Sometimes a photograph can be a work of art. Sometimes it can just be a snapshot. Actually, I should edit out the word “just.” There’s nothing wrong with a snapshot. It’s capturing a memory.

I’ve been thinking about these things for the last couple of days since attending a lecture on iPhone photography, or “iPhoneography.” According to the lecturers, the ability to go far beyond simply capturing an image is within anyone’s grasp with the use of readily available apps. Snapseed, a free app from Google, was specifically noted for its powerful and intuitive editing capabilities.

I definitely do some simple editing. Using iPhoto, I straighten, crop and enhance many of my images before posting them on the blog. Removing unwanted objects and other more advanced techniques are beyond my experience level. And perhaps those advanced techniques should be left to those for whom the photograph is the focus.

For me, the words are the focus. The image is in place to enhance the words. Or sometimes, it’s a snapshot invoking a memory of a happy gathering of friends around a table. It may not be a perfect photograph in a technical sense. The lighting is off, and the chandelier draws one’s eye, but that’s okay. I’m happy with the memory.