A Solo Travel Photography Guide: 8 Pro Tips You Don’t Need to Ask Others For

Text & Photos / HakCek, hak.cek
 

I love traveling solo and taking travel photos with my tripod. I’m not a professional photographer—all my shots are “feeling-first.” My goal in travel photography is to completely avoid generic touristy “I-was-here” pictures. Many friends ask who takes my photos when I’m traveling. I proudly answer: selfies. Selfies can be addictive—only I know which angle makes me look the best (or the slimmest), so now I’m kinda reluctant to let others take my photos. It took me days to compile my experiences from three solo trips and share some self-portrait tips with fellow travelers who might find them useful.

Gear
Some say great portraits often come down to “the model first.” That’s true—gorgeous people don’t need tips to look good in photos. But I’m just an average-looking woman, and we’re all pretty ordinary, so you can rest assured this guide is written for everyone.

First, a tripod is always your best partner—and my boyfriend. A tripod stabilizes your camera or phone and allows you to adjust angles freely. Some think tripods are bulky and inconvenient, and worry about safety. If you prefer a carefree trip, a tripod may not be for you. But if you’re determined to get that perfect shot, you’ll carry even the heaviest gear. I, a girl, lug around a 0.8kg tripod everywhere and manage just fine. As for safety, assess the local conditions. In India and Sri Lanka, theft is rare, and there are plenty of people around, so I didn’t worry too much. But in South Africa, where muggings are more common and areas are less crowded, I was extra cautious.

Camera and Phone
 
In Sri Lanka, I used a Lumix GF1 + Zuiko digital kit 14-42 F3.5-5.6—the camera is seven years old. In India and South Africa, I used a Sony A7ii + Voigtländer 40.4 and an iPhone 6s. By the way, my Voigtländer lens only has manual focus, and the smallest aperture is F16. But I love its wide aperture and unique bokeh. As for the iPhone 6s, I added an 18mm wide-angle lens to get wider shots.
 
Who Presses the Shutter?
 
For the iPhone and Lumix, I use the timer, while for the Sony A7ii, I use Bluetooth remote shutter control. The image quality from my phone isn’t the best, and my gear is limited, but it’s enough for what I want to shoot. After all, travel selfies are all about feeling first.
 
Travel Selfie Tips
 
Selfie tips? Really? Yeah—remember that viral video where a Japanese girl taught people how to pick the best angle for selfies? If you’re tired of classic tourist shots, put in a little thought. It only takes a few extra seconds. You don’t need advanced photography knowledge or skills—just look at great photos, trust your instincts, and you can still create a nice composition. If you’ve already developed a “photographer’s eye,” even better.

1. Choosing the Location

First, when you arrive somewhere, look around for a good spot. That spot could highlight you or make the scenery pop. Whether you stand in the middle, left, or right of the frame; close up or far away; high or low—experiment. I find the easiest way to shoot a selfie is to have a small subject (you) against a big environment—it gives off a cinematic vibe (laughs).
 
*Blending with the environment—my clothes happened to match the color of the stones on the wall, creating a harmonious feel. I used the timer, ran to the center, and snapped.

2. Using Tools or Plants Around You

Put the lens through a bunch of leaves, using them as a foreground, focusing on yourself to create a forest-themed vibe.