photography is my hobby.
No photography
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.
I'm interested in photography.
Photography is not allowed here.
Literally 'photo shooting', this explicitly refers to the act of taking photographs. More formal than 写真 alone.
Photography is prohibited.
撮影技術が進歩した。
Photography technology has advanced.
He specializes in fine art photography.
My hobby is photography.
You cannot take photographs without permission.