How to Take Your Photos When Traveling Solo

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This is probably my favorite photo to date. I had been saving this bikini for months all in honor of my trip to Thailand that happened to fall over my birthday. Cheeks out, perfect weather, cheap drinks. What more could a girl ask for?

A personal photographer is what!

I have a love hate relationship with my camera no matter if I’m home or abroad. I either take little to no pictures (see: my four pictures I took during my week in Bali), or I OD on photos (see: my dope ass Eurotrip).

Thailand is the first place I opted to get a few shots of myself, albeit not many. I never ask anyone to take my photo because I simply don’t care that much. But I do know that I should show face a little more.

So, here are the tools I use to take my own photos when I’m traveling solo:

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Italy

CAMERA

My exact camera (I bought mine refurbished): Nikon D5300 Digital SLR Camera

I’ve had this Nikon D-5300 for a couple years now and it’s not going anywhere. I’m still a complete newbie and hell, I only just figured out how to really shoot manual photos. Another confession? I literally just began transferring my photos to my phone via wi-fi. It’s a game changer. I want to immediately edit and upload to Instagram versus taking out my memory card, having my laptop handy, editing, AND THEN airdropping to my phone. That’s too damn much.

TRIPOD

Great Option: 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag

I probably have the most simple tripod known to man, but guess what? It does the job! I actually have taken this tripod abroad many times but rarely use it. I always say “just in case.” And the “in case” never comes. It comes in handy for stable shots and, hello, when you want to get your photoshoot on and nobody is around to take your picture! If you want to avoid crowds just get up super early and go take photos at a location you scouted beforehand.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

MINI-TRIPOD

Here’s mine: Manfrotto Mini Tripod

This little baby has been the real MVP. I want to vlog more and I was clueless as to the easiest way to do so without investing in a whole new camera. Sure, I could just lug around my DSLR as is, but this tripod makes it SO MUCH EASIER. It also made for great table photos and to be honest, you could prop this bad boy up on any ol’ thing and set the time or…

WIRELESS REMOTE

I got this one: Wireless Remote Control for Digital SLR Cameras

There is nothing worse then finally being willing to get some photos of yourself and realizing you forgot your wireless remote. If you’re like me and don’t want to keep running over to your camera and resetting the timer, just get this little remote. Set it up and get your top model on.

Let me knowhow you take your photos when traveling solo! Do you ask strangers or get creative? What tools do you use?

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That only means that I may receive a commission should you shop through these links with no additional charge to you 🙂

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18 comments

  1. This is so helpful, thank you! Are you able to use the mini tripod with your DSLR?I’ve been struggling to find one small enough that’ll still do the job.

  2. Yes the handy tripod! I had a regular sized one and had to ditch it as it was too much of a hassle to carry around, I need a mini sized one now. Learned that lesson the hard way haha

  3. lol I have a love/hate relationship with my camera too! I just have to be in a mood to take pics, sometimes I just like to savor the moment. I’ve been thinking of grabbing a tripod, I just don’t wanna drag one around. I will definitely check out the mini one you mentioned 🙂

    1. Yes! It’s all about being in the mood and 90% of the time I just don’t feel like it. My tripod is soooo lightweight but still, who feels like carrying that thing around? Next I definitely have to make a conscious effort to get up and out, grab photos super early, then enjoy the rest of my time.

    1. Haha! You know I just recently thought of that although I’m not attached to “things” but when I take a far away photo I’m usually secluded or will get to my camera before someone else does. That temple was EMPTY except for me and the beaches, forget about it. I always go to areas where I’m almost alone aside from locals because I like to nap, i.e. have peace and quiet.

  4. Such a handy few items! I never ask people to take my photo but on occasion they’ve seen me looking slightly helpless and offered anyway! I love the mini tripod and remote, definitely look like they’re worth investing 🙂

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