Photography Verses SnapShots
By James Breedlove
For sometime there have been a discussions for, what constitutes a photograph vs. snapshot. Technically there is only one kind of photo (Photograph); the question should be, the difference between snapshots and photography. It is an expression of what one's doing with the photo and the meaning it has, as well as the story it tells. It is in portion, a matter of professionalism vs just having fun. You can do both, have fun while doing photography and you can line up some serious snapshots with different perspectives that adds to it's sensationalism.
Photography can be defined by this term; the art of taking and processing photographs. Whereas; a snapshot is defined as, an informal photograph taken quickly, typically with a small handheld camera. Both definitions are taken from the Oxford dictionary. Right off we can plainly see there is a difference between what is constituting photography and what is a snapshot. One is and expression of art and is defined by processing the photos, clearly in a professional manner for the purpose of obtaining pictures, which can be used in various ways, to including for personal use or for publishing or sale. On the other hand a snapshot is a photo taken typically by a cheap camera, but not necessarily; accept it wasn't taken with the intention for distribution or for profit and it doesn't measure to a technical standard of a traditional photography format. Rather, it was taken on the spur of the moment to capture important moments in one's life to share with friends and/or family. Could also be shared via social media. Likewise, a photographer can share his/her work on social media, but the emphasis is put on one's work, and achievement through the photography performed. Shared photo's from a photography standpoint may be in order to push one's career or to achieve technical goals.
Can a snapshot become a part of photography? In my experience yes, absolutely. Most of the time it was by being in the right place at the right time, taking a photo which become well acclaimed. Does shooting with a camera phone "only" constitute taking snapshots only verses being able to be a photographer or produce photography? No, there are a few known photographers who use most only their phone to capture photographs for the general purpose of; that it is lightweight, easy to use and is with them most all the time. In addition the phone can relay their work instantly to others, journalism or for printing for a gallery. However, a photographer is just that; a person who seeks or has gained professional skills with a camera. A person who understands the concepts and applications of their work environment and whose motivation is for profit or for being proficient. Some photographer skills may include camera setup, lighting, posing, business operations, networking, computer software skills and editing, just some of the basics for being a photographer. Whereas, the average lay person who mainly take snapshots, may not meet the true definition of a photographer. The photographer have the ability to take snapshots just for their own expression or fun just like the layperson, but also have technical proficiency.
So where is the stigma in this; it is when the individual or group of individuals attach value beyond a traditional definition of a snapshot on their photos to call it photography. Also, when a photographer places greater value in the gear one has, over the skill set it takes, to produce a photo worthy of public acclaim. "Simply because I used a camera phone or point-n-shoot doesn't take away the photographer's skill set". And simply because I lay person who managed to take a photograph, that captured public notability, doesn't constitute a person being able to attest that they are a photographer. However, much of the driving force that leads one to join the groups of photographers are having much critique of one's photos in public spectrums. When a person can successfully produce images that tell a story, that have some measure of quality either color or black and white on an consistent bases and by definition process those photos they have produced, they are doing photography. Indeed they may have met the definition of being a photographer as described by the webster's dictionary as; one who practices photography; especially : one who makes a business of taking photographs. So the true stigma is in the form of two essences; ego and professionalism. When either is broken our pride takes root and a defensive mechanism kicks in; a true professional will look at the work for what it is, and judge it by the same standards they would any other work or art. We may or may not measure up, but we understand there are beginnings for every photographer. The egotistical person puts pride in what he or she has done over the fact that photography is an ever growing field and it is sometimes difficult to overcome.
The technological evolution can catch up to us and to the fact our work doesn't actually measure up, for example I am using a phone camera and I want to do a wedding shoot, I might get a couple decent shots, but in whole could I expect to compete with the guy with a high end dslr camera. Probably not, at least in terms of speed and consistency required to do the shoot. Could I get the depth of field necessary, maybe so with the newer phone cameras coming onto the market. Could I construct a scenario where a camera phone could catch all the shots needed at a sporting event or wedding? Maybe, by using strobes now on the market for such applications. But overall its safe to say it will be much easier to do with the high end camera, equipped already with the necessary functions take photos in all environments, as an example.
In summary, the debate will continue as it is human nature, as long as, people have an ego or believe their big toys rules over skill and the art of photography. There may be a need to separate a snapshot from a work of art, but the public can be the true judge of that. It is important though to remember if you are in the field of photography as a photographer you should continue to brush up on your skills and never take for granted that there is no other competition. Particularly, if you're in the business of photography, as there may be frequent challengers to your work. Many fly by night "photographers", that may set up shop right down the road from you. Only your skills and ability to separate yourself from them will keep you going. As the adage goes; adapt and overcome. Meanwhile, there will be millions of people with phones each year, all equipped with the latest and greatest technology. Whereas, the average phone today have several times the processing power of the most high end digital camera. Luckily, the phones all aren't equipped with super zoom lenses and terrific night image capability and low f-stops. Don't fret it will become true someday, all our cameras will make phone calls.
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