Snapshot: “an impression or view of something brief or transitory” (Merriam Webster)
When you think about it, really think about it, “snapshot” is a very cool sounding and significant word. The music fan in me is wondering if there is a band, album, or song named snapshot. If not, WHY NOT!? Snapshots and the creative process are inseparable and inevitable. Snapshots are glimpses of moments in time. Snapshots capture an experiential essence, as opposed to an accurate depiction of fact or a polished representation of intent.
What is wonderful about a snapshot is its speed. You can snap a picture almost in sync with the thought that triggered you to take the picture. There are no second thoughts when snapping snapshots. There is also the speed in digesting information that is captured in snapshot form. When someone says this is a snapshot of ______, your assumption is that whatever you are looking at is a condensed, short hand representation of some idea, understanding, feeling, project, experience, or event.
A preview or teaser is not the same as a snapshot. A preview is
a sample of something that has already been polished. Whereas, a snapshot is a window into the process. A snapshot is akin to a detective solving a crime with their crazy wall–a collage of what she proposes to be interconnected pieces of evidence.
We should all be so fortunate and unabashed in the metaphorical crazy walls we create for ourselves by regularly taking and storing a collection of snapshots from and about our lives.
Call to Action: Give yourself permission to document moments without worrying about whether it is how you will always feel or the story you want to present for posterity.
