How to Sign "Photography"

To sign 'photography', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, with the palm facing you and slightly upward. Form your dominant hand into a 'C' shape near your eye or cheek. Finally, move your dominant hand down to tap the palm of your non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Photography" in a Sentence

1

I love photography.

Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', and then use the sign for 'photography'.

2

Are you taking a photography class?

Sign 'you', 'take', 'photography', and 'class', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

Her photography is beautiful.

Point to the person (or their space) for 'her', sign 'photography', and then sign 'beautiful' by opening your hand across your face.

How to Sign "Photography"
To sign 'photography', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you, with the palm facing you and slightly upward. Form your dominant hand into a 'C' shape near your eye or cheek. Finally, move your dominant hand down to tap the palm of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic. The dominant hand near the eye represents looking through a camera lens or the flash of a camera, while the flat non-dominant hand represents the physical photograph or paper the image is printed on.
Signing Tips
Make sure your dominant hand starts near your eye or cheek, as this visually represents looking through a camera lens. Keep your non-dominant hand steady to act as the 'canvas' or 'photo paper' that the picture is being placed onto.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is starting the dominant hand too low. It needs to start up near the face to convey the idea of an eye looking through a camera. Also, avoid clapping the hands together; only the dominant hand should move.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Photography" in a Sentence
1

I love photography.

Point to yourself for 'I', cross your arms over your chest for 'love', and then use the sign for 'photography'.

2

Are you taking a photography class?

Sign 'you', 'take', 'photography', and 'class', making sure to raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

3

Her photography is beautiful.

Point to the person (or their space) for 'her', sign 'photography', and then sign 'beautiful' by opening your hand across your face.

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

Yes, they use the exact same sign! The context of your sentence will let the other person know whether you mean a single picture or the broader art of photography.

Does it matter which hand I use?

Always use your dominant hand to do the moving (starting at the face and moving down), while your non-dominant hand stays stationary as the base.

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

The sign for 'camera' typically uses both hands in 'L' or 'C' shapes in front of your face, mimicking holding a camera and clicking the shutter. 'Photography' uses one hand moving from the face to the opposite palm.

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