In the past, I’ve been pretty terrible about getting photos of myself at particular places. When I travel with my dear friend Lisa, she actually makes me set a minimum of how many pictures I need to take for the day: “You have to take FIVE pictures today Danielle!” she often proclaims to me. Maybe it means I’m living in the moment, or maybe it means I am just lazy. But I’m making an effort to change that in 2018! Here are the three main things I do when I need to take pictures of myself while traveling. Although I’m no expert, these simple ideas seem to work and get me to my five picture minimum for the day.
Ask someone else to take my photo
More often than not, if I want a photo at a tourist attraction or monument, there will be others around taking photos, too. I’ll look for another solo traveler or a nice-looking couple and ask if they can take my photo. I then always offer to take one of them in return. Easy.
Best friends (and lots of tourists) around Arches National Park. Post coming soon!
Use the timer on my camera
When I find myself in places with less people, I’ll sometimes use the timer mode on my camera, set it up on a wall or rock or even a little Tripod or Gorilla Pod (you can find your preference on Amazon) and let the camera do its thing. This sometimes takes a few tries to get right, but it works!
In the picture below, I set the camera on a street light. Sure, I had to sit on the ground, and it took a few tries, but I got the picture just right (and got that obligatory Leaning Tower of Pisa shot!) Bonus points because it was at sunset, and not as many people were around.
Picture taken with a timer on my iPhone. Pisa, Italy.
And last but not least, try the Selfie!
A selfie is not the worst thing you can do. Sometimes, they can truly remind you of that incredible experience you have at that very moment. It is just you and your camera. You can see the emotion on your face: the elation, the sadness, the frightened eyes. You’ll often remember the great gush of joy or how cool you felt watching your own face in the picture and reminiscing vividly about how you felt.
But if at first you don’t succeed, try try again!
The first selfie, timer shot, or photo from a stranger may be awkward and terrible, but keep working at it! You will get the perfect shot that you need. You want to have these memories for a lifetime, so no shame in asking someone else to take a picture, or trying a different angle a few minutes later. Get the shot to remember our incredible adventure!
24 hours in Tokyo. The jet lag was REAL.
PS:
What about a selfie stick, you’re asking? Well, I wasn’t always a huge fan of them until I went to Italy last year. My sister-in-law decided to buy one, and we had way too much fun with it. I think they are great option if you don’t mind looking like a tourist. They really do get some great shots! So use at your own risk 😉
Have you had an opportunity to check out the Pack This Journal yet? It was made with YOU, the traveler, in mind!
Want to learn more about it? I have a whole post on it HERE!
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