How do you take photos of yourself when you travel solo? Mastering solo travel photography is always one of the most-raised topics when I share about solo travel.
Capturing the moment with you in it is an important part of the travel experience for many. And so, when people think that content will be compromised when travelling solo, it can be off-putting.
But here’s the thing, taking photos when travelling solo doesn’t need to be a struggle. In fact, there are more ways than one to ensure you take good photos of yourself when travelling solo. Once you learn how to do this, it’s a great skill to have! Let’s get into it.
Sign up for my monthly travel newsletter
Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only share about products that I truly believe in.
Use a tripod
A tripod is a stand that holds a camera or phone completely steady. When it comes to solo travel, a tripod replaces an individual and holds your camera for you when capturing content.
This is my go-to method for taking photos when travelling solo. It can feel strange or awkward when you’re still getting used to setting it up and using it around people. However, as with other solo travel challenges, you grow in confidence with time.
The first tripod I bought was not great. It was a WT-3110A tripod. Though it did hold my camera, I quickly realised that spending a little more to have a tripod that is more sturdy and won’t blow over with the wind was important. It eventually broke!
The tripod that I use now and rely on has definitely been an upgrade The MiVision 5858 tripod is a good tripod for solo travellers. Though it is more bulky, the durability of it is worth the extra weight and spend.
Use a camera self-timer
Start making use of the self-timer feature on your camera to take photos when travelling solo. A useful solo travel photography trick is to use a 10 second self-timer and opt for the 3-5+ rapid-fire which takes multiple shots in a row so you can capture yourself in different poses while in the frame. Your camera will need to be placed on a tripod or on a stable surface.
Use a phone self-timer
I also use my phone often to take photos when travelling solo. Certain activities are just more fun without needing to carry a clunky camera with you. The self-timer feature on smartphone cameras is so useful for solo travellers. Place your phone on a tripod or steady surface and then use the timer to allow you to get the shots you need.
Use you phone as a remote
I used to have a Canon camera and so I used Canon’s Camera Connect App to enable the remote feature. This works well for solo travel because it allows you to view and take the photo using your phone while you are in the frame. Unlike using a self-timer, there is no guessing with this method and you are able to execute content ideas more accurately.
I posted an Instagram reel and TikTok video showing how I use my phone as a remote to take photos when I travel solo. Watch the video tutorial to see how simple this is.
Use a remote shutter
When you travel solo, you need someone or something to press the shutter once you have your camera set up. An alternative to using your phone as a remote is using a bluetooth remote shutter. You won’t be able to see yourself while taking the photo but you will still free yourself from needing any help.
Use a selfie stick
Selfie sticks are great tool for solo travel because they are light, compact and allow you to take wider-framed images and videos by yourself. They often have an in-built remote shutter making it super easy to capture your solo travel moments.
I especially love that this option can works without any expensive equipment! Cellphone selfie sticks are as cheap as R65/$4.
If you would like to step it up a notch, your solo travel photography capabilities can be even better if you pair a GoPro with a selfie stick.
Book an Airbnb photography tour
Who knew this was a thing? I tried it once during a solo trip to London. Depending on your destination, there may be individuals offering photoshoots via Airbnb Experiences.
I booked a 1-hour, city photo shoot in London and got the most incredible, high-resolution images by a professional photographer.
I’ve seen similar photography tours offered in Joburg and Cape Town, South Africa. It’s also an easy way to meet someone new and have someone to spend a few hours with while travelling solo. Check out my London solo travel photos below.
Ask a stranger
Have a few seconds of courage to ask a stranger to take photos of you when you travel solo. To ensure your courage does not go to waste, give the stranger guidance about the photo you want. You can do this by showing them what position to hold your camera or phone in and specifying what you would like to show in the frame.
When it comes to identifying who you could possibly ask, here are some considerations:
- Staff members, tour guides etc.
- Couples who would like a shot together. You can take photos of them and ask for them to take a photo of you in return.
- Other solo travellers
There are limits to relying on strangers for photos though. One of the disadvantages is that you can’t ask for too much because they are just doing you a favour. The other issue is that even when you find the most willing stranger, the photo can still end up being disappointing. They just might be bad at taking photos or maybe they have a shaky hand. So when it comes to solo travel photography, I recommend only considering this option as a plan b.
What's in my camera bag?
Get the list and subscribe to my travel newsletter:
Very useful info, thank you Phari for sharing 🤗🤗💕💕
It’s an absolute pleasure!
Wow thanks for the info sis😘❤️👏🏽
It’s a pleasure! Happy to help 🙂
It’s a pleasure!
Love your London photographs! Do you remember which Airbnb Experience you booked for your trip?
I really love your content cause it’s not just pretty to look at but I’m inspired to travel more even if it’s on my own
Thank you! I’m sooo happy that you are inspired 🙂
Love your blogs and videos. How do you edit your videos such that you have words on it? What apps do you use? I see you are in the Garden Route, stop over for Coffee at Fancourt, buzz me, Fisani on 079 783 6527 for a chat. Thanks.
Great content, will be getting myself a tripod for my next trip!
onthe tripod, is the stick long enough to take a full pic