What does the phrase “Spray and Pray” mean in photography?
Spray and Pray means the same thing as Grip and rip. It means to have your camera set up in a fast burst mode, shooting several photos per second, and then to simply hold down the shutter button, hoping to capture the perfect image within the sequence.
Sometimes it is used in a more beginner/intermediate manner when someone is not familiar with the subject they are shooting, and therefore unable to predict exactly when the right moment might occur. However, sometimes there might also be legitimate practical uses for the technique when shooting fast-paced action where it would be nearly impossible to press the shutter button at the correct time. For example, photographing a diver entering the water at the perfect moment.