Photo vs Picture
It is common to use the words photo and picture interchangeably when referring to images in magazines and newspapers. Although many people use these terms as synonyms, there are subtle differences between them. This article will present various definitions of both terms to help clarify their distinctions.
What does Photo mean?
When referring to images in an album, it is generally more accurate to call them photos. A photo is defined as “an image of an object, person, scene, etc., in the form of a print or slide recorded by a camera on photosensitive material.” Some believe that photos are snaps that require photographic talent or knowledge of lighting, setup, subjects, etc. Photographs often convey a message and have an idea of their own, which may be absent in most pictures.
What does Picture mean?
A picture can be defined as “a visual representation of something, such as a person or scene, produced on a surface, as in a photograph, painting, etc.” In other words, a picture can be anything from a drawing to a painting to an etching. Another perspective differentiates pictures and photos based on the effort and artistry put into producing them. This view suggests that images taken with cameras on vacations, functions, and special moments in life, which do not require special effort or knowledge of photography, are pictures. In this sense, a photo is a specific type of picture.
What is the difference between Photo and Picture?
- Not all pictures are photos, as pictures can be anything from a drawing to an etching and a painting, but all photos are pictures.
- Photos are the snaps that we keep in albums to show to our dear ones, and taking photos requires photographic talent.
- A picture can be anything from a drawing to a painting to an etching.
- Images taken without any knowledge of photography and which do not require photographic talent are known as pictures.
