HOW TO GET INCREDIBLE PHOTOS AS A SOLO TRAVELER

Struggling to master the art of taking pictures while you are traveling alone? Whether you are a newbie trying to get that perfect Instagram shot or have never used a selfie stick, have no fear.

Here are my top tips I've learned over the past year of capturing the perfect photos as a solo traveler

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

Having a general idea of what you are wanting helps so you are not shooting aimlessly. What are you wanting to have your feed look like? What's your style? I have spent hours on hours browsing through Pinterest looking at shots, poses, and different areas that would be perfect for photos.

FIND INSPIRATION

One of the best ways to find inspiration is through social media. Creating boards on Pinterest or saving photos on Instagram are some of the things that I have incorporated this year to help me get the best shots. However, don't limit yourself. Put your own twist on the photo and recreate it to make it your own.

DON'T FEAR THE SELFIE STICK

Taking pictures with a selfie stick will for sure make you look like a tourist but that is completely fine. Try not to be embarrassed and make sure you pull it out whenever you see an opportunity to. However, if you are not ready to step outside your comfort zone, there are a number of cameras that have remote capabilities where you can use a remote control or your phone to snap the picture.

BRING A TRIPOD

Selfie sticks can only reach so far so bringing a portable tripod can help you capture an array of shots. I use a tripod for a majority of my travel photos because I like to have shots from far away rather than a large amount of close-up shots. Traveling with a tripod may seem like a hassle but the one I purchased from Amazon is lightweight and folds into a small shape which easily fits into my backpack.

ASK FOR HELP

If you are having trouble getting that perfect shot, try not to be afraid to ask for help from a stranger. Make sure you have a good feeling about the person before handing your camera or phone over though. It might make things easier for the person to capture the shot if you show a picture for inspiration and have your camera settings ready to go.

BRING A GOPRO

The first camera I ever purchased was my GoPro. It is amazing for shooting solo shots, especially when you are participating in action packed activities. I use the HERO6 BLACK + 3-WAY MOUNT to get selfies in action. I also have a waterproof case that allows for me to get great underwater shots. My most common shooting setting is a burst and time-lapse for continuous shooting and lots of image options! You can choose from 3/1 second, 5/1 second, 10/1 second, 10/2 seconds, 30/1 second (which is the default selection), 30/2 seconds, and 30/3 seconds. Depending on what you’re shooting, you have a lot of shooting options.

THINK ABOUT TIMING AND LIGHTING

If you are wanting to get shots with no tourists, think about the timing you plan on visiting the location. For example, I visited Wilmington, NC over Labor Day Weekend and wanted to see all of the One Tree Hill Filming Locations. To make sure I got shots without tourists, I made a route map of all the locations the night before, was at the first location by 7 the next morning and was done by 8:30.

Additionally, think about the lighting! Typically around sunrise and just before sunset are ideal times to shoot when the light is softer. Cloudy days are also perfect days for the best lighting.

Some links in this post are affiliate links—at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you purchase products through these links. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate, I earn when you book through these links below.

SHOP MY FAVORITE CAMERA ESSENTIALS!