Traveling solo as a female can be fun until you find yourself struggling to get a decent brag-worthy picture of yourself having an amazing time during your trip. Yes, solo travel offers a unique opportunity to explore the world on our terms, capture moments that make our journey special, and break through some of our unconscious biases. However, one challenge that many solo female travelers like myself face is how to take stunning photographs of themselves and their surroundings. This guide will help you master the art of solo travel photography, from choosing the right equipment to perfecting your poses, and tips on how to get help from strangers.
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How to Take Photos of Yourself When Traveling Alone
Remember to Clean Your Lens!
I remember spending a day riding a jet ski in Dubai and having so many pictures taken of me in front of the iconic Burj Al Arab, it hurt my soul to see the pictures once we had gotten back on land. Every shot looked foggy, despite how clear and beautiful the day was in reality. Don’t be like me who made such a rookie mistake; before handing your phone to a stranger for help, make sure to give your lens an extra clean and take a test shot first.
Travel Photography Tip: Use a Tripod
A tripod is a solo traveler’s best friend, offering you stability and flexibility when capturing images of yourself by utilizing a camera’s self-timer or remote controller. Whether you’re on a bustling city street or a tranquil mountain trail, a lightweight and portable tripod can be set up quickly, allowing you to take as many shots as you need without relying on anyone else. For convenience, consider a model that fits easily into your backpack and is easy to set up and dismantle.
In my case, I mostly rely on my cell phone as a remote control tool for my GoPro. I can easily set up the shot on the tripod, and also confirm that I have a good angle by using GoPro’s app on my phone to see exactly how I look in the frame and then either record or take a picture.
Self-Timer and Remote Shutter
Most cameras and smartphones come with a self-timer function. Even better, some smart watches also can remotely control a phone’s shutter. So all you need to do is set the timer, strike a pose, and let the camera do the rest. If you do not have a smartwatch, most tripods come with a remote shutter which will give you the control to take some sweet pictures. This small device allows you to take photos from a distance without having to touch the camera, reducing the chance of camera shaking and blurry images.
Embrace the Selfie Stick!
Do not fear the selfie stick or how you look when using it! It can be a valuable tool for capturing wide-angle shots and including more of the background in your selfies or some sweet action videos when snowboarding. Look for a sturdy and extendable stick that can hold your smartphone or camera securely. I have a couple of tripods that also doubles up as a selfie stick and are perfect for when I do not want to travel with too much load in my backpack.
Play with Burst Mode or Rapid-Fire Shooting
In cases where you want to take a slew of random fun shots and can’t quite figure out the best pose, set your camera to burst mode or use a rapid-fire app on your phone or camera and embrace all the poses. This feature takes multiple shots in quick succession, increasing the likelihood of getting the perfect photo. This is especially useful for capturing action shots or candid moments.
Get Some Help and Join a Photo Tour
Not keen on trying to figure out the best locations for brag-worthy images and would benefit from the help of the pros? Photo tours are a fantastic way to meet other photographers and learn new techniques. They often take you to the best photo spots, provide expert guidance on capturing stunning images, and sometimes come with a professional photographer to help you capture the shots.
Enhance the Shots and Get an Attachment for Your Smartphone
Lens attachments for smartphones, such as wide-angle or macro lenses, can significantly enhance your photos and make them look like they were taken with a professional camera. They are portable, easy to use, and add versatility to your photography. Another attachment, especially for food and selfie shots in dim spaces, is a phone light clip. They make such a remarkable difference versus the result you would get from just your smartphone.
Find Inspiration
Look for inspiration in travel magazines, photography websites, and social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Pay attention to the styles and compositions you like and try to incorporate similar elements into your photos. Practice your look inspiration in front of a mirror, and tweak it to fit your style and body angles.
Think About Timing and Lighting
Lighting is crucial in photography. If the weather is on your side during your trip, make sure to plan your shoots around the golden hours—early morning and late afternoon—when the light is soft and warm. Avoid harsh midday sunlight, which can create unflattering shadows and overexposed images. My favorite time to take a picture is against a glowing sunset, it has never failed me.
Use a Mirror and Perfect Your Poses
Before going out in the wild, stand in front of a mirror that shows enough of your body’s length and practice poses that flatter you and suit different settings. If you don’t have a full-length mirror, you can stand on the edge of your bathtub to see a longer length of your body in the mirror while you practice your pose. Know your angles and practice in front of a mirror or with your camera’s self-timer if you don’t have a mirror that works for your needs. Altogether, have fun with it, experiment with natural poses, use props, or interact with the environment for more dynamic shots.
