When it comes to life, I’m a firm believer in meticulous planning. I leave little to chance, striving to control the variables that could influence the outcome of my endeavors. Photography, too, often follows this blueprint—especially when I’m working on projects where every detail needs to align perfectly to capture the desired image. I consider the light, the angles, the time of day, and every other element that can be premeditated to create the perfect shot.
However, when I’m out on a travel photography expedition, everything changes. My usual approach of careful orchestration takes a backseat, and I find myself leaning heavily into spontaneity and the serendipity of the moment. In this realm of photography, planning is limited to just one thing: getting to the location. Once I’m there, the meticulous planner in me steps aside, allowing room for the unpredictable beauty of the moment to take over.
The thrill of travel photography lies in the unexpected. I’ve come to realize that some of my best shots were not the ones I meticulously planned but those that unfolded in front of me, catching me off guard. The unpredictability of travel—whether it’s the way the light hits a building at a particular moment or the sudden appearance of a vibrant street scene—is what makes this genre of photography so uniquely rewarding. It’s about being present, observant, and ready to capture the fleeting moments that cannot be scripted.
When I arrive at a new destination, my first instinct is not to pull out a map or a shot list. Instead, I allow myself to be guided by the environment itself. I’ll wander through unfamiliar streets, follow the play of light, and let the colors and patterns of the place dictate the shots I take. This approach requires trust—not in a plan, but in the world around me and in my own instincts as a photographer. I’ve found that by relinquishing control, I often capture the essence of a place more authentically than if I had tried to force the scene to conform to my preconceived ideas.
There’s a certain freedom in this method that’s deeply satisfying. It allows me to engage with my surroundings in a more intimate way. I’m not just photographing a place; I’m experiencing it, responding to it in real-time, and letting that interaction inform my work. The unpredictability keeps me on my toes, constantly searching for the next surprising moment, the next unexpected shot that could tell a story I hadn’t anticipated.
Of course, this approach isn’t without its challenges. There are times when the light isn’t right, or I miss a perfect shot because I wasn’t ready. But these minor setbacks are a small price to pay for the joy of discovery that spontaneous travel photography brings. It’s a reminder that not everything can—or should—be controlled. Some of the most powerful moments happen when we least expect them, and being open to those moments is what makes travel photography so exhilarating.
In the end, while I may leave little to chance in other areas of life, when it comes to capturing the world through my lens, I embrace the unpredictability of travel. It’s a practice of letting go, of trusting in the beauty of the moment, and of allowing myself to be surprised. And in those moments of spontaneity, I find a deeper connection to both the world and my craft.
All photos here were taken at Saint-Malo, France, while on a Windstar Cruises trip, 2024
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Jack
