How to Take Travel Selfies

One of the first questions that people ask when they’re traveling solo, is how to take the perfect travel selfie. When there’s nobody around to snap a shot of you, how do you capture that moment in a way that you’ll be able to look back on for years to come?

Thanks to the huge array of camera equipment now available on the market, your selfie possibilities are endless, and combined with a few tips and tricks, you can create some beautifully dynamic shots by yourself.

Here are Sophie Bellamies top tips for the ultimate travel selfie!

A simple selfie with your camera in your hand really can be beautiful; you just need to get a little creative to elevate your shot.

Using your camera at arm’s length isn’t going to allow you to get a lot of background in your shot, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Make the most of filling your digital frame with your face and a brightly colored mural behind you, for example. Or, if you’re wanting to show the world what you’re eating, a handheld selfie is the perfect way to get a tasty close up on your gelato (or whatever local delicacy you’re indulging in).

Hand held is the perfect way to go if you want to be subtle and not ‘look like a tourist’ with your selfie stick. But, saying that…

We all get a little self-conscious when using selfie sticks, as so many people seem to be annoyed by them. But, there’s a reason that they’re so popular, and that reason is that they’re super useful for taking photos when you’re traveling alone.

Selfie sticks give you the chance to show more of your background in your images, as they give you a wider view. Using one with a wide angle camera lens or with a GoPro will show off even more of your surroundings.

You can even get creative and throw your selfie stick over your shoulder to get the back-shot that travelers love to create.

Pocket tripods are perfect for compact cameras or camera phones, but be aware that they might not be strong enough to support you full-frame DSLR so check the specification of your chosen model before buying it.

Alternatively, Gorillapod tripods are amazing for travel. There are lots of versions available to suit different types of cameras, and they give you the flexibility to grip onto objects like trees and benches to achieve more creative angles.

Going wireless with your camera will give you more control than simply using the self-timer, as you can take all the time you need getting your pose just right. If your camera can be connected to your smartphone, you can use that as your remote, but if not it’s worth investing in an external remote.

If your camera isn’t set up for remote operation, don’t worry: using the timer might be tricky at first but you’ll soon master getting in position and nailing your pose within your time limit.

The wrist strap is great for getting shots during extreme sports such as paragliding or rafting, and the flex clamp mount is cool if you want both of your hands in shot (so your photo doesn’t actually look like a selfie). The float is also a great thing to have if you spend a lot of time in the water, as you can let your GoPro bob around to capture awesome and natural action shots.

With an action camera, you really can get super creative with your selfies.

Unless you’re seriously into photography, this might seem like too much on an investment. But, if you want to get incredible dynamic selfies, a drone is the way to go; there really is no other way to get the angles and wide perspective that one will allow you to create.
If you’re worried about luggage allowance, some models weigh less than 500 grams which makes them ideal for solo travelers that don’t want to be overloaded with bulky camera equipment.

Burst mode will take multiple pictures so you have a few shots to choose from. This is handy when you’re giving your phone or camera to a stranger and want better odds of them getting a good shot of you, but it’s also handy for selfies.

After all, it’ll save you posing ten different times, as you’ll get ten chances in one to achieve a beautiful shot.

Capturing just your legs as you lounge by a pool is often more effective than showing your face, and showing the back of your head as you gaze out onto a view is a classic travel shot for a reason. So, think about your options before going for the standard ‘top down’ selfie angle.

While you’re out and about you’re sure to see lots more possibilities, so keep your eyes open for that next selfie opportunity.

Go a step further than the standard static selfie pose and get moving in your shot. Strike a yoga pose, leap in the air, or perfect your poolside hair flick: these simple poses will make your images more interesting and will be much more emotive when you look back on them and remember that moment in years to come.

You’re never going to see those people again, so don’t let concerns about their opinions get in the way of a killer selfie that you can enjoy looking at for years to come.

You might feel self-conscious at first, but it’s worth the temporary awkwardness for a shot that you’ll want to share and enjoy. By taking your time and using your camera gear to its full potential, you can create beautiful and dynamic images of you on your travels: no help necessary.

Do you have any other travel selfie tips? Let us know in the comments.