What the heck is spontaneous nature photography, you ask. Let me explain.

You spend hours reviewing maps and studying the terrain profile, 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 amazing 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 the conditions will be perfect.

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 to happen.

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.

a picture of sunrise circle at sunrise amphitheater in boulder, colorado on a foggy late winter morning.

Sunrise Amphitheater in Boulder, CO on a not so sunny morning.

Planning this is the approach many landscape and nature photographers take, myself included. Unfortunately, many things are out of your control when it comes to planning a photography session outdoors. On more than one occasion, Mother Nature likes to have significant mood swings, 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 will refer to it as spontaneous nature photography.

The Concept of Spontaneous Nature 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 until I allowed it to catch my attention.

Graffiti covered water tank near NCAR, boulder, colorado

another picture of the graffiti covered water tank near NCAR, boulder, colorado

With that said, I’m not out 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 when it blows the snow through the sun’s rays, it changes my opinion.

sunlight highlighting blowing snow with a mountainside in the background and silhouette of trees in the foreground, unplanned spontaneous photography

While it was miserable in the wind, I was so happy to get this shot!

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 have to let go of my expectations for the day and be open to new possibilities.

When I’m out on the trail, I usually have a specific goal, like getting to a mountain summit before the afternoon storms move in—or reaching a lake to enjoy the solitude before the crowds show up.

But spontaneous nature photography has forced me to slow down and be observant of my environment. And when something catches my attention, I take the time to experiment with different techniques and perspectives.

I was on a mission to get to a high alpine lake, but I couldn’t resist these fallen aspen leaves covered in raindrops.

cluster of fallen aspen leaves covered in raindrops

single yellow and orange aspen leaf on a rock with different sized raindrops on itspontaneous nature photography

Cluster of fallen aspen leaves covered in raindrops. unplanned photography

Techniques for Capturing Spontaneous Moments in Nature

I’ve noticed that I’ve subconsciously come up with a few techniques to help myself be ready for anything. Once I started acquiring these techniques, my unplanned photos became much more visually interesting. And 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 important tools as a spontaneous nature 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 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.

A recent collection of images from a hike earlier this winter.

a close up picture of yellow mounds of grass bentover from the snow. abstract nature photography

a vertical photo of a birdhouse on a tree at ncar

a close up picture of the first and second flatirons in boulder, colorado taken from ncar

picture of a big old tree at ncar in boulder, colorado

Tips for Unplanned Success

I compiled a few tips that I have found helpful in having a successful day of unplanned photography.

It’s so important to know your equipment inside and out. And not only your camera, but also your different lenses, tripod, 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.

Unplanned 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 nature photography is about capturing the moment as it unfolds, so staying focused on what is happening before 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.

It 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.

A few images from a snowshoe in RMNP. It was super windy, so I pointed my camera to the smaller scenes.

a close up photo of rocks and pine needles in the snow

abstract nature photo of the line patters on a rock

Give it a try!

Spontaneous nature 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 or someone who just likes to walk with your phone, 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!

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Sometimes the Best Plan is No Plan