What does the word "photography" literally mean?

The word "photography" is derived from Greek roots where "photo" means light and "graphy" means writing. Therefore, literally, photography means "writing with light." This definition highlights the fundamental process of photography, which involves capturing images by using light. The concept encompasses the use of light to create visual representations, emphasizing the technological and artistic aspects that utilize light to form images. Understanding this definition is crucial for grasping the basics of photographic practice and the principles behind how photographs are created. The other choices, while related to aspects of photography, do not capture the original meaning of the term in the same precise way.