A Female Travelling Solo? Here Are the Best Photography Tips to Capture Your Moments

As a solo female traveler, among all the considerations that might make you reconsider traveling solo, ‘How will I click my own pics?’ also pops up. But to let the minor obstacle of pictures deter you is rather lame, truth be told.
This article offers solutions to your photo-related challenges. We will explore all possible methods for taking your own pictures without any compromises. So, let’s dive right in.

Pocket Memories

There are so many moments and experiences in our life. So many of them we forget. Small, precious moments, lost to time. It is indeed the invention of cameras alone through which we have been able to salvage valuable moments. And people misunderstand when they scoff at those who take pictures while touring or traveling. It isn’t just for social media, nor is it to capture moments. Pictures are for our future selves. So that we may look at them in the future and remember all that we lived. A photo of us in a park is a quick medium for our brain to flashback to the whole day spent and all the funny or serious things that occurred.
So, we have it clear that photos are necessary. But why do selfies not work? This is where the art of photography comes in. Photography isn’t just clicking a button. It’s about noticing the subtle beauty all around us and effectively capturing that into a still—to show the beauty of something even in a picture. Selfies, obviously, do not have the element of beauty in them as they do not even cover the landscape.
And well, it may seem vain, but you do, of course, need yourself in the picture! At least for some of them. So then, let’s see how you can.

Let a Passer-by Click for You

Starting with the cheapest options, the rather uncertain options, you can ask a stranger to take a picture of you, of course. But you cannot always trust strangers to be skilled photographers, or to not take away with your camera! Though this means is not very reliable, you can always ask a family or a big group that’s next to you taking their own photos. They will understand and usually do it happily.
This is also a good opportunity to make friends. Speak to people, get to know them, and click pictures for them, too.

Get a Tripod

A tripod is a good, self-sufficient, and trustworthy solution. Though the threat of theft is present in it too, what can you do? Stay more alert and cautious, is all. The benefit a tripod gives you is that you needn’t ask a stranger anymore. You can just carry your portable tripod, and you’re good to go. A big con of this, however, is that it would require good space and more time. It would be a bit difficult to manage in crowded places. They are also expensive, and the cheap ones are not of good quality.
Many solo travelers go for tripods and even prefer them. But it all depends on whether you think you can handle it. It is a good choice if you already have experience in photography or have used one before. Plus, it’s good if money is not a concern.
When using a tripod while traveling, make sure you know the basics and how to take the best pictures. You can try before you travel so that you don’t spend time on the trip wondering what to do and how to do it.
The best would be to use the timer function so that you have time to prepare the pose and the burst mode so that you can have a bunch of photos with different poses and candids that you can later choose from.

Get a GoPro

Speaking of when money is not a concern, GoPro is the one to go (pro) with. A GoPro is a compact camera that captures shots and videos even in extreme conditions. Originally designed by the CEO to capture his surfing, it has now become a compact camera used worldwide by adventurers.
The GoPro is special because it lets you capture the most adverse moments—a mountain hike, a dive into the sea, river rafting etc., etc. Its wide range helps it capture a larger landscape, and the video quality is amazing. They’re small, lightweight, and high-quality.
A downside is that the stills captured with a GoPro may not match the high quality of a traditional DSLR. However, for hands-free action shots, especially on solo trips, a GoPro is an excellent choice. Just make sure you know how to use it effectively to avoid wasting time and missing out on capturing the beautiful sky or breathtaking views.
A cheap alternative for underwater shots could be a waterproof phone case. It will in no way compare what a GoPro could do, but you’ll get an underwater shot, so that’s that. Just make sure you don’t lose your phone to the oceans though…

Get a Compact Camera

About the same price range as the GoPro, compact cameras are best for casual photographers. These are quick point-and-shoot cameras that automatically adjust the quality of the click. They will not have many manual options for you to adopt, but they are perfect for those who simply wish to get a good-quality photo. If you’re not out for crazy adventures but are a more casual traveler with scenic pursuits more than the adventurous and action-filled ones, then this camera is for you. Far cheaper than a DSLR and a GoPro, this does the job for you.

Just Use Your Phone

If you have a mobile phone with a good-quality camera, like an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel, you can skip all the camera fuss and just trust your phone camera. A good phone camera will give you what your minimum requirement is: a good click.
If your attention is less on photography and more on the click, then just go with the phone.

Creative Camera Placements

If you’re unable or unwilling to invest in a tripod, your next best option is to get creative. Try placing your camera or phone in elevated, stable spots and using the timer function to get yourself in the frame before the shot is taken.
This method has its limitations, as you’re restricted by the locations you find, which may not always offer ideal lighting or composition. It also poses a risk to your device; it could fall or get stolen.

Basic Photography Tips

With options like the compact camera and the phone, you’ll again have to rely on strangers to make the right click for you. In such cases, it is best to know what click you want and how you want it. Better than letting them handle it or wasting their (and your) time picking out spots and getting the pose right.

Observe the Scene

The one main reason we instantly think of clicking a picture of a scene (any scene) is that something about it amazes or delights us. So, the first thing to do is to take a minute and admire the beauty of it.
While you do that, notice the elements in your vision. The ones that would look perfect in a picture. Notice beauty that catches your eye, and then think of a pose to go along with it.

Take an Object

Pick out one main object that you want in the frame and adjust the picture based on that one object. You can use that object as a prop for your pose as well. Something to lean on (a pillar) or something to point at (a statue). This is essentially beneficial in places like monuments, forts, or any architectural wonder.
You can do the same with scenic views, beaches, or mountains. But if not, make sure you are at the center of the frame, and the camera is placed properly in accordance with how wide you want the picture to be.

Pick Out Poses

Decide beforehand which poses work best for you, which side of yours you prefer, and which angle suits you best.
Most of us get uncomfortable or awkward in front of a camera and don’t know how to pose. That’s very natural, but the only way out of that is innovation and attempt. Try out various angles and poses before you leave for the trip or when you have spare time on the trip itself.
Among all your attempts, one will surely succeed. If it doesn’t, or if you prefer not to feature your face in the picture—perhaps because you’re feeling camera-shy or not at your best—consider poses where you’re facing away from the camera. These will capture your presence and frame without revealing your face. Alternatively, opt for poses where you’re looking away or only your silhouette is visible.

Be Mindful of the Lighting

A picture of the same landscape and pose would look a hundred times better if only there was good lighting. Understanding which side and angle would make your picture look best requires a little bit of trying.
• Always face the camera away from the sun. This way, the light falls on you and the landscape, and there are no sunspots.
• Try clicking during the sunrise, sunset, or times when the weather is good. This will bring more color and visuals into your picture.
• Reach the locations early or late to receive less crowds and less unwitting photo bombs.

Have a Great Time!

Lastly, just focus more on living the moment than how you want to remember it. Keep the photo sessions as quick as you can so that you can live the moment and enjoy the experience first-hand. That way, you’ll have more to remember later.

Conclusion

As a solo traveler, there will be moments when the absence of a companion feels overwhelming. One such instance is capturing your own photos. Taking selfies with hair flying in every direction can be quite a hassle. Instead, consider smart alternatives that offer perfect shots, foster connections and friendships, and enhance your sense of independence!