1 May
Philosophy of Photography: Photograph versus a Snapshot
Posted in Links & Articles, Photography by JimAfter reading Brian Auer’s blog entry “Who Qualifies As A Photographer?” it got me thinking about a more profound question that was once brought to my attention. When I first became interested in photography I was introduced to the concept of a “photograph” versus a “snapshot”. To be honest when I first heard the definition (see below) I thought it was rather pretentious, but as I’ve honed my skills and discovered how challenging it is to master photography I’ve found the distinction to be quite accurate.
As noted in my comment to Brian’s post…
The real question is not who is a photographer, but what is a “photograph” and what is a “snapshot”. Someone that helped shape my interest in photography once broke down the “photograph” vs. “snapshot” question as such:
A “snapshot” can be taken of anything and of varying quality (composition, exposure, etc.) Usually a “snapshot” is a quick rough capture to document a scene or event. A “photograph” on the other hand is a well thought, composed, exposed and executed art form.
I should clarify per the definition of a “snapshot” that there is a distinct difference between this and photojournalism. Although photojournalism may produce images that seem to fit the “snapshot” definition photojournalists employ a variety of techniques that transcend pointing and shooting.
The next time you look at an image think to yourself, “Is this a photograph or a snapshot?”. Over time you might see the differentiation and it might just impact how you approach capturing a scene.
Technorati Tags: photograph, photography, snapshot, definition, art form, photojournalist, photojournalism, philosophy
photographyVoter.com
on May 1 2007
Philosophy of Photography: Photograph versus a Snapshot
What’s the difference between a photograph and a snapshot? This article provides a pretty solid definition of distinction between the two.
Brian Auer
on May 1 2007
I often find myself evaluating images and wondering if I consider them photos or snapshots. Some are easily distinguished in my mind, while others are in that “gray” area where I could be convinced either direction. There always seems to be gray areas when it comes to photography… I guess that’s why it’s so interesting.
Guy Tal
on May 1 2007
I think the literal meaning of “snap” provides the clearest distinction - a snapshot is more impulsive/reactive, where a photograph is more planned/proactive. As Brian said, there will always be some gray areas between the two extremes.
Either way, I try not to place an inherent value into these semantics. I’m a big believer in the end result, and oftentimes a well-made “shot from the hip” snapshot may evoke powerful emotions that even a meticulously-planned photograph cannot.
Ultimately I think photographers tend to gravitate towards one style or the other and our inherent need for superiority yields some derision from either side. As a viewer though, I prefer not to think about it and try to appreciate a photograph for its aesthetic qualities rather than how it came to be. Admittedly, being a photographer myself, I’m not always successful.
Guy
jim
on May 1 2007
Brian and Guy…. I suppose I look past the labels to think is this art or not? That is a completely different can of works
To your point Guy if it invokes emotion, awe or any other gut reaction then I’m more apt to look at it, process it and appreciate it. The terms don’t matter as much as the impact to the individual viewer.
None the less the differentiation between the terms wasn’t to divide as much highlight the difference of effort taken to capture an image. Many often wonder why their photo lacks a certain quality or impact. This is potentially one major element of that puzzle.
Richard
on May 1 2007
Interesting discussion, and I think Guy articulates it very well.
Chad
on May 1 2007
Semantics aside this is a great discussion. I’m with Guy on this one…I think. There are great snapshots and there are horrid photographs. If I had to choose which one I’d rather be credited with I’d go for the great snapshot every time.
To me the condescending label of snapshot is nothing more than a means by which a more experienced photographer conveys a certain snobish message. It’s a way of saying that a particular image failed in it’s design. Most often this seems to describe poor composition. To me there are only images. Good images, bad images and every flavor in between.
The ’snapshot” label is nothing more than a cop out taken by those with more experience when dealing with images from those with less experience. That said, it seems the implication has a certain critical mass in photographic circles to warrant it’s use in critiquing.
Kris Hansen
on May 2 2007
I do not allow myself to make a distinction between the value or quality of a ’snapshot’ or ‘artistic’ shot. I’d like to point out that using the term ‘photograph’ in this vain (to ‘rank’ an image is pretentious, it stretches the meaning of the word.
n. An image, especially a positive print, recorded by a camera and reproduced on a photosensitive surface.
v. pho·to·graphed, pho·to·graph·ing, pho·to·graphs
v. tr.
To take a photograph of.
v. intr.
