DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Snapshots
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 25 of 29, (reverse)
AuthorThread
06/12/2003 07:53:44 AM · #1
I recieved a comment saying a submission of mine looked like a snapshot and therefore was marked down. I guess my question is, why is a snap shot always bad? It seems to me that there have been many prize winning photographs, that were 'snap shots'. Could someone please explain when and if a snap shot is good, or bad?


06/12/2003 09:18:13 AM · #2
'Snapshot' is, it seems to me, more a feel than a particular subject. Non-snapshotty photos draw you in, do something to your eyes and the way you look at it that make it qualitatively different from a snapshotty photo.

No, I don't know why. That's actually part of what I'm trying to learn with my photography - why I can take a shot and it looks like a snapshot, and yet another taken a few minutes later doesn't.
06/12/2003 09:40:27 AM · #3
Snapshot, in my experience as a photographer, is definitely kind of a dirty word. I think there's a fine line drawn between what is considered a snapshot and what isn't. We all have our own definitions for what that might be, and I tend to think that most of them are generally about the same. FWIW, I consider a snapshot to be a very spontaneous, real life shot. Mine always tend to be more geared toward the family album, but once in awhile you get one that comes out just so that I might consider entering it in a challenge. Non-snapshot stuff is definitely more planned, posed and set-up, with more than the traditional portrait preparation, "say cheese". The elements of the photo are generally more controlled to promote good composition and the photographer is more geared toward taking a great photograph than simply trying to capture a moment in time.

Snapshots have their place in everyone's life, no doubt. We all have our own feelings about what snapshots are and unfortunately for a contest like this, they are not looked upon very highly. Dont get discouraged, it may not be a bad thing.

Good luck - Bob
06/12/2003 11:01:56 AM · #4
wouldn't the photo of the sailor kissing the lady after the end of WWII in Life magazine be considered a snapshot? It certainly was spontaneous. Or pictures taken at sporting events, since they are certainly spontaneous?

06/12/2003 11:03:50 AM · #5
*polishes the word Snapshot*
06/12/2003 11:26:44 AM · #6
When I think of the word 'snapshot' I think lower quality, as in not taking in effect the lighting, composition, subject... The 'Sailor Kiss' shot is technically a snaphot, but only because it was taken spur of the moment, and not planned. It is a great shot because the lighting, composition and subject are perfect.

my 2ยข
06/12/2003 11:34:01 AM · #7
Originally posted by STEINR:

wouldn't the photo of the sailor kissing the lady after the end of WWII in Life magazine be considered a snapshot? It certainly was spontaneous. Or pictures taken at sporting events, since they are certainly spontaneous?


I'd say it was a candid, not necessarily a snapshot.

A candid (in my mind) is one that's perhaps been thought about in advance but in the end does rely on capturing genuine rather than posed behaviour.

A snapshot is often also a candid in that it captures genuine behaviour (when people are the subjects) but it's not always planned or thought about.

IE I think both overlap but aren't exactly the same.

Just how I see the terms though.

To me, when I dismiss something as looking more like a snapshot it's shorthand (in my mind) for unplanned, no thought on composition, lighting, background, framing etc.
06/12/2003 12:09:07 PM · #8
Originally posted by STEINR:

wouldn't the photo of the sailor kissing the lady after the end of WWII in Life magazine be considered a snapshot? It certainly was spontaneous. Or pictures taken at sporting events, since they are certainly spontaneous?


I think that's a snapshot. There are some snapshots that turn out very well. Snapshot has a negative connotation, but I wouldn't say by definition it means that the picture is bad. There are many shots that are snapshots that are very well known.

I think sporting events are a little different though. I wouldn't call a great shot from a sporting event totally spontaneous. If you go there with a medium format Nikon and 10 lenses, that's a pretty planned activity.
06/12/2003 12:20:39 PM · #9
Nikon doesn't make a medium format :)
06/12/2003 12:28:14 PM · #10
Snapshot is not the same as 'snap-shoddy' to me. 'Candid' categorizes a particular kind of snapshot, specifically of people, taken without their knowledge.

After looking at thousands of photographs, thinking about and evaluating them in my mind and heart, I have to admit that I'm growing increasingly 'hungry' for spontaneity and the gist of a moment.

In light of this, I cannot help but encourage anyone to pursue this.
06/12/2003 12:29:38 PM · #11
I think of "snapshot" as a photo that is interesting only if you personally know the subject. The kind that don't speak to you on any level, but look like a stranger's picture you'd expect to see if you accidentally opened the wrong envelope of prints at Wal-Mart. The person who took it might like it, and their mom might, but it requires firsthand (sentimental?) knowledge of the subject to have any appeal.

