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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Music

Photograph (Ed Sheeran song)

"Photograph" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran from his second studio album, *x* (2014).

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

"Photograph" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran from his second studio album, *x* (2014). It was released as the album's fifth and final single in 2015 and became one of his best-known ballads.

What it is

A heartfelt acoustic pop ballad co-written by Sheeran and Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol. The song was produced by Jeff Bhasker and Emile Haynie, and appears as the fifth and final single from the album *x*. It was released on 11 May 2015 and runs 4:19.

Why it matters

"Photograph" became a major commercial success, charting in multiple countries including the US and UK. It is considered a signature song for Sheeran, known for its emotional lyrics about love, distance, and preserving memories through photographs. The track also earned award recognition and a notable music video.

Key details

The official music video was released in 2015 and contributed to the song's wide visibility. The lyrics focus on using a photograph as a symbol of connection during separation. The ballad is a staple of Sheeran's mainstream pop repertoire, including in Canada where it received substantial airplay.

In short

  • Fifth and final single from Ed Sheeran's album *x*
  • Co-written by Ed Sheeran and Johnny McDaid
  • Acoustic pop ballad about love, memory, and separation
  • Charted internationally and became a signature song
Canadian angle

Ed Sheeran has had substantial airplay and commercial success in Canada, and "Photograph" is part of the mainstream pop repertoire familiar to Canadian audiences.

Quick questions

What album is "Photograph" on?
It is on Ed Sheeran's second studio album, *x* (2014).
Who wrote "Photograph"?
The song was written by Ed Sheeran and Johnny McDaid.
What is "Photograph" about?
The lyrics reflect love, memory, and separation, using a photograph as a symbol of preserved connection.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photograph_(Ed_Sheeran_song)
    Supports: Song is by Ed Sheeran and appears on the album *x* (2014).
  2. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/ed-sheeran/photograph
    Supports: Album and chart information for "Photograph".
  3. Wikipedia — https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photograph_(Ed_Sheeran)
    Supports: Single release date and role as fifth and final single from *x*.
  4. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photograph_(canci%C3%B3n_de_Ed_Sheeran)
    Supports: Songwriters, producers, and promotional single release information.
  5. Wikipedia — https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photograph_(Ed_Sheeranin_kappale)
    Supports: Release date, songwriting credit, and B-side information.
  6. Kiddle — https://kids.kiddle.co/Photograph_(Ed_Sheeran_song)
    Supports: Chart performance and single release summary.
  7. Dork — https://readdork.com/track/ed-sheeran-photograph
    Supports: Track length, release role, and nomination for Best Video at the 2016 Brit Awards.
  8. YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSDgHBxUbVQ
    Supports: Official music video for "Photograph".