IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a person you know who really likes taking photos.

Describe a person you know who really likes taking photos. You should say: - who this person is - what kind of photos this person takes - how this person takes photos - and explain why this person likes taking photos

Part 2 model answer

Someone who instantly comes to mind is my university friend, Nabila. Among all my friends, she's the one who never goes anywhere without her camera, and everyone jokingly calls her our "official photographer".

She mostly takes photos of everyday life and nature. For example, she loves capturing street scenes in Old Dhaka, like rickshaw pullers, tea stalls, and colourful markets. She's also really into sunset photography, so whenever we travel, she always drags us to some spot where we can watch the sunset, and then she spends ages trying to get the perfect shot.

As for how she takes photos, she started with just her phone, but a couple of years ago she saved up and bought a second-hand DSLR camera. She's completely self-taught. She learned everything from online tutorials and photography groups on Facebook. What I find impressive is how patient she is. She sometimes waits for twenty or thirty minutes just to get the right light or the right moment. Afterwards, she edits her pictures carefully and posts them on her Instagram page, which now has quite a few followers.

I think she loves photography because it helps her see beauty in ordinary things. She once told me that a photo can freeze a moment that would otherwise be lost forever. Also, she's quite a quiet person, so photography is her way of expressing her feelings without words. Honestly, because of her, I've started noticing small details around me a lot more, and I've also got some amazing photos of myself, which is a nice bonus.

Part 3 discussion

Why do people like taking photos?

Mainly to preserve memories. Photos help us remember special moments, like birthdays, trips, or family gatherings. Many people also enjoy sharing them on social media to stay connected with friends. For some, photography is a creative hobby or even a way to express themselves.

Do you think people take too many photos nowadays?

Yes, I think so. Since almost everyone has a smartphone, people take hundreds of photos without thinking. Sometimes they're so busy taking pictures that they forget to actually enjoy the moment. Also, most of those photos just sit in their phones and are never looked at again.

Is photography a good career?

It can be, especially for creative people. Wedding photography, for example, is very popular and well paid in Bangladesh. However, it's a competitive field, and income can be unstable, particularly at the beginning. So people need both talent and good business skills to succeed.

How has technology changed photography?

Technology has made photography accessible to everyone. In the past, people needed expensive cameras and film, but now smartphones can take high-quality photos instantly. Editing apps also make it easy to improve pictures. On the downside, it has become harder to tell which photos are real and which are heavily edited.

Should people be allowed to take photos of others in public?

I think it's acceptable in general, like when taking photos of crowds or street scenes. But if someone is the main focus of the photo, it's polite and ethical to ask for permission first. People have a right to privacy, especially when the photos are going to be posted online.