what is the difference between a snapshot and a photograph
Oct 28, 2011 17:44:15 #
I see it said, both here and other places, "that's just a snapshot". I am not sure I understand the difference, can someone explain?
Oct 28, 2011 17:48:38 #
I read a definition at jmg galleries, but still, how can you look at a picture and say that's a snapshot versus a photograph?
Oct 28, 2011 17:57:54 #
Well, I'd guess that the people who really care about that kind of distinction figure that a snapshot was taken without much thought as to lighting, composition, color, and effect, and printed at Walmart, whereas a photograph was carefully planned, rigorously composed with excruciating attention to detail, then lovingly post-processed for six hours. Both are pictures of a dog laying on a rug, or a baby's arm holding an apple.
The photograph of Jack Ruby shooting Lee Harvey Oswald was not exactly Karsh of Ottowa but I think you'd find few who call it a 'snapshot'.
If people make that distinction with the intent of denigrating a 'snapshot', then I think it's haughty to do so. If someone looks down their nose at a picture you took and calls it 'just a snapshot', I'd probably make some remark questioning the marital status of their parents, and comparing them to a digestive system opening that is below the neck... JMO
The photograph of Jack Ruby shooting Lee Harvey Oswald was not exactly Karsh of Ottowa but I think you'd find few who call it a 'snapshot'.
If people make that distinction with the intent of denigrating a 'snapshot', then I think it's haughty to do so. If someone looks down their nose at a picture you took and calls it 'just a snapshot', I'd probably make some remark questioning the marital status of their parents, and comparing them to a digestive system opening that is below the neck... JMO
Oct 28, 2011 18:04:46 #
JimH wrote:
Well, I'd guess that the people who really b care... (show quote)
Okay - that makes sense. I understand what you mean. If you want a photograph you need a better understanding and ability of taking the shot than to snap and whatever comes out is ok.
And I had to smile at the last paragraph. Maybe they don't mean it in a derogatory way, but it sounds like it sometimes. I was taking it that way from the word "just" being thrown in. I haven't had anyone say that to me yet, ( i haven't shown many of mine to anyone except family and friends and I tell them, when they say they are really good, that they don't see other wonderful work and realize how much I have to learn) but wanted to know what they meant if they did. LOL Thank you.
Oct 28, 2011 18:18:10 #
i think it's sorta like pornography. i can't define it but i know it when i see it.
Oct 28, 2011 18:44:59 #
quonnie wrote:
i think it's sorta like pornography. i can't define it but i know it when i see it.
lol - ok
Oct 29, 2011 08:44:52 #
And, it's all in the mind of the beholder as to what you would call a great picture and, just another picture. Some of the ones I totally loved, were, at times, accidental.
Oct 29, 2011 08:54:27 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
This is my guide line and the one I use with my students
"A snapshot is of interest to maybe two people, the person who took it and the person in it (if it contains an individual)
A photograph appeals too many."
You can hear it when the work is show in the class room. Many times no response until something that is shown gathers an audible response. That image tends to contain those qualities mentioned by Jim.
"A snapshot is of interest to maybe two people, the person who took it and the person in it (if it contains an individual)
A photograph appeals too many."
You can hear it when the work is show in the class room. Many times no response until something that is shown gathers an audible response. That image tends to contain those qualities mentioned by Jim.
Oct 29, 2011 09:05:05 #
In my opinion, a snapshot is something you take in the moment with no planning or contemplation of what you want. Like the little kid doing something cute and you want to capture it quickly in the moment before it is gone. A photograph in my opinion requires some thought and planning. Like with the kid, you would consider the background etc for a photograph. For a snapshot, you just shoot the kid being cute and don't worry about it being a winning photo.
Oct 29, 2011 09:49:32 #
I've been wrestling with this for some time. The difference between a photo and art; the difference between snapshot and photo, and the difference between what I feel is denigrating--the difference between a photograph and a "capture". To me, capture reduces a photo to a shapshot, ignoring the skill, effort, timing, the point the artist is trying to communicate, and post processing. I gave part of my portfolio to a friend who is also an art instructor with the request to tell me which are works of art, and which ones are nice pictures. I hope we find the answer.
Oct 29, 2011 09:55:54 #
Janice wrote:
I see it said, both here and other places, "that's just a snapshot". I am not sure I understand the difference, can someone explain?
Well Janice years ago when the majority of cams were simple boxes with no adjustable settings it was the true point and shoot, or "snap" a picture.
They are both photographs, but where snapshot is a kind of slang for a picture, a photograph seems to relate higher quality. BUT! I have seen snaps taken with an old box camera that were very good photographs.
Oct 29, 2011 11:07:50 #
It is for sure in the eye of the person looking at it. Everyday I look for that perfect photo and usually always have my Canon with me. A great photo to me may not be to you but over the years I have saved countless photos that I still love today. Confusing ? guess so but It's my passion, someday ( meaning Never ) I will make that perfect photo, until then I keep trying.
Oct 29, 2011 11:11:17 #
I think DK and buckwheat explained it pretty well. Basically though, nobody else can tell me if something is a snapshot because they don't know how much thought or work I put into it. They can tell me if composition, exposure, etc is not up to par no matter how hard I tried. Which is good, because when you are starting out sometimes all the effort in the world just doesn't get you where you want to be. Feedback helps. Thank you everyone.
Oct 29, 2011 11:12:22 #
photosbywick wrote:
It is for sure in the eye of the person looking at it. Everyday I look for that perfect photo and usually always have my Canon with me. A great photo to me may not be to you but over the years I have saved countless photos that I still love today. Confusing ? guess so but It's my passion, someday ( meaning Never ) I will make that perfect photo, until then I keep trying.
I like your way of looking at it. :) Just try and enjoy the trip as you do.
Oct 29, 2011 11:27:34 #
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