So usually, that means technically poor: redeye, unintentional blur, uninteresting or cluttered composition, overexposed, something like that.

To me, it doesn't need to be spontaneous or active -- a vase on a table could be a snapshot too. I'd show examples I've seen on the site, but I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
06/12/2003 12:33:27 PM · #12
snapshot > 'rapid, casual photograph taken with small hand camera' [Oxford Dict.]
06/12/2003 12:36:32 PM · #13
I agree with what Kavey said. There are some snapshots or series of snapshots that come out well as a certain style. But to me, and especially when voting on DPC, a snapshot is when someone tried to shoot a picture of a single object on their counter but didn't bother to move any of the other items off the counter and you can see the telephone and the kitchen table in the background. I think it generally means not taking the time to compose a shot and consider other elements that are going to appear in the photo. Even with sports, you take the time to consider your setup...a good sports photo doesn't have the back of everyone's head in the front of the photo and the player squeezed between two people's ears.

I wouldn't say that every snapshot is bad, but usually when people tell you that your photo looks like a snapshot here, it's not said in a positive sense.
06/12/2003 12:37:42 PM · #14
snapshot > 'rapid, casual photograph taken with small hand camera' [Oxford Dict.]

> carolee: 'sentimental' knowledge! This is the most 'articulate' formulation I have ever heard. I bow.


06/12/2003 12:47:04 PM · #15
Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Nikon doesn't make a medium format :)


Well John I didn't know how to spell Hasselbladt :)
06/12/2003 03:31:10 PM · #16
You can also have photos which are SUPPOSED to look like snapshots, like an after-game team photo. But some snapshots are well-executed and some less so. As mentioned, virtually all photo-journalistic shots are technically snapshots, but they can be GOOD ones.

I agree it is probably the relationship (or lack thereof) of the viewer to the subject which has the most influence in establishing where the line is drawn. Someone with an interest in photos of aircraft in flight might consider Weston's "Pepper" as a snapshot of some vegetables ....

I'm not ashamed to have a few entries in the Snapshot gallery either.

Message edited by author 2003-06-12 15:32:14.
06/12/2003 04:18:19 PM · #17
Originally posted by carolee:

I think of "snapshot" as a photo that is interesting only if you personally know the subject. The kind that ... requires firsthand (sentimental?) knowledge of the subject to have any appeal.


That's it! Spot on!
06/12/2003 04:19:46 PM · #18
Originally posted by STEINR:

wouldn't the photo of the sailor kissing the lady after the end of WWII in Life magazine be considered a snapshot? It certainly was spontaneous. Or pictures taken at sporting events, since they are certainly spontaneous?


Actually, that shot was set up, but, I understand your point :P

Also, it was photojournalistic..

I consider snapshots like "here's your mom and dad standing infront of the Tiki House at the Botanical Gardens", or like the one I rec'd the other day from my parents.. "here we all are gathered around the table at our favorite restaurant posing with the food. Wow! the portions are generous, huh?" LOL



Message edited by author 2003-06-12 16:22:10.
06/13/2003 03:58:28 AM · #19
snapshots are what makes cameras sell :)
i personally enjoy looking at snapshots more than studio shots.
A blur snapshot that shows real life is better than a pretty studio shot that says nothing.
06/13/2003 04:00:17 AM · #20
there's nothing worse than a clear picture of a fuzzy idea.

-can't remember.
06/13/2003 10:30:41 AM · #21
Originally posted by pedromarlinez:

there's nothing worse than a clear picture of a fuzzy idea.

-can't remember.


I love this! LOL
06/13/2003 08:20:09 PM · #22
anybody remember whose quote this is? I'm drawing a blank.

Originally posted by KarenB:

Originally posted by pedromarlinez:

there's nothing worse than a clear picture of a fuzzy idea.

-can't remember.


I love this! LOL
06/13/2003 08:40:19 PM · #23
Believe it was Ansel Adams...

Originally posted by pedromarlinez:

anybody remember whose quote this is? I'm drawing a blank.

Originally posted by KarenB:

Originally posted by pedromarlinez:

there's nothing worse than a clear picture of a fuzzy idea.

-can't remember.


I love this! LOL
06/13/2003 09:05:52 PM · #24
Ansy Adams??
06/13/2003 09:06:48 PM · #25
lol, syl, simultaneous posting...

Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/29/2024 01:34:59 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/29/2024 01:34:59 AM EDT.