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Prepositions with nouns

Of photography or in photography?

In photography is common when discussing the field or activity. Of photography usually appears as part of a larger phrase, not as a fixed expression.

Quick answer

Which expression should you use?

Use in photography to talk about work, skills, or topics within the field. Use of photography only when of links photography to another noun, such as the history of photography.

She works in photography full time.
We studied the history of photography at university.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in photography

Working or specialising in the field

Use in photography for activity, study, or expertise within the profession or art form.

He has a career in photography.
New trends in photography appear every year.
2
of photography

Linking photography to another noun

Use of photography after another noun to show topic or relationship.

The future of photography is changing rapidly.
She teaches the basics of photography.
3
photography of + subject

Describing the subject photographed

Use photography of to identify what is being photographed.

His photography of wildlife won awards.
They admired her photography of city streets.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in photography
She is interested in photography.
within the field or activity
of photography
the development of photography
photography as the topic of discussion
photography of
photography of birds requires patience
images that feature a specific subject
for photography
This lens is useful for photography.
suitable purpose or use

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of photography for profession

Use in photography to describe work or study in the field.

✕ He works of photography. ✓ He works in photography.

Omitting the main noun before of photography

Of photography usually depends on another noun.

✕ We discussed of photography. ✓ We discussed the history of photography.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She has worked ___ photography for ten years.
2. The history ___ photography is fascinating.
3. Which phrase refers to the subject being photographed?

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Frequently asked questions

Is in photography the standard expression for a career?

Yes. English commonly uses in photography for jobs, study, and experience in the field.

Can of photography stand alone?

Usually no. It normally follows another noun, such as the art of photography.

What is the difference between photography of and photo of?

Photography of often refers to the style or practice of photographing a subject, while photo of usually refers to a single image.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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