1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. What constitutes a photo being a 'photograph' vs it just being a 'snapshot'

What constitutes a photo being a 'photograph' vs it just being a 'snapshot'


9 years 4 months ago #416507 by KenMan
You surf enough photo sites and you see a blend of terms getting used.  What I would like to know is what separates a photo from being a photograph vs snapshot?  Snapshot seems like it might be something fired off quick, but some comments and post that I have read would suggest that isn't correct.  Same goes for the term photograph.  

It seems many terms in photography are very ambiguous.  I might be wrong, it's just an observation.    
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #416509 by ThatNikonGuy
How I see it, snapshots ARE photographs, it's the other direction the sloop get's slippery.  I don't see all "photograph's" falling into the snapshot bucket. Obviously some do, and some don't.  
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #416524 by ubookoo
It is kind of like asking "when does a painting become a work of art".

My feeling is that although there are "rules" to follow in shooting a "professional" image (posing, thirds, lighting, exposure, etc) the old saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" could never be more true when it comes to photography.

For example, I have seen some true snapshots that I love and also have seen some professional images that are technically correct that did nothing for me.

For me, the final determining factor is whether I feel a connection to the image regardless of the lighting, posing, exposure, etc.

So....having said all that, in answer to your question...I have no idea. :-)
,
9 years 4 months ago #416532 by Joves
Well you are correct in that it is a term that is over used, and not in a good way. Yes both are photographs in the purest form in that they are an artificial image of something in real life. Most people use it to describe a shot that appears to have no form, or forethought put into it, hence just a snapshot. It is akin to the selfie, which is also a photograph, but is just another snapshot. There is nothing wrong with snaps,I do them all the time when all I want is a quick memory jolt for something I might want to get back to at a different time. They are poorly exposed for the most part, mainly because I was there at the wrong time of day, or I had somewhere else to be that prevented me from being able to get it right. But those are not anything I would display a my work. So you either have fine photography, snaps, or anything in between. 
,
9 years 4 months ago #416547 by John Landolfi
The term"snapshot" seems to be used in a derogatory sense, to indicate that a shot was taken without much thought to basic values, as ubookoo says. At the opposite end of the "scale" would be the sort of shot that involves a tripod, a choice of lens, perhaps several exposure readings, and much thought of fundamentals. In fact, it ought to denote what it literally means: a shot snapped quickly, on the fly. There are many examples of street photography that fit that description, and are widely considered masterpieces (you know the list...). The difference is probably just experience and skill that allows a snap to be a great image.
Easier to shoot snaps now...in the manual days, hyperfocal focusing was essential, and film speed often an issue.
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #416607 by Ben Vanderbilt
:agree:     
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #416637 by Roblane
Snapshot is more of a quick on the fly shot.  Photograph is something with more thought into it. 
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #416650 by Stealthy Ninja
I dunno, but it kinda irks me when a client says "Just take some snaps of XYZ" when I'm getting paid $150USD a hour.
img\def

www.aevansphoto.com
,
9 years 4 months ago #416651 by hghlndr6
Hah!  If someone's paying me, he can call it whatever he wants.  :)
www.bobmitchellphoto.com
,
9 years 4 months ago #416657 by effron

hghlndr6 wrote: Hah!  If someone's paying me, he can call it whatever he wants.  :)


Ditto that....:dry:
Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #416755 by Joves

effron wrote:

hghlndr6 wrote: Hah!  If someone's paying me, he can call it whatever he wants.  :)


Ditto that....:dry:

:rofl:
Add me to that list. I will even go into Instamatic mode for them if they want snapshots.
,
9 years 4 months ago #416815 by Josh Jofoto

John Landolfi wrote: The term"snapshot" seems to be used in a derogatory sense, to indicate that a shot was taken without much thought to basic values, as ubookoo says. At the opposite end of the "scale" would be the sort of shot that involves a tripod, a choice of lens, perhaps several exposure readings, and much thought of fundamentals. In fact, it ought to denote what it literally means: a shot snapped quickly, on the fly. There are many examples of street photography that fit that description, and are widely considered masterpieces (you know the list...). The difference is probably just experience and skill that allows a snap to be a great image.
Easier to shoot snaps now...in the manual days, hyperfocal focusing was essential, and film speed often an issue.



Good answer John
Canon 7D | Canon EF-S 18-55 IS | Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 | Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 | Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 macro | CanonEF 17-40 f/4 L | 70-200 f/4 L | 580 EX II
,
9 years 4 months ago #416819 by Stealthy Ninja

Joves wrote:

effron wrote:

hghlndr6 wrote: Hah!  If someone's paying me, he can call it whatever he wants.  :)


Ditto that....:dry:

:rofl:
Add me to that list. I will even go into Instamatic mode for them if they want snapshots.


You guys have no pride. :P

I won't complain or anything, just irks me.  Honestly if they ask me to "take some snaps" I think "Well then I don't need to put much effort in then."
img\def

www.aevansphoto.com
,
9 years 4 months ago #416961 by GWS

hghlndr6 wrote: Hah!  If someone's paying me, he can call it whatever he wants.  :)


I got a good chuckle from this!  
Photo Comments
,
9 years 4 months ago #417099 by KenMan
Well this turned out to be a good thread. Insightful, thanks everyone. 
Photo Comments
,

  1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. What constitutes a photo being a 'photograph' vs it just being a 'snapshot'

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Review

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages/stories/ad_agency/2/1552465945.pngSponsored Imageimages/stories/ad_agency/2/1550848144.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Expert Tips to Upgrade Your Camera Gear With Used Equipment

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024
What is Blue Hour Photography?

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
5 Dog Photography Tips for Stunning Results

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024
FAQs About Acrylic Print Photos

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024
More Articles