How to Sign "Photo"

Form a "C" shape with your dominant hand and hold it near your eye or cheek. Hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of your chest, with the palm facing your dominant side. Move your dominant hand down and place the thumb and index finger side of the "C" shape firmly against the palm of your non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Photo" in a Sentence

1

Can I take a photo of you?

Sign "take", then sign "photo" by moving the "C" handshape from your face to your flat non-dominant palm, and finally point to the person you are asking.

2

This is an old photo.

Point to the object, sign "old" by pulling an imaginary beard down from your chin, and then sign "photo" by bringing the "C" shape from your eye to your flat hand.

3

I love looking at photos.

Point to yourself, sign "love" by crossing your arms over your chest, sign "look", and finish with the two-handed sign for "photo".

How to Sign "Photo"
Form a "C" shape with your dominant hand and hold it near your eye or cheek. Hold your non-dominant hand flat in front of your chest, with the palm facing your dominant side. Move your dominant hand down and place the thumb and index finger side of the "C" shape firmly against the palm of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly visual and iconic. The 'C' shape near the eye represents looking through a camera lens or the eye itself capturing an image. Moving it to the flat non-dominant hand represents taking that captured image and placing it onto a physical piece of paper.
Signing Tips
Ensure your non-dominant hand stays still and acts as the 'canvas' or 'paper' for the photo. The movement should come entirely from your dominant hand, traveling in a smooth, direct line from your face down to the center of your non-dominant palm. Keep the 'C' shape distinct.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake is using a flat hand instead of a 'C' shape for the dominant hand, which can confuse the sign with 'show' or 'paper'. Another common error is moving both hands to meet in the middle; remember to keep your non-dominant hand stationary.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Photo" in a Sentence
1

Can I take a photo of you?

Sign "take", then sign "photo" by moving the "C" handshape from your face to your flat non-dominant palm, and finally point to the person you are asking.

2

This is an old photo.

Point to the object, sign "old" by pulling an imaginary beard down from your chin, and then sign "photo" by bringing the "C" shape from your eye to your flat hand.

3

I love looking at photos.

Point to yourself, sign "love" by crossing your arms over your chest, sign "look", and finish with the two-handed sign for "photo".

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'photo' the same as 'picture'?

Yes, the sign for 'photo' and 'picture' is exactly the same. You use the context of your sentence to clarify whether you are talking about a photograph, a drawing, or a painting, though 'photo' is the most direct translation.

Do I need to use two hands for this sign?

Yes, 'photo' is a two-handed sign. Your non-dominant hand is essential because it acts as the piece of paper or the physical frame that the image (represented by your dominant hand) is being placed onto.

How is this different from the sign for 'camera'?

The sign for 'camera' mimics holding a physical camera with both hands and pressing the shutter button with your index finger. The sign for 'photo' represents the resulting image itself being placed onto a piece of paper.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!