The Don’ts of Travel Photography
Do Not Overpack Gear
This is something I’ve learned painfully. Those extra lenses that I thought would capture amazing images once reached the top of the mountain when I went hiking in Ireland? I wanted to throw them away 5 miles into climbing up the steep slopes. I could feel the weight of every item in my bag that initially felt light at the beginning of my hike. The worst part was that by the time I got to the top of the mountain, it was too foggy to get a clear shot of anything. My phone’s camera and my GoPro would have sufficed for the entire escapade.
While it is tempting to bring all your photography equipment, overpacking can weigh you down. Choose versatile gear that serves multiple purposes and leave the rest behind. Focus on essentials like a good camera and a tripod/selfie stick combo.
Plan a Day for Crowded Tourist Spots
Iconic landmarks are often crowded, making it difficult to get a clear shot even when you visit these locations early in the morning or late in the afternoon when you’d expect fewer people to be around. Plan a day or two for those spots because most iconic spots have tourists lined up as early as 5 in the morning. Alternatively, explore lesser-known spots that offer equally beautiful scenery without the crowd or long wait to get a picture.
Do Not Ignore Safety and the Warnings
This is a no-brainer, but safety should always come first, and you should always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid taking photos in unsafe areas or compromising your safety for the sake of a picture because you might easily become a target for theft. Be mindful of your surroundings and keep your valuable equipment secure. In many parts of Japan, you will see signs prohibiting the use of selfie sticks, respect the signs, and find other ways to capture your image without breaking the rules.
Related Post: Essential Travel Safety Guide for Women
The Dos of Travel Photography
Research Your Destination and Be Inspired
When planning for your trip, before you travel, include research on the best photo spots and pack clothes that will give you the best results. Lean into trying out unique angles, visiting lesser-known attractions, and capturing local customs that can add depth to your photos. Travel blogs, TikTok, Pinterest, Instagram, and photography forums are great resources for finding inspiration.
Golden Hour Travel Photography
As mentioned before, definitely take advantage of the golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times creates stunning photos with beautiful natural lighting that makes the skin glow. Plan your shooting schedule around these times for the best results.
Experiment with Angles and Perspectives
Do not be afraid to experiment and be adventurous with different angles and perspectives. Shoot from high above, get down low, or use reflections in water or glass to add creativity to your photos. Changing your viewpoint can transform a simple shot into a captivating image. This rule also applies to videos especially when trying to get B-rolls for your travel videos. Play with black and white, long exposures, and different focal lengths to add diversity to your shots.
Travel Photography Tips: Choosing the Best Camera for Solo Travel
Compact and Action Cameras
Compact and action cameras are lightweight, easy to carry, and compete on image quality with professional DSLR or Mirrorless cameras, making them ideal for solo travel. Look for models with a good zoom range, image stabilization, and Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing.
Related Post: Consider These 5 Action Cameras for Travel
Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras offer excellent image quality in a smaller, lighter body compared to DSLRs as well as more versatility in application of use. They are amazing and suitable for various photography styles, from landscapes to portraits and if you’re looking for one to invest in, Sony is currently leading the charge in Mirrorless cameras for travelers with their Sony ZV-E1.
Smartphones
Modern smartphones come with advanced camera features that even rival traditional cameras in terms of compact capability, built-in image stability, and the ability to take stellar pictures at night. They are convenient, always with you, and great for spontaneous shots. Look for phones with multiple lenses, high resolution, and manual controls like the Google Pixel 8 Pro, Samsung S24 Ultra, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
How to Get Epic Travel Photos from Strangers
Choose Your Photographer Wisely
When asking strangers to take your photo, choose someone who looks trustworthy and is not in a rush. Look for fellow tourists, especially those with good cameras, as they are likely to understand basic photography principles. I prefer to ask other women who look like travelers; most times, they take the time to take multiple angles of shots and are willing to go the extra mile to help a fellow lady out.
Provide Clear Instructions
Politely ask if they can take your photo and give clear instructions on how you want the shot framed. If they seem in the mood to help out, take it an extra step in directing them by showing them an example photo or explaining the composition you have in mind. This increases the chances of getting the photo you want. If they don’t understand your vision, try to refrain from showing your disappointment and be grateful for what they are willing to do for you.
Show Gratitude
Always thank the person who took your photo. A simple gesture of appreciation goes a long way and can make the interaction pleasant for both parties. I always offer them the option of returning the favor, and 60% of the time, they take me up on the offer.
Travel Photography Tips: How to Approach Strangers
Be Polite and Respectful
Approach people politely and with a smile; as I mentioned earlier, I prefer to approach other women. Respect their time and space, and understand that not everyone will be willing to help. A friendly demeanor can make all the difference and make sure to read their body language before approaching them for help.
