
I love looking through my grandmother’s travel photos, imagining how it was back then. The other day as I flipped through, I wanted so badly to find a photo of her, but she is rarely in any of them. Like I used to, she preferred to stand behind the lens, and I suspect she probably felt vain asking people to take photos of her.
I totally get it. I felt that way too, but then I started getting in my own travel photos, and celebrating my adventure and myself, and you know what? It’s so much fun, and it feels good too.
So how do I manage to be in my photos if I travel solo 99% of the time? This is everything you need to know about taking the ultimate travel selfie (that doesn’t look like a selfie):
Watch the BTS here, and read on for more tips:
Stop Worrying About Others Judging You for Taking Selfies
I used to feel awkward and like everyone was staring at me when I took selfies. But the downside of leaving a place with no photos of myself in it is greater than the temporary shame I might feel from the stares of a few perfect strangers.
I’ve had the opposite happen, too, when people cheered me on as I took my own photos!
I doubt anyone cares. When it comes down to it, humans are very self-focused. And if someone does care that you’re taking photos of yourself, that sounds more like their problem than yours, am I right?
You deserve to come home with awesome travel photos of yourself. Don’t feel shamed out of it!
Show up at the Right Time
The best way to get photos with nobody in them is to show up early, or late, depending on the place! If nobody is around to make you feel weird or judge you, then you can snap away to your heart’s delight as well. It’s a double win!
Even ultra popular tourist spots, like this lake in Glacier National Park, can be empty if you show up before people arrive or after they’ve already gone home. Most people like to sleep in, and will mobilize around midday. Or if it’s a swimming destination, many people are home before sunset.
Get a Little Tripod
I resisted a tripod for three years before finally buying one. A quality tripod is usually somewhat heavy and can be very expensive, but you can also get a cheapie while you’re figuring out if you like using one or not. If you plan on doing nighttime photography or any kind of long exposure, a tripod is a must.
In these situations, the camera needs to be still, so hand-holding isn’t possible. I used to balance my camera on anything nearby, and sometimes I still do, but a tripod will give you the exact height and positioning that you want. That can be hard to achieve if you rely on whatever is in your environment instead.
Use Your Phone as a Remote, or Use the Timer
Many cameras these days have Wi-Fi capabilities and will have an app that you can download to use your phone as a remote shutter. This method is perfect because you can see how you look like in the phone before taking the photo.
Pro tip: If you don’t want your phone in your hand for the photo, set it to a 10-second timer and put the phone down or in your pocket while the seconds are counting down.
If your camera doesn’t have the WiFi capabilities, get a cheap remote (they’re easy to set up), and take photos with that. Plus, they’re easy to hide in the photo thanks to their small size.
Use the Intervalometer/Time lapse Function
If your camera has an intervalometer, or a program that will take time lapses for you, you can set it to take a photo every second or two and straight different poses. Given that the phone and camera will lose signal if you get them too far away from each other, the time lapse is the perfect alternative if you plan to be smaller in the photo/farther away from the camera.
This is now my favorite way to take travel selfies, although if you plan on having an open aperture, you will need to manually focus and make sure that you don’t move too far from the spot you focused on.
Many of the smartphone apps will let you tap to focus, which makes this a better option if you plan on shooting anything lower than an F7 and moving around much.
If you have no idea what I’m talking about with the camera-speak and would prefer not to manually focus, stick to the methods mentioned above.
Use a Drone
No tripod? No problem. A drone is one of my favorite ways to take travel selfies that don’t look like selfies.
You can make yourself a tiny dot on the horizon or you can get closer and get a nice aerial shot that wouldn’t be possible any other way.
Of course, there are more and more regulations every day associated with flying drones, and you’ll need to check the Federal Aviation Administration app before flying in the US to make sure that you’re not flying in a helicopter or airport zone. Drones are also prohibited in all national parks, some state parks, some national forests, and the wilderness areas.
But when you’re in an area where they are allowed and it’s as beautiful as the photo above, it’s a nice toy to have! This was taken with a Mavic 2 Pro. It has a better camera than some of the cheaper models, which makes it much better for photography.
