You might think that a “photo,” “picture,” and “image” all come with the same general meaning. However, they are different words, and we need to understand what they mean before we can use them. This article will help you to work through everything you need to know.
What Is The Difference Between “Photo,” “Picture,” And “Image”?
A “photo” is something that can only be taken with a photo camera. A “picture” is a broader term that can refer to paintings, photos, and drawings of people or objects. An “image” is even broader still, and it can refer to someone’s idea as a general concept.
So, what does all that mean? Well, it means that we can rank the three words from most specific to least specific.
Technically, a “photo” is the most specific case. After all, we can only talk about it when taking a photo with a camera. It can be of either a person or an object.
A “picture” can refer to the “photo” we described above. However, it can also refer to drawings, paintings, and other types of depictions where a person or object is present.
An “image” can be anything we listed above. However, it can also refer to computerized “pictures” (ones you only find online). It can also refer to someone’s opinion (i.e., “my image of them is bad”) or the likeness of people (i.e., “created in God’s image”).
What Is A “Photo”?
Now that we’ve shown you what most of the key meanings are, it’s time to look at them a little more independently.
A “photo” is something we can take with a camera. We often do so when we want to capture a moment and have a physical thing that will allow us to remember it forever. It could be a person, landscape, or object.
The definition of “photo,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a photograph.”
As you can see from the definition, it’s very specific. There are no other ways we can look at a “photo” other than what it is at face value.
For example, a painting or drawing can never be a “photo.” The only cases where they would be are if someone were to take a photo of them from their camera. Then, they would have a “photo” of a “picture.”
What Is A “Picture”?
Next, let’s look into the broader idea of a “picture.”
A “picture” is anything that shows a representation of someone or something. This could be a “photo,” but it may also refer to drawings or paintings or people or objects. As long as you can see a representation, you are looking at a picture.
The definition of “picture,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a drawing, painting, photograph, etc.”
As you can see, the definition is much broader for a “picture.” We can use it to refer to almost any form of physical medium that we use to depict things. This makes it a slightly more useful word than “photo.”
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What Is An “Image”?
“Image” is the most general of the terms. It doesn’t always have to refer to representational media either.
“Image” means something that we can see and interpret. Usually, these come as photos, paintings, and drawings in the basic sense. However, we can also refer to digital media as presenting “images” to us. Or, we could talk about someone’s opinions and likeness.
The definition of “image,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a picture in your mind or an idea of how someone or something is.”
The definition you see above is perhaps the best way to describe an “image.”
If you think about a “picture in your mind,” it helps us to establish the broader terminology. If a picture can be formed within your own mind, that means you’ll be able to analyze and interpret it much differently from how someone else might choose to do so.
Everyone could look at an “image” and think of completely opposing ideas of what it represents. That’s how we can set “image” apart from the rest.
Examples Of How To Use “Photo” In A Sentence
Some examples might go a long way to helping you understand a little more about each of the words. We’ll start with the easiest one to figure out.
- I took a photo of the lagoon at night because I loved the colors that came from it.
- This photo that I took at the beach is one of my favorite ones ever.
- I would love to take a photo of you because I think you are beautiful. However, I totally understand if you say no.
- Please let him take a photo! It’s for our social media, and we would love to see what the world thinks of his photo.
- This isn’t a simple photo. There’s a lot more to it than you might think, which is why it won so many prizes.
- I would love to take this photo, but I haven’t even got my camera with me!
- This is the best photo opportunity I’ve had in a long time. I would be a fool to pass this up.
“Photo” works whenever we want to talk about taking a picture with a camera. We need a “camera” present if we are going to take a photo. Without one, it would be impossible to do so.
You might also see people refer to “photos” as “photographs.” These words are identical. The only difference is that “photo” is typically a shortened form of a “photograph.”
Examples Of How To Use “Picture” In A Sentence
Next, let’s look at the broader topic of how we might use “picture.”
- Okay, now I’ve completed my picture. I would love for you to check out my new drawing.
- The picture of the surrounding landscapes has always managed to take my breath away!
- I love what he’s done in this picture. Its artistry is unrivaled.
- This picture helps me to understand a lot more about what was going through the painter’s mind at the time.
- I would love for you to take a picture of me when I’m not looking because it looks candid!
- I think this picture would look great hanging above our four-poster bed, don’t you?
- I need to know the painter who created this picture! It’s absolutely beautiful.
“Picture” works to talk about multiple types of mediums. We can use it for paintings, drawings, and photos alike. You might also hear the somewhat informal phrase “take a picture,” which refers to someone taking a “photo.”
Technically, “picture” and “photo” are synonymous when used as a verb.
- I would like to take a picture of you.
- I would like to take a photo of you.
As you can see, you can use either one, and the meaning will still be clear. Most native speakers prefer using “picture” because it’s a much easier word to roll off the tongue.
Examples Of How To Use “Image” In A Sentence
Finally, let’s see the many uses for “image” and how you can get it to be a part of your vocabulary.
- I created these dolls in my image, and I think they’re going to sell really well once people listen to my music.
- I’ve created an image of him in my mind, and I think I can draw him from memory now with no issues.
- I would like for you to download that image from your hard drive again so that I can get a better look at it.
- What image did you think looked the best on my desktop?
- I have the full image of the situation now, and I’ll happily pass my judgment in just a moment.
- I don’t like this image because it creates all kinds of negative tones.
- You shouldn’t worry about the image of the company as much as you are.
“Image” works well when we want to talk about a wide range of things. We can use it to talk about pictures, photos, or general ideas that we might have of things or people.
If you refer to the last example, you’ll see more clearly what we mean about an “image” being an idea or opinion.
If people have an “image of a company,” it means they have created this idea in their minds of how the company operates. Naturally, many companies want this image to be as positive as possible to help generate more business in the future.
Is “Photo,” “Picture,” Or “Image” Used The Most?
Finally, it might help to look into which of the three words is the most common. However, the results might not be as surprising as you might have thought.
According to Google Ngram Viewer, “image” is the most popular, with “picture” being second on the graph and “photo” being the least popular. This follows the trend of the most general (image) to the most specific (photo).
Interestingly, “picture” was more popular than “image” until about the 1980s. This most likely had a lot to do with the introduction of the internet and digital media (which started to coin the term “image” as pictures you can see on a screen).
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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
