Is it ok to take a "snapshot" every now and then?

Ok. Here's my issue. I consider myself a decent photographer. I am always trying ways to get the "perfect" shot. The first 2 examples below show some of my work. My issue is with a situation like New Years Eve. I knew I would be "enjoying the festivities" so trying to get the perfect shot was not going to happen. In fact, I didn't even want to bring my DSLR. So I brought my M3 to try and "capture the moment" so to speak. Now, looking back on them, they are not as sharp as I would like, and composition could probably be better. But, I was able to still enjoy the evening, and come away with images that are still much better than what I could have got with my iphone. (I know, I took some iphone pictures to compare)
So, does anyone else have this issue, where you hate to take "snapshots"? Do I need to just learn that sometimes it is ok? I would love to hear your thoughts. First 2 pictures are from portrait sessions I have done, and the last 3 are from my families NYE celebration.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/BkNM​9g

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/vRDN​zX

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/CDMv​5e

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/CBwR​y3

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/CM5S​Mk

I did one 'formal' shoot in 1978, and another in 2010. Everything else I've shot is 'snaps' and 'candids'. I shoot family and friends doing everyday things, every day. We can get the 'nice' stuff done at a studio. I do the 'real' stuff.

tim1970 wrote in post #17842138
So, does anyone else have this issue, where you hate to take "snapshots"? Do I need to just learn that sometimes it is ok?

Whose permission do you need? I take casual shots when I want to document something, although I value the other kind more, the well-composed and nicely lit ones. Shooting can serve various purposes.

I have always felt that way. especially when you are in horrible lighting with less than par equipment. However some of my favorite images are not tack sharp / have motion blur etc... I have also just started making darkroom with prints from digital negatives and produced a few shots from my iPhone that are incredible in my opinion. Has opened up a new avenue of creativity!! Which before I never got to excited about pictures with my phone even though the quality is pretty incredible. -love the pics!

OhLook wrote in post #17842254
Whose permission do you need? I take casual shots when I want to document something, although I value the other kind more, the well-composed and nicely lit ones. Shooting can serve various purposes.

Snaps can't be well composed and properly lit? Perhaps I am using the terms improperly. If I use a 6D/24-105/580EX II w/bounce flash to capture my wife's family around the table at a holiday, I call that a snapshot, even it is properly composed and properly lit.

I'd sure hate to miss an important family moment because the background was cluttered and I didn't want that in my photograph.

I once heard a quote that true art elicits emotion in the viewer.

Sure I would love to get a perfect picture with great lighting, but I can assure you for me an out of focus picture of my wife laughing will always be closer to art than a perfect picture of a random person.

I've tried to bridge the two I guess. Some preparation when I first get somewhere to have the camera in a familiar mode, check WB and exposure with a test shot, and decide if I'll need some fill flash can all be done in a min or so, then I just grab snapshots the rest of the time. I'll take a second shot verifying focus and composition if there is a chance, if not, no big deal. But snap shots are 80% of my photos probably, memories are my main objective.

Bassat wrote in post #17842427
Snaps can't be well composed and properly lit?

If you're lucky, they can. Normally, it takes time to arrange (or at least check) composition and lighting.

Or perhaps I'm using the terms improperly. I don't call a group portrait a snapshot just because families around tables are often photographed without attention to image quality.

Sorry, but I don't understand why you are asking if it's "OK" to take any type of photos you want. Of course it's OK!

And I have to say that I like the informality of your three NYE "snapshots" better than the two rather artificial looking portrait examples.

Part of the problem with visiting this forum is you might get the idea that many here only take great photos. But the truth is we only share the good stuff. All of us take snapshots and stuff that we wouldn't post or add to our portfolio.

It's OK. If you spend all your time trying to capture "perfect" images, you're going to miss the party. You know how to make an image, so you have the basics in your mind and a camera in your hand. Aim, frame and expose. And enjoy the party.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17842704
Part of the problem with visiting this forum is you might get the idea that many here only take great photos. But the truth is we only share the good stuff. All of us take snapshots and stuff that we wouldn't post or add to our portfolio.

Truth! For every image posted, there are thousands that die slowly into history on back-up drives.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17842704
Part of the problem with visiting this forum is you might get the idea that many here only take great photos. But the truth is we only share the good stuff. All of us take snapshots and stuff that we wouldn't post or add to our portfolio.

jay125 wrote in post #17842705
It's OK. If you spend all your time trying to capture "perfect" images, you're going to miss the party. You know how to make an image, so you have the basics in your mind and a camera in your hand. Aim, frame and expose. And enjoy the party.

Thanks for the advice.
I really wasn't looking for anybody's "permission" except myself. I did enjoy the party NYE night, and came away with some great memories. The main thing I have to remember is that I was able to capture better shots than what would have been possible with my phone, and 100% better shots than with my 5DIII which was purposely left at home because I knew I would be enjoying the night.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17842704
Part of the problem with visiting this forum is you might get the idea that many here only take great photos. But the truth is we only share the good stuff. All of us take snapshots and stuff that we wouldn't post or add to our portfolio.

That's right.

My only problem with snapshots is when others try to compel you to take one--with the expectation of something sublime--despite poor conditions (i.e., "that's a nice camera, I bet it takes great shots," as if the photographer's judgment is completely irrelevant).