A snapshot differs from a photograph in that a snapshot is something done in the spur of the moment. One who takes a snapshot does not really consider in what ways to take the picture or how to make the picture aesthetically appealing using compositional guidelines. There's really nothing more there than the fact that they see something that they would like to remember and quite literally look back at. A photograph takes a more creative use of thought process. Unlike most people taking a snapshot, someone aiming to take an "art" photograph takes many things into consideration. Is this the right lighting to achieve the mood I am aiming for. Where should I place my subject to get the strongest possible composition? Etc, etc... The person who is trying to take the "art" photograph is certainly going to look deeper than what is most clearly seen. Can a snapshot become art? It depends. Art is a subjective term. If I wanted to "go by the book," per se, I would say "Sometimes, if it 'just happened' that way, meaning the picture just happened to have good composition and really stands out as a work of art." But you also have to consider that since people see art in different ways, some snapshots *are* going to be art to people because it catches them that way.

An art photograph is a photograph that was taken simply to please the aesthetic senses of the artist and the general viewing audience? A 'snapshot' is a derogatory term for a photograph that is just a recording of what was there. 'Snapshots' can please the senses of a viewer and be artistic. So yes, a 'snapshot' can be an art photo. Just look at Mapplethorpe and Andy Warhol. Their 'snapshots' became collectible art. You could take a photo of a starling landing on a power line and it could be called either. All art photographs can be called snapshots to some and what these people call art photographs others call snapshots. As Ansel could have said... "Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody take a snapshot.” http://www.groupf16.org/f16Manifesto.html