Photoshoot or Photo Shoot | Meaning & Spelling

Photo shoot (two words) is the more common spelling, but photoshoot (one word) is also acceptable and becoming increasingly used. Both are nouns that refer to a process in which a photographer takes photos of someone or something, either for commercial use or for some other purpose.

“Photo shoot” is the open compound version of the term, while “photoshoot” is the closed compound version. A compound word refers to a single term composed of multiple words.

Please note that compound words often start as open compounds, meaning there’s a space between the words (e.g., “full moon”). Over time, they can become either closed compounds with the space removed (e.g., “snowball”) or hyphenated compounds with a hyphen between the words (e.g., “far-fetched”). This explains why “photo shoot” and “photoshoot” are two acceptable spellings.

Photo shoot or photoshoot in a sentence examples
I have a photo shoot/photoshoot soon, so let’s grab some lunch after.

A photo shoot/photoshoot can be a fun and creative experience for both the model and the photographer.

My dog has appeared in several dog food company commercials and has several photo shoots/photoshoots weekly.

Photo shoot meaning

A photo shoot involves a photographer taking photos of someone or something, often for publication in a magazine, advertisement, or other sort of media. For example, a model who is getting photographed for work is partaking in a photo shoot.

However, the term “photo shoot” isn’t strictly reserved for professional settings. Sometimes it’s used more loosely, like if two friends are taking several photos of each other, they might say they’re having a “photo shoot.”

“Photo shoot” is the preferred spelling among many authoritative sources, such as the Oxford Dictionary and the Associated Press. The plural of “photo shoot” is formed by adding an “-s” to the end of the word (e.g., “two photo shoots”).

Photo shoot in a sentence examples
The last photo shoot I went to took place on top of the Empire State Building.

As a photographer, I have many ways to prepare for a photo shoot.

I have several photo shoots coming up next month.

Photoshoot meaning

Photoshoot is an alternative spelling for “photo shoot” and refers to the same thing—a session in which a photographer is taking pictures of someone or something, either for professional use or for another purpose.

Although “photoshoot” is the less popular spelling compared to “photo shoot,” it is increasing in popularity, meaning it’s not uncommon for it to be used in both professional and casual contexts.

Photoshoot in a sentence examples
My younger sister likes to pretend to be a model during a photoshoot.

A photoshoot can last anywhere from three to six hours, and sometimes more.

During our last photoshoot together, we discussed the newest cameras and their innovations.

Frequently asked questions about photoshoot or photo shoot

Can you say shoot instead of photoshoot?

Yes, a photoshoot (i.e., a session in which a photographer takes photos of someone or something) is sometimes casually referred to as a “shoot” (e.g., “Let’s have a shoot!”). However, keep in mind that it is a colloquial expression.

Try our rewording tool to vary your writing.

Is photoshoot one word or two?

The word “photo shoot” is most commonly written as two words (e.g., “I have a photo shoot scheduled for 1 PM”), but “photoshoot” (written as one word) is becoming increasingly popular and acceptable (e.g., “I scheduled a photoshoot”).

What does shoot photos mean?

The phrase “shoot photos” acts as a verb that means “to take pictures.”

For example, a professional photographer might say, “Let’s shoot some photos” at the start of a photoshoot.

Try our sentence rephraser to vary your writing and express your intended meaning.

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Gina Rancaño, BA

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.