摄影师

• Pinyin: shè yǐng shī
• Hanzi breakdown: 摄影 = photography; 师 = professional suffix

Meaning

Photographer; cinematographer.

A person who takes photographs professionally or as a serious pursuit. Can refer to portrait photographers, photojournalists, fashion photographers, or cinematographers in film. Distinguished from casual snapshots by 师 (master/professional).

Examples

1. 这位摄影师的作品获得了国际大奖。 This photographer's work has won international awards.
2. 我们请了一位专业摄影师来拍婚纱照。 We hired a professional photographer to take wedding photos.
3. 好的摄影师能用镜头讲述故事。 A good photographer can tell stories through the lens.

Usage Guide

Context: profession, art, events

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 他是自由摄影师。(He's a freelance photographer.)
• 请摄影师调整一下角度。(Please have the photographer adjust the angle.)

Don't Say

• 我是摄影师 when you just took a few photos on your phone — 摄影师 implies professional level

Origin & History

Compound of 摄影 (photography) + 师 (master/professional), meaning a professional photographer.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal