"On the photograph" vs "In the photograph"

Question

"On the photograph" vs "In the photograph"

Both 'on the photograph' and 'in the photograph' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'On the photograph' is used when referring to something physically placed on top of the photograph, while 'in the photograph' is used when talking about something that is visible within the image.

Last Updated: April 07, 2024

Use 'on the photograph' when describing something that is physically on top of the photograph, such as a sticker or a note.

Examples:

There is a heart-shaped sticker on the photograph.
Please don't write on the photograph.

Alternatives:

attached to the photograph
placed on the photograph
lying on the photograph
resting on the photograph
sitting on the photograph

Use 'in the photograph' when describing something that is visible within the image captured in the photograph.

Examples:

There is a cat in the photograph.
She is smiling in the photograph.

Alternatives:

captured in the photograph
visible in the photograph
depicted in the photograph
shown in the photograph
present in the photograph

Answer 1

On the photograph

This phrase is correct and is used when referring to something physically placed on top of the photograph.

Answer 2

In the photograph

This phrase is correct and is used when talking about something that is visible within the image.