Set Up the Shot Yourself then Ask Someone Else to Take it
Is it too crowded or wet to set up a tripod? Didn’t feel like carting one around? Ask someone around to help you out! There are a few ways to ensure that whoever takes your photo, it’s likely to come out looking good:
- Ask someone with a camera around their neck to take your photo. If they paid for an expensive camera, chances are better that they know how to use it. This person is also unlikely to run off with your camera if they already have one. Best practice is to offer to take a photo for that person before asking. Maybe she’ll even offer back without you needing to ask!
- Ask them to hold it in that exact position and take it for you. Compose the shot before you even ask, and tell them exactly what you plan to do in it so that all of the artistic direction is already dictated by you and not by them.
- Ask someone else if the first time isn’t to your liking. Politely wait for that person to walk away, then try again. It takes an extra five minutes but might result in the perfect photo.
Learn How to Pose
When a photo looks candid, it’s easier to fall in love with, to feel enchanted by it, and to picture ourselves there. How can you achieve this when you’re taking your own photos? Practice!
It’s all about posing in a way that works for the shot, whether by using a prop, being a tiny human in the frame, or dancing or laughing in the photo.
I know it seems weird, but it actually helps with relaxing in front of the camera. My friend Kelsey in Namibia said to me, “You know I never liked being in photos before, but when we frolic or dance it’s interesting and I like those photos of myself.”
It takes time to get comfortable with this, and some positive affirmations help, too.
We live in a weird day and age when we’re conceited if we love ourselves and the way we look but insecure if we don’t – you can’t win. So we might as well choose to celebrate ourselves and have FUN taking the photos rather than feeling self-doubts. Take lots. Keep practicing, reviewing, and having fun with it, and I promise you’ll keep getting better.
Want some help kickstarting it? Sign up for my free 5-days to better selfies challenge:
Now you have all my secrets! I hope you’ll embrace the selfie, see that it’s not a vain way to take photos, and maybe give a few of these ideas a try yourself. If you do, please share them with me in the comments or on social media!
If you have any tips to add, please share them in the comments. I’m always open to learning new tricks of the trade.
Caroline says
Absolutely whole-heartedly agree. I just bought the same camera that you’re now using this past weekend. Thanks for the timer/phone tip. I’ll be sure to look into it. Great post!
Kristin says
For sure! Be sure to mess with the settings because I noticed when I use my phone for some reason it doesn’t shoot in RAW format so when I’m back to civilization and have time to mess with it I’ll def be fixing that.
Rebecca says
Nice ideas! My hubby and I NEVER have pictures of ourselves but we are trying to be better at it. I still refuse to use a selfie stick though! 🙂
Daniel says
I’ve noticed you were in a lot more of your photos recently (as I’ve been silently judging you for using the selfie stick).
I still stay out of my photos, but I have a good reason: I’m just far too good looking, to be honest. I’m trying to highlight the natural beauty of my surroundings with my photos, not outshine it.
Kristin says
Understandable, the world just isn’t ready.
… and embrace the selfie stick!
Barry says
It can be hard to into the mentality of taking travel photos of yourself – especially when you wander solo. Hopefully, I can gradually start to make the change too. Thanks for sharing the tips.
Sabrina says
I love your pictures and will for sure try a few of your tips on my next trip! I’m curious to hear what camera you have that is so light and takes amazing pics…my dslr makes great pictures, but is bulky and quite heavy to carry around.
Kristin says
It’s here! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-improve-my-travel-photography/
Emily says
These are some fantastic tips! I’m also so self conscious when taking selfies…I feel like a total tool. But then my mom yells at me when there are no pictures with me in them. I definitely need to look into using my phone as a remote for my gopro though! Genius.
Fernando says
Great tips, Kristin.
I’ve also been guilty of not being in ANY of my travel photos for many, many years. In my last trip alone I decided to make an effort and started using my camera’s timer. I still can’t get myself to bring a tripod (even though I have one!), but you can often find suitable places to lay your camera on.
