Refers to someone who takes photographs professionally or as an artistic pursuit; more formal or profession-oriented than casual カメラマン in many contexts.
She works as a freelance photographer.
That photographer takes pictures of animals around the world.
He quit his job and became a photographer.
She travels around the world in her capacity as a photographer.
フォトグラファー is a trendier loanword often used in fashion or art contexts, whereas 写真家 is the standard, more neutral term for a professional photographer.
写真 means 'photograph' itself, while 写真家 means the person who takes photographs; the shared kanji often confuses learners.
Used when counting the people themselves; for jobs/roles this is the natural choice.
A transparent compound of 写真, 'photograph; photography', and 家, a suffix meaning a specialist, professional, or person associated with a field.
Works by famous photographers are on display at this photo exhibition.