Photograph of a market square

Circular black and white 'snapshot' photograph showing a market or town square with a man looking towards the camera. '0003' is marked in the corner of the image.

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.