The Joy of Snapshot Photography

Currently getting the morning started with a nature hike in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, I’ve been thinking about snapshot photography and why you should give it a try.

What is Snapshot Photography?

Snapshot photography, to me, is about simplicity, spontaneity, and authenticity. For the past two years, I’ve been using cameras like the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx to shoot in high-contrast black and white with small JPEG files. Everything is automated: the P mode ensures that settings like exposure and processing are baked directly into the camera. This eliminates the need for post-processing and allows me to focus solely on the act of creating.

“By making a photograph and clicking the shutter, I’m saying yes to life itself.”

This approach isn’t about precision or technical mastery—it’s about letting the camera work for you and embracing imperfections. Snapshot photography is democratic and accessible to anyone, stripping away the barriers often associated with traditional photography.

Why I Love Snapshot Photography

Here are some of the reasons why I’ve embraced this process of making pictures:

• It’s democratic. Anyone can pick up a camera, use automatic mode, and create something beautiful without needing extensive technical knowledge.
• It affirms life. Having a compact camera on me, like the Ricoh GR III, reminds me to embrace and appreciate the world around me.
• It’s freeing. With everything baked into the camera, I don’t need to worry about tweaking settings or editing later.
• It’s about curiosity. The act of creating photographs increases my curiosity and brings me closer to life itself.

“Through the snapshot approach, I’m slowing down and letting life flow toward me, prepared with my camera to press the shutter.”

Photography as a Way of Life

In a world full of distractions and endless consumption, creating something—like photographs—is a powerful way to spend your time. Treat photography like a visual diary, a self-portrait of your soul reflecting how you perceive the world around you.

“It has nothing to do with making a great photograph but simply sharing your journey through life itself.”

By disconnecting from the outcome and focusing on the process, photography becomes a joyful act of creation. For me, it’s not about the photographs themselves—it’s about life.

Embracing Play and Impermanence

Photography doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to master compositional rules or perfect exposure. Instead, embrace the spirit of play:

1. Point and shoot.
2. Move your body with curiosity.
3. Let the camera do the work.
4. Focus on the journey, not the result.

“To me, it’s all about increasing curiosity, having fun, and enjoying the journey of life itself.”

Life is fleeting and full of change—like the foggy morning light casting shadows on the trees or the flowing river. Snapshot photography allows me to embrace this impermanence and channel the spontaneous nature of life.

The Power of Snapshot Photography

• It makes life more joyful. Disconnecting from social media and external validation has freed me to create purely for myself.
• It brings meaning. The act of creating photographs helps me affirm life and connect with the world around me.
• It’s liberating. By remaining an amateur and treating photography as play, I’ve become a happier, more curious artist.

“Through snapshot photography, we can live on through the work we create, giving our lives deeper meaning.”

At the end of the day, whatever brings you happiness is worth pursuing. For me, embracing the snapshot aesthetic has been transformative. It’s a joyful, freeing, and meaningful way to approach life.

“Simply affirm life through the click of the shutter.”