The Difference Between Snapshots and Concept-Driven Photos

by Stanley LearyPhotography

Caption: During a workshop in Chile, Emily Tromp shares her thoughts while Catherine Gray and Lisa Dunlap listen. Those who attend these workshops will be treated with honor, dignity, and respect. I picked a low angle to give her some authority and then waited to capture her gesturing and ensuring I had everyone looking at her. This was not a setup but a photojournalistic photo.

We all take pictures. Some are casual snapshots that preserve a personal memory, while others are carefully crafted to convey a message or evoke an emotion. When you understand the difference between these two approaches, you can elevate your photography from a simple pastime to a purposeful art form.

Chelle and Dorie, during our family vacation at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Snapshots: Capturing Moments for Personal Use

Snapshots are typically informal, spontaneous, and personal. You often take them without considering composition, lighting, or storytelling. Think of your phone gallery filled with photos from a family barbecue or a quick selfie with friends. Snapshots prioritize the memory over the artistry, serving as a visual diary for personal consumption.

During a Storytellers Abroad Workshop, we went out to the village of Herăști, Giurgiu, Romania, where I got a photo that tells about the culture. The smiling man humanizes this, and the waving gesture creates an immediate sense of warmth and welcome. The boys’ expressions suggest a carefree and joyful moment, inviting viewers into their world. The horse-drawn cart loaded with firewood contrasts with modern forms of transportation, giving insight into a way of life that might be simpler or rooted in tradition. The rural setting, with dirt roads and a figure in the background walking with a stick, paints a broader picture of the community and its pace of life. The greenery and modest homes suggest a close connection to nature and a humble lifestyle. This photo communicates themes of rural life, hard work, and community. It goes beyond being a nicely composed image by telling a story of resilience and joy in everyday moments. It captures the subjects and context of their lives, making it relatable and engaging to a broad audience.

Concept-Driven Photos: Communicating a Purpose

In contrast, concept-driven photos require intention. You design these photos to communicate an idea, tell a story, or convey a feeling to a broader audience. Consider composition, lighting, and subject matter when creating these images to ensure they align with your purpose. Professionals often use concept-driven photos in travel photography, advertising, or journalism.

Concept photos aim to resonate with the viewer, making them stop, think, or feel something—whether it’s wanderlust from a travel shot or empathy from a documentary image.

Tips for Shooting Travel Stock Photos vs. Family Vacation Photos

If you want to transition from taking casual vacation snaps to creating purposeful travel photos, these tips will guide you:

Travel Stock Photos

Travel stock photos target a public audience, often with the intent to sell or promote a destination or concept. Here’s how to approach them:

  1. Research Your Destination
    • Learn about the culture, landmarks, and unique aspects of your location.
    • Seek out off-the-beaten-path spots to offer a fresh perspective.
  2. Tell a Story
    • Decide what you want the viewer to feel or understand from your photo.
    • Add context, such as locals interacting with the environment or cultural elements that set the scene.
  3. Focus on Composition
    • Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing techniques to guide the viewer’s eye.
    • Incorporate symmetry, patterns, and textures.
  4. Capture Quality Lighting
    • Shoot during the golden hour to capture warm, soft light.
    • Embrace varying weather conditions and use them creatively.
  5. Think About Marketability
    • Avoid including logos, brand names, or identifiable people unless you have model releases.
    • Create versatile photos that fit different themes or uses.
  6. Include Negative Space
    • Leave room for text overlays, which is essential for stock photo usability.

Family Vacation Photos

Family vacation photos are personal and meant for sharing within a small circle. While they don’t require the same level of precision, applying some thoughtful techniques can enhance them:

This photo of my daughter Chelle on the right with the tour guide, who has a similar hairstyle and dress, tells a delightful story of a family experience intertwined with a cultural and literary exploration. The image captures two individuals smiling warmly while dressed in Harry Potter-themed scarves, standing in Cecil Court, a location rich in history and literary significance, believed to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
  1. Prioritize Moments Over Perfection
    • Capture candid moments that reflect genuine emotions.
    • Focus on authenticity rather than technical perfection.
  2. Use Familiar Contexts
    • Show your family enjoying the environment. Include iconic backdrops to place the memory in context.
  3. Mix Posed and Candid Shots
    • Blend posed group photos with spontaneous action shots to add variety.
  4. Experiment with Angles
    • Shoot from a child’s-eye view or a high vantage point to create interest.
  5. Include Details
    • To add texture to your vacation story, highlight close-ups of hands holding ice cream, footprints in the sand, or a favorite souvenir.
  6. Make Use of Editing Tools
    • Enhance colors, adjust exposure, or crop distractions with simple edits, but avoid overdoing it.

The Takeaway

Snapshots and concept-driven photos have their place, but understanding their differences helps you approach your photography more clearly and purposefully. Whether you’re documenting a family vacation or creating stock images for a global audience, knowing your intent is the first step to elevating your work.