Photograph of a woman and child with kittens

Colour 'snapshot' photograph of woman and a child. The woman is holding two kittens in her lap.

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.