Time for a Language Makeover in Photography? Rethinking Common Industry Terms
Language shapes our world—photographers can drive change by choosing different words
Terms like “shoot,” “shooter,” “trigger,” “master,” and “slave” have been part of the photography industry vocabulary for decades. But are these words still appropriate in today’s context? As we considered not only our discomfort with some of these terms, photographers are asking: Is it time for a change?
It’s very common to hear photographers say phrases like:
”I’m headed to shoot a woman in the park.”
”How many families do you shoot in an evening?”
”I need a second shooter for the event next week.”
If you heard me saying some of these phrases at a coffee shop, taken out of context or not knowing my profession as a photographer, then these phrases may sound more like something to attract the attention of law enforcement than a simple chat about an upcoming photography session.
Maybe it’s time for us as photographers to rethink some of the more common terminology used in our line of work.
The Origins of “Shoot”: From Arrows to Cameras
The term "shoot" has been around far longer than photography, or even firearms. Its origins lie in the Old English word ‘sceotan,’ meaning to propel or throw. Initially, this term was linked to projectiles like stones or arrows. With the advent of firearms, "shoot" became associated with firing bullets.
When photography emerged in the 19th century, the process of capturing an image was laborious. Early photographers, lugging around massive equipment, likened their efforts to a hunter’s patient aim. The term “shoot” thus transitioned into photographic jargon, reflecting the precision and effort involved in taking a photograph.
Kodak’s introduction of the consumer camera in 1888 popularized the term “snapshot,” borrowed from the firearms world to describe a quick, uncalculated shot. The term stuck, and “shoot” became synonymous with photography.
Why Language Matters: A Wake-Up Call
It’s easy to dismiss these correlations between guns and cameras as trivial until real-world events bring them into sharp focus. In a world where gun violence is a growing concern, using terms like “shooter” in a photography studio can seem insensitive. Our studio strives to be a safe, welcoming space, and the last thing we want is for our language to evoke fear or trauma.
The Problematic “Master” and “Slave” Terminology
Another set of terms that deserve scrutiny are “master” and “slave,” commonly used in photography to describe lighting equipment. In this context, a “master” light controls one or more “slave” lights, which follow its lead. However, the troubling connotations of these words are impossible to ignore.
In recent years there has been a push by some tech companies to move away from using the term "master" in source code management systems, often by renaming the "master" branch to a "main" branch. This is part of a broader shift away from using "master/slave" terminology in software.
Finding Better Alternatives
Language shapes our world, and small changes can have a significant impact on creating a more inclusive and compassionate environment for everyone. As we’ve reflected on the language we use, we’ve begun to make changes in our studio. I prefer to say “photographer” instead of “shooter.” Instead of “master” light, I say “main” light, and “slave mode” has been replaced with “receiver mode.”
Moving Forward: Embracing Change
As an industry, and as individuals, we have a responsibility to evolve. Updating our language may seem like a small step, but it’s one that can contribute to healing and progress. It doesn’t cost us anything to adopt new terms, but the benefits of making our spaces safer and more inclusive are immeasurable.
Let’s be proactive in rethinking the language we use in photography. By doing so, we can ensure that our studios remain spaces where creativity and comfort go hand in hand, free from the shadows of outdated and potentially harmful terminology.
xo Liz