Travelling solo means getting used to the idea of taking selfies and timer set photos. At first I couldn’t take decent travel photos of myself along the way I improved my skills through trial and error. With a bit of luck and these tips your travel photos will be way better than mine.

Don’t be self conscious

Being solo means you are going to have to take photos of yourself. You might get stares. Ignore people who judge you for taking selfies. I’m not much of a selfie taker. However on a solo travel trip it’s the only way you will have pictures of yourself on your trip. You have to be willing to take photos of yourself.

Research and plan

Find out from other solo travellers how they took great images. Head over to Instagram and follow the #solo travellers ask people directly. Alternatively read other bloggers articles. Do Google image searches of your destination and look at the photos. I did this when I went to Hallstatt and got my iconic Hallstatt village picture by looking at photos online and keeping an eye out for the place where I could take my recreation photo. I found out where to take the photo online.

Take note of lighting

The sun should be behind you in photos. Light matters tons. If you find that your previous images are too dark use a simple app like Snapseed to correct the light. It is free and you can download it from the Google play store. Avoid standing in shadows and don’t overuse your flash.

Get the tools you need

For better travel photos, consider investing in a tripod, selfie stick, and timer. While I initially used only my phone’s selfie feature to save costs, I later realized the value of these tools. Additionally, carrying a reliable power bank is essential to keep your devices charged and ready for photo opportunities.

No tools? no problem

If you don’t have a tripod or selfie stick, you can still take great photos using your phone’s selfie feature. Experiment with different angles and stretches to capture your best shots. Familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings before your trip to make the most of your equipment.

Stay safe

While focusing on your photography, be mindful of your surroundings to avoid accidents. Don’t get so absorbed in capturing the perfect shot that you put yourself in danger. If you drop your camera or phone in a risky location, it’s better to leave it and prioritise your safety. Regularly back up your photos to avoid losing your precious memories.

Smile naturally

For authentic and engaging photos, think of something that makes you happy or someone you love. Genuine smiles come from within and will make your photos more vibrant. I captured a memorable shot with my friend despite the challenging lighting by focusing on what made me smile.

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Add Movement and Action

Incorporate dynamic elements into your photos to make them more engaging. Jump, point at nearby landmarks, or strike a playful pose. Crossing your legs, raising your arms, or interacting with your surroundings can add a sense of movement and energy to your images. Using a tripod and timer can help you capture these action shots with ease.

Vary Your Expressions

Experiment with different facial expressions to bring variety to your travel photos. Smile, look thoughtful, or try a side smile. Adjust your eyebrows and mouth to create different looks. A range of expressions will give your photos more character and show the diverse emotions of your travel experience.

Focus on Hands and Feet

Highlighting different parts of your body can create memorable and unique photos. Capture a photo of your hand reaching for a delicious treat, or your feet covered in sand with waves gently rolling around them. Documenting footprints in the sand or other interesting details can add depth to your photo collection. Just remember to maintain privacy and avoid overexposing yourself unless you’re in an appropriate setting, like a nudist beach.

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Use reflective surfaces

Using reflective surfaces allows you to create photos with intriguing visual effects. For example, you could capture a reflection of yourself in a sleek metal plaque or a glossy window. This technique can add depth and uniqueness to your photo collection. I once took an unexpected yet memorable photo of myself and a friend, Maria, using a reflective surface to remember the details on a metal plaque. The result was a standout image that was distinct from my other travel photos.

Experiment with different reflective surfaces to discover creative angles and new ways to showcase your travel experiences. This technique can help you create eye-catching and memorable photos that set your travel memories apart.

Photo booths and green screens

While exploring destinations, keep an eye out for photo booths and green screens. In Amsterdam, I discovered a green screen at the Marijuana and Hash Museum that digitally added a field of weed behind me. The best part? The photo was emailed to me for free. Look for similar attractions where you can have fun and unique photos taken, such as booths that convert photos into sketches. In Cape Town, the Grandwest Casino features a booth that does just that. If you’re not confident in your selfie skills, these booths offer an easy way to get great shots during your travels.

Take Multiple Photos

The more photos you take, the better your chances of capturing the perfect shot. To avoid crowding, try to visit popular spots early in the day. This way, you’ll have more options to choose from when selecting the best images. Taking multiple shots ensures you have a variety of photos to review and pick the best ones.

Review Your Photos

After taking your photos, take a moment to review them at a nearby café or safe location. Enjoy a coffee while you sift through your pictures. If some photos didn’t turn out as expected, you can always retake them while you’re still at the location.

Avoid Over-Editing

While editing can enhance your photos, avoid overdoing it with extreme filters. Over-edited images can look artificial. Instead, use subtle filters that enhance your photos without drastically altering their appearance. Apps like Snapseed and PicsArt offer easy-to-use filters that maintain a natural look.

Explore Lesser-Known Spots

Don’t limit yourself to popular tourist spots. Seek out lesser-known locations for unique photo opportunities. Snap a selfie on a bus or train, or capture the charm of a pretty restaurant. Don’t hesitate to ask a waiter to take a photo of you at your table if the setting is visually appealing.

Dress Well

Looking good in your photos can make a big difference. After physical activities like hiking, this will be challenging, but for other occasions, dress comfortably and stylishly. Well-chosen outfits and a fresh appearance contribute to more flattering photos.

Use Props

Incorporate props into your photos to add a personal touch and enhance your travel experiences. Wear a stylish cap, a colourful scarf, or a fun outfit to express your personality. Consider trip-related props like a beer mug at Oktoberfest, a flowing sarong on the beach, or Mickey ears at Disneyland. These props can add a playful element to your images, making them more memorable.

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Cheat and Ask Others for a Photo

Don’t hesitate to ask others to take your photo, especially if you’re struggling with selfies. When you do, make sure to review the photo immediately to ensure it’s to your liking. If it’s not, politely ask someone else to take another shot. Being approachable and friendly increases your chances of getting a good photo. Try to ask fellow travelers or photographers, as they are less likely to run off with your camera.

I hope these tips help you capture stunning travel photos. Thank you for visiting my blog! If you’d like to connect, comment, or collaborate online, feel free to reach out. I’m active on Instagram and usually follow back. I’m also growing my Pinterest presence, and I’d be happy to return the favour if you follow me there.

Wishing you many happy travels!