Photograph of a group of children

Black and white 'snapshot' photograph showing seven children stood in a row, all wearing sailor outfits. A man stands on the left side of the photograph, looking towards the children.

The term ‘snapshot’ was first coined in the 1850s, to describe a camera shutter ‘snapping’. Overtime, the term took on the meaning of a quick, informal photograph - usually taken by an amateur.

In the twentieth century, as cameras and film became cheaper, the 'snapshot' became part of everyday life. Snapshot photographs are commonly taken at home, on holiday and at special events. However, a snapshot can be taken at any time for any reason, to capture and share a moment