How to take solo travel photos (Step by Step Guide)

I get asked this question every day in a variety of forms. Who takes your photos if you travel solo? Is a common way to phrase the question, which sometimes feels more like an accusation than I question *sigh*. But regardless, I do travel solo. And I do take my own solo travel photos.

The truth is, I have mastered the art of the solo travel photo.

I guess that’s what I have to show for ten years of solo adventures with yours truly – across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Oceania and the Middle East. Hey, I’m not complaining.

But if you want to know *exactly* how to take your own solo travel photos that can end up in magazines and on book covers, read on! And if you want to read my book, click here.

The Storchen Hotel Zurich | World of Wanderlust
Zurich Switzerland | World of Wanderlust

Step One: Buy this Tripod

It’s no secret that you’ll need the tools of the trade to take the best solo travel photos you are capable of. But the good news is, the best is not always the most expensive. In fact, you’ll just need to buy this tripod on Amazon to easily take your own solo travel photos.

The best tripods for solo travel photos

For photos on your iPhone – The cheapest option is this phone tripod for $15.

For photos on a DSLR – You’ll need a sturdier option like this tripod for $39.

Both of these tripods come with all the necessary attachments for your phone and/or camera, plus the all important Bluetooth remote. Which brings me to step two.

How to spend a day in Zurich, Switzerland | World of Wanderlust
Yes I took this photo with a tripod, iPhone and bluetooth remote

Step Two: Link your Bluetooth Remote

Taking your own solo travel photos is way easier when you have a Bluetooth remote. For years I used my iPhone as a remote (by connecting it to my Sony A7iii camera). However in recent travels, I have switched over to this small Bluetooth remote that comes included with both of the tripods I linked above.

I cannot overstate the importance of the Bluetooth remote.

This little remote allows you to click away in your hands and take as many photos as you so please in just a few seconds. Better yet: no one will ever know you’re using a remote!

Paris France | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

Step three: Take photos in the early hours of the morning

Another common question I get asked is “don’t you get afraid someone will steal your camera?

The easiest way to ensure that doesn’t happen is to venture out in the mornings, just as the sun is rising and capture photos of the city you are visiting before the city wakes up. You will enjoy these locations almost always to yourself, get the best light for taking photos, and seize the day by starting early. That’s a triple win!

Brooke in Paris | World of Wanderlust

Step four: Use Video instead of Photos

Another great way to get candid looking photos of yourself is to click the video function instead of capturing still photos. That way you can just walk naturally in the frame, pause and screenshot on an image you like. For this I would recommend upgrading to the latest model of iPhone as the camera quality is *chef’s kiss* top notch.

Arles France | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

Step five: Walk away from the camera

One of my signature ways to capture a destination is to flip the idea of a “tourist photo” on its head. Instead of facing the frame, I walk away from it. And you might be wondering: yeah, but why?

Walking away from the frame gives the viewer/audience the perception that they are there in the photo with you. It allows them to focus on the destination instead of the person in the photo.

This is a great way to take PRO solo travel photos that can end up being purchased, splashed on magazines (like my feature in ELLE US or my 6-page spread in Cosmopolitan – pinch me!!!)

Cruising through Provence and Burgundy | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

Step six: Use a Drone

Sometimes the destination I am trying to photograph is better seen from a higher point than where I am physically standing. In these instances, you’ll want to swap the tripod setup for a drone.

As you can see in this photo, my left hand is holding the drone remote taking the photos. I make a point of keeping my right hand free so the pose looks casual and not staged. Et voila!

NEW NOW! SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE

Solo travel guide

The Camera Gear I Use:

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Brooke Saward
Brooke Saward

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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