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Writer's pictureAjaz Shaikh

How to Take Great Photos of Yourself While Travelling Solo

It's finally time to dip your toes into the unknown and explore the solo side of travelling.

A customary question to solo travelling is, 'Who's going to click my pictures?' and rightly so. After all, it didn’t happen if your pictures don’t make it on your gram

How to Take Great Photos of Yourself While Travelling Solo

Well, ease in, we've got you. And, here are a few pointers as to exactly how.


1. Invest in a Portable Tripod

Compact and portable is the way to go! Albeit heavy, tripods are every solo traveller’s best friend. If you are a newbie, set up the tripod to fit your best angels and use the self-timer to your best advantage. Only you know the kind of pictures you desire.

After all, trial and error are all part of the fun. A tripod enables you to set it up wherever and however. You can take it to uncharted territories like the Aadrai rainforest or through the thick fogs of Ooty!


2. Purchase a Camera Remote Control

We’ve all been there, the two seconds of panic post clicking the shutter icon and running back to the spot mimicking the same practised pose, all of this to get your desired shot. Invest in a camera remote and pose away! It's wireless and as small as the palm of your hand, hence extremely lightweight. The perfect tech add-on while you’re backpacking in Rishikesh.


3. Learn About the Best Photo Angles

Pictures are all about angles, and practice makes perfect! The best way to go about this is to experiment using different angles and poses. The first thing about photography is to work your way around the lighting.

Repetitive practice clicks, especially in low-light conditions are sure to turn you into a pro in no time. Another thing about knowing your angles is to make yourself look more desirable by correcting your posture.


4. Use the Rule of Thirds

The ones feeling too ambitious with their pictures should try out the rule of thirds. The frame of a photo is what sets it apart from any ordinary photo. For our beginner folks, the rule of thirds involves mentally dividing the frame into an equal, 3x3 grid (3 horizontal and 2 vertical) and keeping the subject on either the left-third or right-third of the frame. This method is perfect for beautiful landscapes like this.


5. Be Creative with Selfies and Mirror Pictures

Reflective surfaces are an amazing aid for fellow photographers and solo travellers. Surf some inspo pictures on Pinterest and keep practising with your surroundings until you finally embark on your journey.

One trick I can impart here is to keep the source of light at you and opposite to your camera. I’m sure with recurrent practice you can ace capturing moments in low light settings too!


6. Your Face doesn’t have to Show Up

There’s only so much socializing one can do in a day especially if you’re an introvert. I’m sure you’re already dreading the horror of even asking a stranger to click your pictures. Well, sit tight, your face doesn’t even have to show up in your pictures.


Here are a few ways you can incorporate yourself in your pictures while being physically absent
  • Indulge in the beautiful architecture. Places like Mandu and Maheshwar have a thorough and rich flowing history.

  • Nature at its best. What’s better than the soothing greenery and the calming waterfalls (Dudhsagar WaterFall Trek - The Beauty Of Goa)

  • You can show fragments of yourself in your pictures, e.g. your back facing the camera, with the magnificent view of the whispering monuments (Bidar) as the background

  • Lastly, be inclusive of the locals (of course with their consent), their genuine smiles are sure to be a gentle reminder of this amazing trip in the future.

And don’t forget, you don’t always have to take pictures of yourself. Breathe in your surroundings, and capture every unusual but mundane thing you find. Click souvenirs on your phone of every crossroad that inspires you. Ask a stranger maybe? if you don’t shoot, you won’t score! Get ahead of the hesitation already!


To end this blog in my friend's words

You’re never travelling solo while travelling solo

Come on now! Flaunt yourself in the angles you know best and go gaga over your pictures. Go ahead and tag us on Instagram @ttbfrommumbai


If you found the write-up useful, I would love to hear your feedback in the comment section. Do share, like and follow for more on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.



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