Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'photographer'

English Word: photographer

Key Russian Translations:

• фотограф [fɐˈtogrəf] - [Formal, Informal; Used for professional or amateur photographers]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about professions, media, and arts, but not as frequent as basic nouns like 'дом' - house)

Difficulty: A2 (CEFR level; Suitable for elementary learners, as it involves straightforward vocabulary without complex grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фотограф: [fɐˈtogrəf]

Note on фотограф: The stress is on the second syllable ('to'). Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, with a softer 'r' in some dialects. Pay attention to the vowel sounds, as 'о' can sound like 'a' in unstressed positions.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The person who takes photographs as a profession or hobby.

Translation(s) & Context:

• фотограф - Used in both formal contexts (e.g., professional settings like studios) and informal ones (e.g., casual discussions), often implying skill in photography.

Usage Examples:

• Я нанял фотографа для свадьбы, чтобы запечатлеть все моменты.

  I hired a photographer for the wedding to capture all the moments.

• Этот фотограф известен своими портретными снимками в Москве.

  This photographer is known for his portrait shots in Moscow.

• Моя сестра работает фотографом в журнале и часто путешествует.

  My sister works as a photographer for a magazine and travels frequently.

• В музее есть выставка работ талантливого фотографа из Санкт-Петербурга.

  In the museum, there's an exhibition of works by a talented photographer from Saint Petersburg.

• Если вы любитель, начните как хобби-фотограф с простой камеры.

  If you're an amateur, start as a hobby photographer with a simple camera.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Фотограф' is a masculine noun (3rd declension in Russian). It follows standard noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is regular and does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Фоторепортер (photojournalist; more specific to news and events, implying a journalistic angle)
  • Съемщик (shooter; informal, less common, and more slangy in creative contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • Не-фотограф (non-photographer; not a standard word, but used in contrast, e.g., in amateur vs. professional discussions)

Related Phrases:

• Профессиональный фотограф - Professional photographer; Used in job contexts to emphasize expertise.
• Фотограф на свадьбе - Wedding photographer; Common in event planning, highlighting specialized services.
• Свадебный фотограф - Same as above; A fixed phrase for wedding-specific photography.
• Любительский фотограф - Amateur photographer; Contrasts with professional, often in hobbyist discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Фотограф' directly corresponds to the English 'photographer' and can be used in most contexts without alteration. However, in Russian, it's important to consider gender agreement; for example, if referring to a female photographer, you might use 'фотограф' still, but in informal speech, 'фотографка' is sometimes heard as a colloquial feminine form (though not standard). Use it in formal writing or speech for precision. When discussing professions, Russian often omits articles, so say 'Он фотограф' instead of 'He is a photographer.' Choose 'фотограф' over synonyms based on context: use 'фоторепортер' for journalism-related roles.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'фотография' (photography) instead of 'фотограф' when referring to the person. Incorrect: 'Фотография сделала снимок' (Photography took the photo). Correct: 'Фотограф сделал снимок' (The photographer took the photo). Explanation: 'Фотография' is a noun meaning the art or process, not the person.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Incorrect: 'Я видел фотограф' (in accusative context). Correct: 'Я видел фотографа'. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so adjust based on sentence structure.

• Error: Confusing with 'фото' (photo). Incorrect: 'Фото сделал снимок'. Correct: Use 'фотограф' for the person. Explanation: 'Фото' means 'photo,' not the taker.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, photographers like Alexander Rodchenko or contemporary figures in Moscow's art scene hold significant historical importance, often linked to Soviet-era propaganda and modern digital media. The term 'фотограф' evokes a sense of artistry and documentation, especially in contexts like war photography or family albums, reflecting Russia's rich visual history.

Related Concepts:

• фотография (photography)
• камера (camera)
• студия (studio)
• выставка (exhibition)