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shutterbug

shutterbug

3 7.3
A person who loves taking photos as a hobby
  • noun
  • /ˈʃʌtərˌbʌg/
  • Informal
translation icon : aficionado a la fotografía
  • The local park is a popular spot for shutterbugs looking to photograph wildlife.
  • an amateur shutterbug
  • Shutterbug magazine

Examples

  • Whether you're a professional photog or a nature-loving shutterbug, you'll enjoy the Point Iroquois Lighthouse.

    Blog text (12)
  • In addition, I contacted the Paterson YMCA, which has after school and summer programs for kids (and whose director, I knew, was a shutterbug!).

    Academic text (2003)
  • Best shutterbug in New York.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Vera, this guy's the best shutterbug in New York.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Betty's a bit of a shutterbug.

  • Highlight: Who knew de Pury was an avid shutterbug in his spare time?

    Blog text (14)
  • I'm an amateur shutterbug, and I have great respect for the skill and dedication of the photographer(s) who took these pictures.

    Blog text (34)
  • At the festival, I spotted many shutterbugs capturing the vibrant colors of the parade.

  • She identified herself as a shutterbug after taking stunning photos during her travels.

Synonyms

photographer
vsshutterbug
534 2.5

A person who takes pictures with a camera, often as a job

is the amateur enthusiast rather than a paid worker
shooter
vsshutterbug
  • Jargon
11 3.4

A camera person who records photos or video for news reports

is the enthusiastic amateur who takes photos for fun rather than assignment
photog
vsshutterbug
  • Informal
3 8.8

A person who takes pictures for newspapers or magazines

is the informal term for an enthusiastic amateur rather than a pro
shootist
vsshutterbug
  • Jargon
1 8.6

A person who takes photos or makes films professionally

is the amateur hobbyist who photographs for pleasure not pay
snapshooter
vsshutterbug
  • Archaic
6.2

Person who takes casual photos for fun, not as a professional

is a passionate amateur who actively seeks many photos

How Enthusiastic

shutterbug
  • Informal
3 7.3
photographer
534 2.5
snapshooter
  • Archaic
6.2

Surface Forms

shutterbug singular
shutterbugs plural

Morphology

shutterbug = shutter + bug (semi-transparent) = shutter + bug

Formally a compound of 'shutter' + 'bug' whose meaning 'photography enthusiast' is understandable from the parts but depends on the informal/slang sense of 'bug' meaning 'enthusiast'.

Etymology

Shutterbug joins shutter, the part of a camera that opens and closes, and bug, which is a small insect and a way to say someone is 'bitten' by an interest. So a shutterbug is someone 'bitten' by photography — a person who loves taking photos.