Use Body Language
Non-verbal cues such as a smile, wave, or pointing to your camera can help bridge language barriers especially when visiting a country that does not speak your language. Many people will understand your request even if you do not speak the same language and will accept or decline without too much fuss.
Offer to Take Their Photo – Quid Pro Quo Angle
Remember, always offer to take a photo of them when they decide to help you out. Or first offer to take a picture of them, from my experience, about 80% of the people I’ve done this for asked if I also want a picture taken of myself even when they turned down my offer. This exchange can be a great way to break the ice and ensure they put more effort into taking a good photo for you. I find that people are more amenable to extra requests to retake your pictures if you don’t like the first batch after I’ve taken much better pictures of them.
More Essential Travel Photography Tips
Carry Extra Batteries and Memory Cards
You most definitely do not want to run out of battery or memory especially when you are in the middle of capturing something amazing, that can be so frustrating. Always carry extra batteries, a power bank, and memory cards to avoid missing out on great photo opportunities that are typically once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Use a Lightweight Backpack
A lightweight, comfortable backpack designed for travel photography can help you carry your gear without straining your back and shoulders. Look for one with compartments for your camera, lenses, tripod, and other essentials.
Backup Your Photos
Regularly backup your photos to a cloud service or an external hard drive. This ensures you do not lose your precious memories if something happens to your camera or phone. I rely heavily on Microsoft’s Onedrive for backing up my images as I take them, but before I delete my phone’s photo folder, I make sure to check my cloud data to confirm that the images have already been uploaded.
Engage with Locals
Engaging with locals can lead to unique travel photo opportunities and insights into the culture along with learning of off-the-beaten-path picture-worthy spots that are waiting to be discovered. ALWAYS ask for permission before taking photos of people and be respectful of their space and customs.
Have Fun and Take Candid Shots
Candid shots often capture the essence of a place and the spontaneity of travel. Keep your camera and phone ready and look for genuine moments that tell a story.
Edit Your Travel Photos
Post-processing can enhance your travel photos and bring out the best in them. Learn basic editing techniques using software like Adobe Lightroom or apps like Snapseed to adjust exposure, contrast, and color balance. I recently started using Adobe’s Lightroom and have created presets for faster image editing that will allow my grid on Instagram to look a lot more polished than it currently is.
Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivities
Be aware of cultural norms and sensitivities regarding travel photography. In some places, taking photos of certain subjects or locations may be inappropriate or offensive. Always research and respect local customs. Also, be mindful of how you interact with your environment when trying to capture an amazing picture. Leaning on that 500-year-old statue just for an interesting image, could lead to you destroying the statue and land you in prison. Just because there are no signs saying you are not allowed to do something does not mean you should not apply respect and common sense when interacting with your surroundings.
Stay Organized
Keep your gear organized and easily accessible. Use protective cases for your camera and lenses, and have a system for storing and categorizing your travel photos to make post-processing easier. My rule of thumb is to upload my image and label their folders at the end of each day. If I have extra energy, I start the process of choosing some of the best shots from the day and edit them for future social media posts.
Learn Basic Travel Photography Skills
Understanding basic photography principles such as composition, exposure, and lighting can significantly improve your photos. Invest time in learning these skills through online tutorials, workshops, or photography courses. YouTube is amazing for free and amazing tutorials that will get you amazing results. When I bought my most recent GoPro before a snowboarding trip, I spent 15 minutes watching a preset tutorial that made recording in different travel modes so easy for me.
Capture the Details
Do not focus only on the big picture; capture the small details that make a place unique. Textures, patterns, and close-up shots of local crafts or food can add depth to your travel story. Have fun with your surroundings and if feel your fingers itching to capture a moment, if it is safe and respectful to do so, lean into and capture the moment.
Plan Your Shots
Remember how I mentioned researching picture-worthy locations before jetting off on your trip? While spontaneity is great, planning certain shots can ensure you capture everything you want. Make a list of must-see locations and the types of photos you want to take on your phone and try to complete the task if time allows.
Be Patient
Sometimes the best shots require patience. Whether waiting for the perfect light, the right moment, or an empty scene, patience can pay off with stunning photos. I can’t repeat this advice often enough because I am also guilty of not exercising patience, most especially when recording a video. When I go back to examine my shots at the end of the day, it is so frustrating to see myself rushing through a shot and not panning slowly enough to capture the scene. So now I try to actively review every shot at the moment and permit myself to spend some extra minutes to patiently get the best shots
Have Fun with Your Travel Photography
Lastly, remember to have fun. Travel photography is a way to capture your adventures and memories, so enjoy the process of capturing amazing travel photography and do not stress over getting the perfect shot every time. Remember that perspective also changes. That shot you thought was terrible yesterday might be the perfect shot after a day of much-needed rest.
