taking photos

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking photos" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of capturing images using a camera or smartphone. Example: "During our vacation, we spent hours taking photos of the beautiful landscapes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Taking photos with people.

Independent

"These people taking photos?

The New York Times

The soldiers were laughing and taking photos.

Independent

Have possibility of taking photos.

The Guardian

"I don't mind taking photos," Gillian says.

Independent

I sat with them, taking photos.

The Guardian - Travel

I started taking photos in 1972.

The Guardian - Arts

Fans lined the road, taking photos.

The Guardian

So I'm taking photos of these interiors".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm taking photos for glitterandcouture.com today.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meanwhile Lewis is taking photos of the photographer taking photos of him.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an event, use "taking photos" to emphasize the active role of capturing moments. For instance, "The tourists were busy taking photos of the historical site."

Common error

While grammatically sound, relying solely on "taking photos" can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "capturing images" or "snapping pictures" to add stylistic flair and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking photos" functions primarily as a gerund phrase when used as a noun, or as part of a continuous verb tense when describing an ongoing action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For example, "I enjoy taking photos" (gerund) or "They are taking photos" (continuous tense).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking photos" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to describe the act of capturing images. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. While generally neutral, it can be replaced with alternatives like "capturing images" for more formal contexts. It's important to be mindful of overusing the phrase and to vary your language for stylistic purposes. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, demonstrating its broad applicability. Remember to respect copyrights and to always seek permission before taking photos of people, especially in sensitive settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capturing images

Emphasizes the act of recording or seizing an image, often used in a more technical or artistic context.

snapping pictures

Suggests a quick and informal way of taking photos, often used in casual settings.

shooting photographs

Implies a more deliberate and professional approach to taking photos, reminiscent of using a firearm.

making snapshots

Highlights the creation of informal, often spontaneous photos intended as personal records.

recording visuals

Broadly refers to the act of capturing visual information, which can include both photos and videos.

photographing subjects

Focuses on the act of taking photos of specific subjects, whether people, objects, or scenes.

creating portraits

Specifically refers to the act of taking photos of people, often with the intention of capturing their likeness or personality.

documenting scenes

Implies the act of capturing photos to record or chronicle specific events, locations, or situations.

shooting footage

Focuses more on video recording rather than still photos but shares the broader concept of capturing visual media.

capturing moments

Emphasizes the act of freezing a particular instant in time through photography, highlighting the emotional aspect.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "taking photos"?

You can use alternatives like "capturing images", "snapping pictures", or "shooting photographs" depending on the context.

Is "taking photos" formal or informal?

"Taking photos" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "capturing images" may be preferred in academic or professional settings.

How to use "taking photos" in a sentence?

You can use "taking photos" to describe the action of capturing images with a camera or smartphone. For example, "She enjoys taking photos of landscapes" or "They were taking photos during the concert".

What's the difference between "taking photos" and "taking photography"?

"Taking photos" refers to the specific act of capturing individual images, while "taking photography" implies a broader engagement with the art and practice of photography as a whole. You take photos, but you take photography classes.