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
Vicki
Love all of this advice — especially about the tripod and the filter app. Usually, I never want a photo of myself, so this hasn’t been an issue for me. I travel ALL the time by myself and am always focused on photographing my beautiful surroundings. At times, my mother has texted me mid trip asking for a photo of me and I just had to grab the quick “stick my arm waaaayyy out here” selfie. Now I have other choices. Thank you. 🙂
Jordan
Hi Vicki,
Great to e-meet a fellow solo traveler! I have definitely had to force myself to take more photos with me in them. I’m glad these tips were able to give you some new options!
Samirah
Great tips and hacks! Now I’m going to invest in one of those trusty tripods. They look a little creep because of the legs but I can see how they can be more useful than the traditional tripod. I’m also going to look into the snapseed app as well as check out your blog post on how to use it.
Jordan
Hi Samirah,
The legs are very unique, that’s for sure. I’m glad these tips were helpful! And let me know if the steps for Snapseed make sense!
Boomer
Great tips. I DO wonder how people get those shots when they seem to be solo. Thanks for solving the mystery. Next time I go out to paint, I’ll take my bluetooth shutter clicker. I hadn’t thought of that.
Jordan
Hi Boomer,
Glad I could help solve the mystery. Let me know how your shots turn out using the clicker!
Jean C Williams
Thank you for sharing. You have inspired me to utilize Instagram more than I do. My main reason for not doing so is because I haven’t figured out yet how to post to Instagram from my laptop. When I do figure it out, I will definitely use your tips.
Jordan
Hi Jean,
Yes that is slightly frustrating about Instagram. Hopefully you can still use the tips to take great photos for your personal use though!
Melissa
I just recently traveled to Texas and asked someone at The Alamo if they wanted me to take their picture. They lady said Nah, someone already did and it was horrible. My mind was blown, LOL 😂 That is not the average response!
Jordan
Oh my gosh! That is hilarious, but also sadly the truth sometimes. That was nice of you to offer though! The Alamo is lovely. I hope you got some good shots!
Stacy
Thanks for the tips! I’m gonna check out those tripods — one with a bluetooth remote would be great. I’ve never done that before!
Jordan
Hi Stacy,
I’m glad you liked them. Let me know if you get one and how it goes!
Judy
Great tips! I was reading another post and thought, ‘how did she get the pictures?’, then voila – there was the post! I always volunteer to take pictures for other people, but never think to ask them to take one of me… next time, for sure! 🙂
Jordan
Hi Judy,
I’m so glad these tips were helpful. And yes, next time ask them to take one of you too!
Laura
I’m trying to learn how to get action shots solo as I often run the states without a buddy. Maybe I’ll invest in a portable tripod to carry with me, thanks for the tips!
Jordan
Hi Laura,
Wow that’s a great idea for the tripod. The bluetooth remote may help with that too!
Anne
Very cool, thanks for sharing the idea and links on a tripod for cell phone. I love using my cell to take pictures and am impressed with the quality of the photos that I have been able to take yet I often struggle. The use of a tripod would help!
Jordan
Hi Anne,
Yes cell phone cameras are so good these days at taking quality pictures. That’s all I use. The tripod really helps with this, especially if I need to take a few attempts. Then I don’t have to keep asking strangers to try again and again. 🙂 Let me know if you end up trying one!
Tash
It’s definitely tricky to get travel photo’s when you’re on your own. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Jordan
Thank you for checking them out. I hope they were helpful!