Taking beautiful photos as a solo traveler is challenging, but not impossible.
Last updated: August 22, 2025
How to Take Photos as a Solo Introvert Traveler
Traveling solo is a beautiful experience that gives you freedom to plan and arrange your trips exactly like you want. On the other hand, visiting a new place by yourself forces you to be extra creative and open when it comes to taking pictures. And if it itself wasn’t a big issue already, taking photos as a solo introvert traveler greatly complicates this process.
And yet, despite additional challenges you face as a solo traveler, it’s not impossible to take beautiful photos and create visual content that is worth sharing. Here’re just a few ways how you can start collecting smashing photos without changing your personality and the way you travel.
READ MORE: 10 Travel Photography Mistakes to Avoid
9 SIMPLE WAYS TO TAKE SMASHING PHOTOS WHILE TRAVELING SOLO
1. Use a Tripod
Tripod is the best thing not only for taking a photo of yourself in any place, but also avoiding awkwardness when asking strangers to help you. Moreover, this travel photography essential can significantly improve the quality of your pictures especially if you shoot in low light.
TIP: If you feel not comfortable to take a picture of yourself in public places – like most of us do – show up early before the crowds arrive.
2. Use a Selfie Stick
Similar to the tripod, a selfie stick allows you to take photos without the need of social interaction. On top of that, this tool requires less time to set up. But again, if you don’t want to look silly when taking pictures of yourself, make it a habit to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to beat the crowds.
3. Take Advantage of Any Sturdy Surface
Use any sturdy surfaces while taking photos or yourself or your surroundings while traveling solo. Whether it’s a tree or bench in a park, a short wall, a table or chair in your hotel room, take advantage of them all to take great travel photos when you don’t have a tripod or it’s impossible to fit it in a tiny space.
TIP: Another useful tip for taking photos while traveling solo is to prioritize indoor spaces over outdoor environments to eliminate extra attention from strangers.
4. Get a Drone
What is a better way to take travel pictures of yourself without even looking like you’re posing than using a drone? Furthermore, with a drone, you can get stunning shots from different angles with zero help from other people.
TIP: Make sure drone photography is allowed in the places you travel. Otherwise, you risk getting a hefty fine and being banned.
5. Take Photos of Certain Body Parts
If you absolutely must have a human object in the frame, but don’t want to get extra attention, take photos of certain body parts. For example, you can put a small box on your lap and take a picture of it, including the background. Or remember those catchy photos of people holding ice creams where all you can see is a hand, but get the correct message that the photo is sending?
6. Put Different Objects in Frame
While a beautiful waterfall or lake can make for a stunning travel picture on its own, try to add additional objects to tell a story. Place your travel mug or camera on a rock with a mountain in the background to add personal touches to your photos. A book and a cup of coffee on a table with a panoramic city view brings life to your city photography. The bonus part, none of these photos require any “outside” help, which you as a solo traveler may be striving for.
7. Ask Strangers to Take Photo of You
And yet, from time to time it doesn’t hurt to ask a stranger to take a photo of you. Get a bit further out of your comfort zone and strike a conversation with a random passerby. Then ask him or her to help you with your travel photography. The other way to approach a stranger is to make eye contact and smile before asking for a favor.
As an occasional solo traveler, I remember only one time when a stranger refused to take a picture of me. I think the woman I met in Versailles that day didn’t speak English and was quite startled when I approached her.
8. Put Other People in the Frame
I never strive to have a picture taking of myself in every situation or place. When traveling, I like to focus on the cultural aspect of the place. Locals help you learn new cultures and traditions more than anything else. So if you meet somebody with an interesting story, ask if you can take a picture of him or her.
Do it often and the awkwardness you may experience as a solo traveler asking for help with your photography will be gone in no time.
9. Photograph Wildlife, Landscapes, and Cities while Traveling Solo
Make sure your photos from solo trips tell different stories. While a picture of you in front of the Colosseum in Rome may look good on your Instagram profile, the images of nature, city, and animals unveil your entire travel story. Needless to say, this type of photos don’t even need any “external” help.
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