How to Take Good Pictures of Yourself When Traveling Solo?

When you are thinking about setting off on an adventure all by yourself, one concern that you may have is – how to take good pictures of yourself when traveling solo. Let’s face it – trips aren’t the same when you can’t prove you were there or take awesome images for your Instagram. It isn’t impossible! Trust me, as a photographer and a solo woman traveling with my toddler daughter, it can be done!

I say that I am a solo woman traveler because even though I am married, my husband rarely can join me in our adventures, but he loves to see photos of his girls while they are exploring the world.

What Do You Need to Take Your Own Photos?

It isn’t a perfect system, nor is it fast! You will need lots of patience, and most of all, you need to not worry about what other people think as you are posing. Once you master the technique and timing, you’ll be fine and take your own photos quickly. Practice makes perfect!

If there is a shot that you are dying in a specific location, you are going to need patience. You might have to wait for people to get out of your shot. My biggest tip for photography equipment you will need (other than a tripod) is a shutter remote. This is going to save you SO MUCH TIME! Speaking as someone who has run back and forth between a tripod and my camera while a timer is clicking down, you’ll want to add this piece of equipment to your camera kit.

Ask Strangers to Take a Photo of You

While it might seem the most obvious option, it’s not always the best. In my case, photos taken by other people turned out to be wrong, with either my head or legs chopped off. Unless you explain to a person exactly how you want the photo and tell them to hold the camera in an exact position, your photo will probably be useless.

Personal Tip: Find people with a tripod or who are also moving around a lot trying to find the best angle for their photos; they usually know how to take decent photos. Hold the camera how you want it and show them a point of interest.

Use a Tripod

As a photographer and solo traveler, tripods are my best friends. I’ve gone through a lot of tripods, but there are a few that I don’t like – most are adequate for daily photography. I do not recommend them to buy the cheapest tripods out there if you have a heavy or expensive camera. If that tripod falls, you might break your fancy camera and lens.

A tripod is also recommended for more advanced photographers who are willing to take photos with long exposure (like photographing the northern lights or dark places). No matter how steady you might think you can hold your camera, it’s never easy to hold it steady for that long. I’ve been able to pull it off a few times, but once again, it’s time-consuming.

Use A Remote!

As I said earlier in this blog post, I’ve been the girl running back and forth, praying that my camera didn’t change the focus length when I clicked the shutter button and slid into “home base” in the family photos…I’ve done it all in my years behind a camera while trying to be in front of it. One of my best investments was a shutter remote for my camera and my phone! This way, I can click comfortably with both of my devices!

My biggest tip that I can share if you are taking photos of yourself as a solo traveler…DO NOT CARE! I struggled with this for years! I worried about being “THAT tourist” or being self-conscious around other people, so I never liked the photos that turned out because you can see I am uncomfortable in the photo. So relax and make sure that you take time to capture the moments and memories you are making!

Also, check out my e-book, From Amateur to Pro: Taking Stunning Travel Photos for Instagram.