Solo travel is booming in popularity and it’s easy to see why: it’s your chance to explore at your own pace and focus on what makes your heart sing. But while wandering solo is liberating, capturing those unforgettable moments can be tricky. It’s tempting to stay behind the camera—until you’ve climbed to the top of a mountain, and then you’ll definitely want pics to prove it!
Asking a stranger to take your photo or posing in front of a crowd can feel awkward, but over time, as you navigate the world independently, your confidence will grow. Whether you’re a photo enthusiast or only take out your camera occasionally, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow tips. From setting up your camera to finding the right pose, here’s how to get that perfect shot:
Practical Tips
Lean on your fellow travelers
If you’re in a touristy area, look out for other solo travelers or couples fumbling with their cameras who might be in need of rescue. Eye contact and a smile can be a great way to break the ice. You can offer to take their picture—chances are they’ll be more than happy to return the favor.
Plus, you never know what kind of connections you might make!
Dress for success
When you get dressed, it’s important to respect local customs but also to consider how your outfit will look on camera. If you’re visiting famous landmarks, research them in advance to know what’s appropriate (Should you cover your shoulders? Will you need to take off your hat upon entering?) and decide on what’s best to wear. For example, at the Taj Mahal, modesty is key, but you might want to wear something vibrant to add a pop of color to your photos.
Take a deep breath
Camera add-ons
You don’t need a big budget or fancy equipment to get the perfect shot. With a little creativity, almost anything can double as a tripod—mugs, elastics or even the viral Octobuddy phone case! Here are some quick tricks to help you get the best shot, no matter the circumstances:
Mugs
Your favorite coffee mug can work wonders for a discreet selfie or outfit of the day photo. Prop your phone up against the handle of the mug or place your phone inside to take a picture from different angles and heights. If you need more distance between yourself and the camera, a Bluetooth remote is a great add-on.
Elastics
To secure your phone to a pole, overlap two elastics and pull them through each other to make a knot. Slide the elastics over the top of your phone, then pull them around the pole. Once around the pole, bring the elastics down to the bottom of your phone, securing it in place. The elastics should form two lines across the middle of your device, holding it steady. Check out how @briannajoye_fitness does it.
@briannajoye_fitness no tripod no problem! this was such a game changer girliessss #hacks #hack #nyc #newyorkcity ♬ Rich Girl - Daryl Hall & John Oates
Octobuddy phone case
Stick your phone directly to a flat surface, like a mirror or a storefront window, with the help of this viral suction cup phone case. It’s terrific for portrait photos or group shots if you make new friends along the way.
Poses
Learn from the experts when it comes to posing
Before you depart, take some time to practice poses in front of the mirror. That way, when it’s time for someone else to snap your picture, you won’t be stressed. Not sure where to begin? David Suh (@davidsuhphoto) and Christine Buzan (@thechristinebuzan) have plenty of tips to inspire you, no matter your skill level. Sure, being comfortable in front of the camera takes time, but with their guidance, you’ll feel like a pro in no time! With a little preparation, you can make the most of your time spent adventuring and capturing memories.
Help travelers help you
Providing clear direction makes your photographer’s job easier. Turning on grid lines in your camera settings is a helpful tool that lets you show exactly where you want to be positioned in the frame. Lastly, looking up photos of your destinations and saving content from Instagram or Pinterest to share as a reference will take the pressure off you and the other person.
No travel buddy, no problem
Solo travel is all about independence and creativity—and that includes snapping your own pics! With these tips in your pocket, you won’t return home regretting the missed opportunities to be in your pictures. With a little planning, you can show up authentically in your photos and look back at your journey for years to come. Ready to travel solo? Stay ahead of the game and bring Faye Travel Insurance along for your adventure.
The provided links are suggestions and Faye is in no way associated with the products or people. This post is meant to give you ideas and inspiration on how to take photos while traveling alone.