I also did what I never thought I would and bought a selfie stick. Like you say, the first two days I felt self-conscious about using it, but after that I didn’t care any more. The good thing about the selfie-stick is if you lean it against something, it can double as a monopod of sorts for taking photos and shooting video with your phone.
I still need more practice to get nice results like the ones you showed, but at least I came back with some photos of myself that I’ll be glad to look at in the future. Also, my family were quite happy to see me on some photos for a change!
Helen says
I love this! I’m so embarrassed to take selfies, so i hardly have any photos of when I’ve travelled solo! 🙁 Thank you for the great tips! 🙂
Melissa says
These are great tips! I always feel like a dork when I’m in my own photos but I’m always sad when I’m in so few. I get self-conscious when I ask strangers help me take a yoga photo. Thinking I just need to suck it up or forever stay behind the lens.
Kristin says
Just suck it up! Tell yourself you’re never going to see that person again so who cares? I also started offering to take and edit photos for my travel friends if they’re willing to put in the time to go on little photo adventures with me and take my picture too. They’re usually so happy with the result that the next time I ask around the group, I have several excited volunteers.
Bekki says
Finally a post that will help me embrace my inner model! Kidding! But you are so right about the people around me never seeing me again, plus isn’t this the time of our lives to embrace the fact we work hard to be in the places we are, doesn’t that justify all our lovely selfies!?
Maria says
Amazing post! Thanks for sharing this! I love the frolicking pics….seriously so cute!
I also wanted to tell you how much I love your blog. I find your personality really shines through, and you seem to have a beautiful soul!
Kristin says
Thanks so much Maria! Glad that’s communicated through the photos, and I’m so glad you found the post helpful.
Travelsito says
Great tips Kristin. No wonder your photos are always so beautiful and storytelling.
Kristin says
Thanks so much!
Kristin says
Hey Arianna, I go into a lot more detail here about why I like the camera and would recommend it, hope it helps! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-improve-my-travel-photography/
Ryan says
I get kinda’ embarrassed about talking photos of myself, but since I travel solo, I barely ever have photos of myself in things. Number 1 tip for me from this is just ignore other people like you said. Won’t ever see them again. And I’ll actually be able to be in my photos haha. I’ve found some creative ways to use a selfie stick for photos and video, but almost never for actually taking selfies haha. Love that over-the-shoulder shot though, totally stealing it =P And I really need to invest in a portable tripod finally, that Aurora shot is jaw-dropping Kristin. Rad tips especially for someone who is never in photos like myself!
Janna says
Do you ever worry about some stealing your camera when you set it up on a tripod?
Kristin says
The only situations where I’d do that is somewhere out in nature rather than a city. The London long exposure shot was actually in a super crowded area but with a gorilla pod – my friend Steve set it up on top of a sidewalk barrier and stood right around it as he took the photo. If it was a full-sized tripod in such a crowded area it wouldn’t have been possible
Sofie says
Hey miss!
I was wondering what image settings you use for your GoPro as you don’t have that “ended horizon” in your shots at all? Or do you “cure” that when editing?
I definitely need to look into getting a remote. Unfortunately, my camera doesn’t work with my phone (I think), but my GoPro does (I think – I clearly need to check this:D).
Kristin says
You mean the curve from the fish-eye lens? It depends on how you hold the camera and the angle. You can see as you take the photo how it’s going to end up. I also only use the GoPro when I can see a natural bend or curve in the landscape and know that the GoPro would be the best possible camera to use to encompass and enhance it. I’d say it’s appropriate for 10-15% of my photos and the rest of the time my Sony is the better choice 🙂
Sofie says
Yups, I meant the curve!
I also prefer using my camera but find that hard to mount on a selfie stick. For selfies, I still love the GoPro:)
Thanks!
Kristin says
tripod!