1. To practice photography.
2. To be the subject for photographs: She photographs well.
Some of my best shots were ’snapshots’. Some of my worst photos were ones where I had the time to plan it out in my head, then deal with the utter frustration of not being able to frame the shot as seen in my mind’s eye.
What is the difference between a snapshot, or an artistic shot? Often times I see a scene, aim, and shoot. Often, the end result is fantastic. Is this a snap shot? Or does my 20 years experience in photography, qualified eye, and mastery of camera operation make this image worthy of being labeled artistic?
DVPhoto » Blog Archive » What is Photography?
on May 2 2007
[...] I’ve been reading quite a lot of blog posts lately about such things as, Who Qualifies As A Photographer?, and Philosophy of Photography: Photograph versus a Snapshot. These are questions that I’m sure have been asked since shortly after a second person made themselves a light tight box and started making images. However, during times of upheaval in the photographic world, I think these questions are naturally asked more often. And the times we find ourselves in now, with not only the digital revolution happening, but online communities making it easier than ever before for even the lowliest of photographers to be seen. It is because of this that we are hearing more often than ever before, the question: Are Digital Cameras destroying photography? I have to say no, they are not. [...]
Deep Thoughts on Photography | Epic Edits Weblog
on May 2 2007
[...] Jim Goldstein wrote an article called “Philosophy of Photography: Photograph Versus a Snapshot“, where he lays out his thoughts on the differences between the two types of images. To quote his definitions: “A ’snapshot’ can be taken of anything and of varying quality (composition, exposure, etc.) Usually a ’snapshot’ is a quick rough capture to document a scene or event. A ‘photograph’ on the other hand is a well thought, composed, exposed and executed art form.” The REALLY interesting part of the article is in the comments — there’s a pretty good discussion happening over there. [...]
jim
on May 2 2007
Kris in principle I agree. I think one could argue there are two things that support these definitions:
1. There is a level of effort difference between the two. To your and others point that isn’t a sole differentiater between these terms.
2. There is a level of quality difference. In the context of photo editing (narrowing down the best of your photo-shoot) a term is needed to describe the best of the lot. Whether you were using a “point and shoot” or an SLR or whether you were crafting an image or just rattling off in hopes of capturing something good there needs to be a differentiating term between those you toss and the best of the bunch. That term could be as simple as “a keeper”, but in most scenarios where there is critical review “photograph” might be the term of choice versus “snapshot”.
I can see where Guy and Chad are coming from and on many days I’m in that camp. On others I look at a group of my photos and if I’m lucky a few stand out as a “photograph”. Depending on ones slant the terms can mean or infer many things.
These terms are incredibly subjective, and I have to admit I’m finding this discussion to be incredibly enriching.
Mike Alexander
on May 9 2007
On a photo critiquing website I participate on, a member remarked to a beginning photographer, that the image posted was a “snapshot”. The beginner wanted to know why. That thread made me think about that question, and I came up with the following:
“A snapshot invokes a memory of someone you know or met, a place you’ve been, an event you attended, or a pet that you’ve owned. The connection to the image is emotional and subjective. A snapshot, shown to a stranger, is ineffective, because the stranger doesn’t have that memory or emotional connection to the image.
“A photograph stands on it’s own. It doesn’t rely on memories or emotional connections to portray itself. It has to portray its meaning on whoever views it, and it may very well say something different to everyone who views it.”
I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with snapshots, they just serve a different purpose than a photograph.
jim
on May 9 2007
Mike clearly there are multiple interpretations of these terms. I like your take on it.
Shutter Photo
on April 28 2008
[...] There’s a great article titled 9 Lighting Types to Harness & Improve Your Photography. Here’s an excert from the article: In my previous article “Make the Best of Bad Weather - 6 Challenges for Photographers” I noted how photography is all about the light. Sounds easy enough on the surface but as photographers we tend to be subject focused rather than light focused. What I mean by that is we’ll see something unique or different and focus on that rather than the lighting and resulting exposure needed to transform your subject. The right lighting can make or break an image setting the stage for others to see it as a snapshot or a photograph. [...]
9 Lighting Types to Harness & Improve Your Photography « ChromaticSoul
on May 4 2008
[...] 28 April 2008 in Lighting Another great article from dPS. The right lighting can make or break an image setting the stage for others to see it as a snapshot or a photograph. [...]
çiçek
on June 20 2008
Mike clearly there are multiple interpretations of these terms. I like your take on it.