You spend hours reviewing maps, studying the terrain profile, and finding the easiest and best way to reach your spot. Calculating how long it will take to hike in, should I start hiking at 3 am? Can I get there and set up?
You might even spend a day hiking and scouting the location for that fantastic composition. You look at your favorite app to determine which day the sun will rise right where you want it. As the day gets closer, you check all the weather and cloud apps at least hourly to ensure perfect conditions.
The big day arrives. You’re on the trail by 3 am, hiking in a stupor until you hear rustling in the trees to your right. Then, you spend the next two hours of the dark hike on high alert, waiting for a mountain lion to pounce on you. You make it to the spot unscathed, get your tripod and camera all set up, and wait for that magical moment you spent hours planning.
But it doesn’t. A big band of clouds on the eastern horizon blocks the sun as it rises, stealing your magic and your shot.
Planning this is the approach many landscape and nature photographers take, myself included. Unfortunately, many things are out of your control when planning a photography session outdoors. Mother nature likes to have significant mood swings on more than one occasion, ruining my best-laid plans. It’s frustrating and leaves me unmotivated.
So, I’ve been taking a new approach when I go out with my camera—not planning, shooting in a street photography style, always having my camera out, and taking a shot when a scene or moment catches my attention. I’ve seen this style referred to with many different names. For the sake of this post, I’ll refer to it as spontaneous photography.
The Concept of Spontaneous Photography
While I don’t have a specific plan, I have a general idea of what I want to capture. But I don’t have a fixed plan for lighting, composition, subject matter, etc. This way of shooting allows me to be flexible and open to new ideas and opportunities. I’ve hiked past this water tank countless times and never cared to grab a shot.
With that said, I’m not out; I’m just haphazardly hitting the shutter button. I’m still trying to be intentional with each image, looking for a good composition, details, etc.
One of the things I love about heading out for a day of nature photography is the day’s unpredictability. This might drive a lot of photographers crazy, but I found that I enjoy it. You never know what you’ll find next, and this is part of the excitement of heading out without a plan. You must be ready for anything and willing to adapt as things happen. My least favorite thing is the wind, but it changes my opinion when it blows the snow through the sun’s rays.
Taking your camera out without a plan does require a whole different mindset. It requires you to be in the moment and focused on what is happening around you. I have a wandering mind, so this has taken a lot of practice. I must let go of my expectations for the day and be open to new possibilities.
I usually have a specific goal when I’m out on the trail, like getting to a mountain summit before the afternoon storms move in—or reaching a lake to enjoy the solitude before the crowds start. But, this type of photography has forced me to slow down and observe my environment. And when something catches my attention, I take the time to experiment with different techniques and perspectives.
Techniques for Capturing Spontaneous Moments in Nature
I’ve noticed that I’ve subconsciously come up with a few techniques to help myself prepare for anything. Once I started acquiring these techniques, my unplanned photos became more visually attractive. They began to have a flow and story to them. What techniques have I developed? I’m glad you asked.
My instincts are one of my most essential tools as a spontaneous photographer. When shooting without a plan, it’s important to trust your instincts and react quickly to what is happening in front of you. This requires being in tune with your surroundings and understanding the mood and atmosphere of the moment. It’s easy to fill my eyes with those grand landscapes, but I started to notice the smaller scenes more.
Spontaneous photography requires you to be open to unexpected opportunities and be willing to try something new. This means being ready to change your approach or perspective if something new and exciting presents itself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and compositions or try something you have never done before. Get down on the ground for a whole different perspective. It’s about capturing the moment’s essence, so don’t be afraid to try new things to achieve your desired result.
Having no plan requires you to be alert and ready at all times. Keep your camera with you, and be prepared to take photos at a moment’s notice. On these cold winter days, I keep my camera warm in my coat, easily accessible when the moment calls for it. I’ve passed up potentially good shots because I didn’t feel like removing my backpack to get my camera out. Anticipate what might happen next and be ready to adjust your approach as needed. This means being aware of your surroundings and reacting quickly to changing situations, especially when wildlife is involved.
Tips for Unplanned Success
I compiled a few tips that I have found helpful in having a successful day of unplanned photography.
It’s essential to know your equipment inside and out, not only your camera but also your lenses, tripods, filters, etc. You need to adjust quickly and easily for different situations in the moment. I have missed many great shots because I had the wrong aperture, shutter speed, lens, etc on my camera.
Spontaneous photography requires you to be ready for anything and everything. This means carrying extra batteries, memory cards, and any other accessories you may need. It also means being prepared for any weather conditions and having appropriate clothing and protection for your equipment. One day, I planned to do a quick photo walk before work. I took my camera and one lens and headed out. I went to shoot my first photo of the walk only to realize I forgot to put a battery in my camera.
Spontaneous photography is about capturing the moment as it unfolds, so staying focused on what is happening in front of you is essential. Avoid distractions, like your phone, and try to keep your attention on the environment and the things in it. This will help you stay in the moment and react quickly to unexpected changes. It feels like a form of meditation to me.
Spontaneous photography requires you to be willing to try new things. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and perspectives or try something you have never done before. Embrace the unpredictability of the moment and trust your instincts to create images that truly reflect the situation’s essence.
Give it a try!
Spontaneous photography is about embracing the process and enjoying the experience. Don’t worry about getting the perfect shot every time. Instead, focus on having fun and letting your creativity flow. It requires a sense of adventure, an open mind, and the willingness to try new things. By embracing the unpredictability and uncertainty of the moment, you can create images that truly reflect the moment’s energy, emotion, and essence.
Whether you are an experienced photographer or just starting, spontaneous photography offers a unique and exciting way to explore your creativity and capture the world around you. So, grab your camera and start exploring!