Sam says
AHHH!! This post is amazing. I never realized you were by yourself during these trips! I always actually thought to myself “how nice she has someone to snap pictures of her.” I recently took my frist trip abroad – I had been dreaming of the trip for about ten years. I was heartbroken when I came home, and the reactions from friends and family were lackluster because I wasn’t in the pictures. My mom told me it was almost as if I had never gone, because I have no proof that I was actually there. I guess I have to live with it, but these are great ideas for next time! 🙂
Kristin says
Well they’re still your memories and I’m sure the pics are awesome regardless. I also started to offer whoever I’m randomly with to take and edit their photo if they’re willing to take the time to go on a photo walk with me. I did that in Mozambique and at first I kind of had to coax them into it but after they saw the photos I suddenly had EVERYONE volunteering to go with me because they ended up with awesome photos too! I’d stage the photo with them in it then tell them exactly where to hold the camera to take my photo. Worked brilliantly.
Jojo says
I really enjoy this post because I feel usually feel a little weird in front of the camera too so there is quit a few of me jumping. I will try dancing next time =)
Kristin says
Ah the dreaded double chin! I get it too 😉
keil says
Basically i don’t like to take photos. Only if my family members are gathered i go for taking photos. i don’t like to go front of camera to take self image. But you showed the tips as i interested to take selfies and images with those poses. highly recommended
Brii says
Arent you afraid that someone is going to swipe your camera when it is counting down the self timer? that’s my one concern!
Kristin says
I wouldn’t do it in cities or places where theft might occur. That’s more for nature situations.
Best selfie stick says
Yea, selfie sticks are just like another gadget to play with.
There is no point to feel irritated about it. New tools are always
created to solve problems, and selfie stick is one of them.
Sam says
Hello! I know my comment is a year too late but I just came across this article and absolutely appreciate the tips! The one of putting the selfie stick behind your back is genius! Why haven’t I thought of that before haha. And your IG pics are really beautiful. Taking full shots of yourself (well,, myself) is something I don’t have a lot of experience with other than selfies. I definitely want a remote now.
Kristin says
A timer works really well too until you get a remote! You can also use your phone as one if you have a camera with Wifi capabilities like the gopro or the sony that I have!
Natalie says
Fantastic tips! We travel as a family so there are always plenty of hands for photos, but recently I found myself at a lose because I went to New York City with hubby. He was in business meetings all day and I ventured out into the city by myself. Alone I found myself wondering how to get good photos. I had my phone and a camera. I took selfies and had people take photos of me.
Mercy! My face looks fat and puffy because taking a selfie using just my arm has the camera WAY too close to my face!! LOL! Then, as you suggested I asked people who had nice cameras to take a photo of me. In short…all of my photos from that afternoon were sad and mediocre at best. Not for showing anyone. Even I don’t want to look at them! LOL!
Needless to say, I was in dire need of this article and now, armed with these tips, I’ll be able to get great photos on the rare occasion that I’m traveling alone! Thank you!!!
Kristin says
Yeah the best is to just take it yourself or hold it exactly where you want it and tell them to hold it right there and take the photo, when in a big city 🙂
Morgan Klaus says
This is definitely a fantastic tip. I had asked Lauren Juliff at Never Ending Footsteps how she usually takes her photos and she linked me to your article. I also have always used a tripod, but I had a fear of my gear being swiped when traveling. I guess it is still mostly beneficial for rural or nature trips.
Kristin says
Aw that’s nice of her to send you over! I wouldn’t use a tripod in a city but in that case I’d just ask a person with a camera because they will know what they’re doing/probably won’t swipe yours.
Viola says
Love these tips!! I decided to level up my travel photography this year so I got myself a tripod and it made such a difference and I can finally rely on myself to take my pictures! I should get a remote though like you suggested. The running back and forth gets tiring. Awesome articles Kristin. I stumbled across your a blog awhile ago. Recently, I am writing a post on “female travel blogs that will inspire you” and I would love to feature Be My Travel Muse. Please let me know what you think! 🙂
Kristin says
Sure feel free to contact me via email 🙂
Paulomi Bhatt says
HI Kristin,
Great Post and All pictures are very beautiful!
Ilona says
Thank you so much for this guide! It is exactly what I needed. I was looking for a good photo of me the other day and realised that I look the same in every single photo (something which my boyfriend already pointed out to me – I denied it at the time but I know he was right).
