What’s your purpose and intention behind creating an image?

There are so many different ways to approach photography, and a lot of it comes down to why you’re taking the picture in the first place. Snapping a quick everyday moment feels completely different from creating a photo that’s meant to tell a story or stir up real emotion.

When you’re taking casual selfies or quick snapshots—of yourself, your surroundings, or the people you’re with—you’re usually just trying to catch a moment before it slips away. These pictures become little personal treasures, reminders of how you felt, where you were, and who you were with. In those situations, things like perfect lighting or flawless composition don’t really matter. A slightly blurry shot, odd framing, or wonky lighting doesn’t ruin anything; if anything, it adds to the charm. The magic comes from the spontaneity and the real emotions behind the image.

Two portraits of the same women, one is a quick snap another is professional portrait.

But when your intention shifts—when you want to create a photo that does more than mark a moment, one that speaks to people, tells a deeper story, or is beautiful enough to hang on a wall—that’s when the approach changes. This is where creativity, artistry, and technical skill step in. A thoughtfully crafted image can capture not just what something looks like, but what it feels like.

But when your intention shifts—when you want to create a photo that does more than mark a moment, one that speaks to people, tells a deeper story, or is beautiful enough to hang on a wall—that’s when the approach changes. This is where creativity, artistry, and technical skill step in. A thoughtfully crafted image can capture not just what something looks like, but what it feels like.

To create a visually striking and emotionally meaningful photograph, the details matter. Composition helps shape the mood and guide the viewer’s eye. Lighting—natural or artificial—can completely alter the atmosphere and bring out texture, form, and emotion. The way a body is positioned, the colours in the frame, the angle you choose—all of these elements work together to create impact.

At that point, photography becomes a kind of self-expression. It’s a way to tell a story, evoke a feeling, and make something that truly resonates. Quick snapshots hold memories, but intentional photography turns those moments into art—something lasting, thoughtful, and unforgettable.

Two portraits of the same women, one is a quick snap another is professional portrait.

Professional Portrait photography by Vilija Skubute