Definition

1. Noun:
   • The technique or process of taking photographs of distant objects using a telephoto lens: This meaning refers specifically to the photographic method that employs a specialized lens to magnify and capture subjects that are far away.
   • The transmission and reception of images (such as photographs, charts, or pictures) over a distance: This meaning refers to the technology and process for sending visual information electronically from one location to another.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The wildlife photographer's skill in telephotography allowed him to capture stunning images of the eagles without disturbing them.
  • Before the internet, news agencies relied on telephotography to send pictures from international events to their home offices.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In optics, "telephotography" often implies the use of a lens system with a long focal length to achieve a narrow angle of view and high magnification.
  • Modern telephotography has been revolutionized by image stabilization technology.
• Historical/Technological Context: The term can describe early systems for transmitting still images via telegraph or radio waves.
  • The development of telephotography was a major breakthrough for print journalism in the early 20th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Telephoto (adj/n): Relating to or denoting a lens with a long focal length that magnifies distant subjects. Often used as a shortened form (e.g., a telephoto lens).
  • She attached a telephoto to her camera.
• Telephotographic (adj): Of or relating to telephotography.
  • The telephotographic equipment was state-of-the-art.

Synonyms

• Long-distance photography: (For the first meaning) The practice of photographing subjects from afar.
• Picture transmission or Facsimile transmission: (For the second meaning) The electronic sending of images. (Note: "Fax" is a common, more modern term for a similar concept).

Related Phrases

• To engage in telephotography: To practice the technique of taking telephoto pictures.
  • The paparazzi often engage in telephotography to capture images of celebrities.

Notes on Different Meanings

The two primary meanings of "telephotography" are distinct but historically connected through the theme of overcoming distance. The first (photography with a telephoto lens) is the most common contemporary usage. The second (image transmission) is more historical or technical but remains a valid definition, describing the precursor to modern digital image transmission.

Noun

1. photography using a telephoto lens
2. transmission and reproduction of photographs and charts and pictures over a distance