You know those photos of people who are dancing and looking very elegant? I have always wanted to have one of those but am afraid that I’m going to look very awkward. But I do like the ideas in your blog, especially the walking and touching your hair. I think that could really help me look more natural instead of just standing very stiff in front of a building.
I will keep experimenting with different poses. I already feel sorry for my friend who has to take all of those pictures for me.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Kristin says
In order to look elegant they took a lot of photos that did not look elegant!
Cat says
Hey! Great tips here, thanks so much 🙂 I do often wonder – what do you do with your backpack (the one with the gear, the water, etc. while you take the photos and run and up down a hill/stairs, etc.? I often get scared someone will steal it, and I don’t want it in my photos… how do you do it?
Kristin says
If I’m in a place where I don’t feel it would be secure I don’t do it, but I’m usually in nature without anyone else around. If it’s potentially a problem I ask someone to take it for me in those cases.
Paul says
I’m happy to take photos of others if they ask me to, but never of myself. Other than my passport and other ‘official’ documents that absolutely require a photo, I don’t have even one picture of myself anywhere – and I don’t want any. I am ugly and nothing can fix that – I’ve tried with several highly sought after photographers, spent thousands of dollars, and not even one picture was good enough not to be thrown in the trash.
Because of this, I can’t do online dating (the guys with no photos thing…) and so I’m doomed to be alone forever – I don’t go out because with a face like mine I’d probably scare women away before I could even introduce myself.
Most people can photograph well – they may need to pose a certain way, or be in a particular light to get the best shots – but they can get at least decent photos. But folks need to understand that for some of us, it’s better to be faceless – and so sadly,bin an age of selfies and pics everywhere – we just have to accept that we’ll never be visible.
Kristin says
Awww, nobody is ‘ugly’
I think it’s best said by Nayyirah Waheed:
“you
see your face.
you
see a flaw.
how. if you are the only one who has this face.”
— the beauty construct”
Laura says
Thanks Kristin, these are really helpful tips. Love the sound of your camera that connects to your phone. I’m gonna take a read of your equipment post in more detail when I’m back from my hol in Croatia.
Do you also use a drone now?
Laura x
Laurawanderland
Kristin says
Yes I do! The ultimate selfie machine.
Emily says
Simple and informative, I love the article! And I want to add that the more candid they look, the more you can actually transmit an emotion and let the people see how you felt in the particular place and time.
Kristin says
Agreed. Part of it is actually taking candid photos or if they’re of yourself, finding ways to pose and practicing!
laura bloom says
All of these photos look fab! I asked someone to take a photo of me in Barcelona as my Mum just wasn’t getting it right hahah
Laura x
Kristin says
LOL my mom is often my photographer too. I am trying to be gentle because I know nobody else is in my head.
Kate says
Hey! Do you shoot in RAW or JPG?
Kristin says
Always RAW and only RAW!
Juan Ovalle says
The phone as a remote tip is a lifesaver! Investing in the right gear, especially if you travel so much, is really worth it.
Kristin says
totally agree!
Jess Pacheco says
Hi Kristin, love these tips. I also feel a bit awkward in front of the camera – I am by far more comfortable behind it and setting the shot. I do find that we inherently love looking at other humans and so, of course, the photos with me or others in it always do better in terms of analytics than those without fellow humans. Thanks for listing out a money friendly way of getting the best shots to maximize our self brand. ✌️from sunny Los Angeles – Jess ||
Hoi An says
Another tip is that don’t be shy to ask the local people to take photos for you. Usually, the local people are so friendly and they will help you immediately.
Hoi An
Kristin says
Always worth asking those around you if they can help.
moira says
Great tips – I think you’re right about not being embarrassed by what others think of you. Also, such a good tip to use your phone as a remote!
Kristin says
Yes you just have to get over that and then it’s all good!
Natalie Redman says
I love these shots, so stunning!
Kristin says
Thank you!
Kat says
Hi! Your pictures are amazing and I read your article the day before I was going on my solo road trip. It was hard to ignore people who were staring, but I followed your advice and got quite a few good pictures of the view + me! Thank you so much!
Kristin says
Yay good for you! In time you’ll care less and less about the stares, trust me!
