How to Get Instagram Worthy Solo Travel Photos
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This post is part of my Instagram Worthy series.
Updated March 2024.
It’s all about Instagram these days right? So what should you do when you’re traveling solo and don’t have your go-to BFF photographer with you to take those Instagram-worthy pics? Don’t worry! You can still get Instagram-worthy solo travel photos, with a bit more ingenuity and the courage to ask for help.
The biggest thing to remember is not to feel self-conscious. I sometimes feel totally stupid with my tripod out or asking a stranger to take my picture. But if the picture turns out nice, then it was worth it! The other reason I say not to be awkward or embarrassed is because that feeling could come through your pictures. I know I don’t want to work up the courage to ask someone just for the pictures not to be good because my body language or expression is self-conscious. If you can master this #1 hurdle, the next steps will be easier!
1. Invest in a Tripod
There are tons of great phone tripods out there. My personal favorite is an old version of this Joby GripTight Smartphone/Action Camera Flexible Tripod Stand Kit. However, Ubeesize also has some great, less expensive options.
I love these because the legs are adjustable, so you can wrap it around pretty much anything to get the perfect shot. I’ve wrapped mine around handrails, benches, trees, and even perched on the top of an outdoor statue. Oh and did I mention most come with a Bluetooth remote? You can pretty much use this thing anywhere to get those solo travel photos!
2. Ask a Stranger
This option takes a bite more work, but can be a success. Here are a few steps to help ensure the success rate of this tactic.
- Have your shot in mind: Research where you are going and what shots you’d like to get ahead of time. Look at Google images, Instagram tags, and the destination’s website to get a feel of the area and what might work for you.
- Strategically pick the stranger: My go-to strangers are either fellow solo explorers, anyone else who is taking tons of pics, or even couples. As a nice gesture, offer to take their photo as well.
- Then ask for your shot: Once you’ve done your good deed, ask if they’ll take one of you too. Make sure to show them exactly what you are looking for. Also, tell them exactly where you want them to stand and where you want to be in the composition of the photo. I always ask if they will take multiple pictures in a row, so I have lots of options.
3. Use Strangers in your Photos
If you don’t want to get a shot of yourself, look for other focal points, like the people around you. This is the easiest option, as it doesn’t require extra equipment or that you have to talk to anyone (amen). I love using strangers in photos, especially for silhouettes. Your Instagram followers will still love your picture and won’t even know that you aren’t in the pic.
If you do use strangers, make sure they are not easily identifiable. That means don’t get close-ups of faces. This could be an infringement of their rights, so best to avoid it.
4. Use Alternative Focal Points
Some of the best photos on Instagram don’t have people in them at all. You can pretty much use anything to focus on, but I do like to get shots that still have a personal touch. Some examples are getting your feet in a landscape shot or holding a drink at a bar or restaurant. This is the easiest way to get solo travel photos if you don’t feel like dealing with strangers or extra equipment.
5. Edit, Edit, Edit
Now comes the fun part! Once you have your collection of solo travel photos, it’s time to make them Insta-worthy. All those gorgeous, colorful shots you see on Instagram are NEVER unfiltered or unedited (this is why we have trust issues, honestly).
But that’s ok, because you can do the same thing! There are many great photo editors out there, but my personal favorite is the Snapseed app (Psst-here are my tips for using Snapseed if you’re interested). I included a before and after of for you to see the difference some simple editing can make.
Voila!
Now you’re ready to blow your Instagram followers away, even while traveling solo! Do you have any tips or tricks you use on how to get Instagram-worthy pics while traveling solo? I’d love to hear them! Share in comments below.
25 Comments
Manisha Raj
Installed Snapseed! And thanks for the tip on stranger pics….that was smart 😉
Jordan
Hi Manisha,
I’m so glad the tips were helpful! I hope Snapssed is helpful as well, but let me know if you run into any issues.
Julie Hill Ulm
Love this tip about the tripod!
Kiana
These are great tips! We ask strangers to take our pictures as a couple sometimes, too, so I understand it would be even more of a challenge solo.
Jordan
Hi Kiana,
These tips can definitely apply for couples shots as well. I’m glad you found them helpful!