Ben says
Great site – thanks for the Patagonia and other pieces!
Kristin says
Sure thing!
Jamie Flanagan says
I just found your blog and have to say that I am just so, not usually at a loss for words, amazed? I love the fact you are also able to travel with the best travel partner ever, you. And kudos for trying to teach folks to just not worry about how others see you, but to embrace the “you” and the “you in the moment” in pictures.. I am also an avid solo outdoor enthusiast and extremely passionate photo taker. I have always wanted to have more photos of me in the shot, as a landscape is great, but they don’t always capture the way the place fet while I was there. I love your ideas for selfie pictures and will use some if not most in the future. And travellers should never be afraid to at least ask someone to take a photo of you.. I am, as I am sure you are, always happy to help someone else and take for them the best picture I can. Even though sometimes, yes sometimes, someone actually takes a bad picture of me, it still says I was there. Plus if it’s really bad, it can always be deleted. Good luck in all your future travels….
Kristin says
Aw thank you, I appreciate that so much! I agree I’m never bothered if someone asks me to take a photo of them. I usually get pretty into it and want it to come out great, lol!
Paul says
I’ve tried all the suggestions you give, including hiring professional photographers a few times, but have never liked even one photo of myself and so don’t have a single one from any period of my life. Are there other people like me who simply cannot look even ‘OK’ in any picture no matter what?
Raluca says
Hi! If you leave the camera unattented to take a selfie, what are your chances of having it robbed? You’d be for ar least 5 minutes far from it.
Kristin says
I’m never a full 5 minute walk away from my camera, but I also am careful to only take selfies like this in places where it feels safe to do so. You can ask someone nearby to help you take the photo if leaving it doesn’t feel safe.
Kate says
You described all my problems. I mean posing, asking somebody to take a photo of you. I can’t pose alone in the room, but I need to do it in front of the stranger. This is my nightmare! But I understand that I’m wrong and ready to work on myself looking at your extremely beautiful photographs. Did you write about special travel photo editing software? Hope you have some tips for mobile photography editing.
Kristin says
I edit all of my photos with lightroom on my computer, but they do have a mobile version!
Paula says
I always feel ashamed to pose haha
Kristin says
Ashamed?! No do it, it’s fun!
Zoe Campos says
Thank you for giving me the idea to show up early at my desired location to avoid other people from showing up in my photos (and judging me for taking them). My husband had booked a luxury vacation for the two of us because we weren’t able to celebrate our honeymoon, but I’m a bit doubtful about his photography skills since he never liked taking photos. Maybe I’ll take your photography course and take my own!
Shelby says
Love all of these ideas! Lately I’ve been setting up my phone using trees as a tripod and then putting it on a video. I then go have fun and do different poses and then slowly go through the video to screenshot it. This is better if you don’t want to walk back and forth a lot.
Kristin says
Sounds like a good way to do it on the phone! How is the quality??
Lisi says
Great tips Kristin. Thanks for sharing. I have been trying to take some selfies during my travels but I will need some more practice.
Kristin says
Yep it’s all about practicing!
GG says
I agree with all the comments regarding selfies and not worrying about what others do or think when you are doing so. I love these interactions and love your quote Kristin about beauty by Nayyirah Waheed. I plan to cite this in the future. The only issues I have ever had with selfies are two incidents: Getting poked in the head by a selfie stick (did not hurt but scared me) and getting literally shoved out of the way while at a tourist spot for one. The solution was to do what you all do, go early or at times with low tourist volume whether taking photos or not :). Actually it has been years since I have attended any tourist area during busy times! My only advice to those who do choose to do selfies during crowded times if they have to do it then (and sometimes you have no choice) is to be mindful of others when doing the photos and ask others to take photos for you instead if it is too crowded. Follow Kristin’s advice and be a mindful travel that BMTM pushes wonderfully all the time and you can’t go wrong :). Her way of doing selfies (and travel in general) is nothing short of awesome and it is good to have yourself in some pictures as part of memories. It really frames the scene and provides perspective too.
Kristin says
Agreed, selfie sticks in a crowded place aren’t nice!