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The comments that many people ask about solo travel are how you are going to take amazing photos and videos while travelling solo. You see, so many people ask, “But who takes your pictures?” The question is getting a bit tired now. Solo travel has become more and more popular over the last few years. It’s estimated that today, how many people solo travel yearly? And to ask but who takes your pictures and videos while solo travelling just makes me chuckle because there are so many ways to take your photos. I would even argue that some of my best content has come from solo trips because I get exactly what I want.
For me, when I take photos and videos while travelling, there is a rush. No negotiating angles. And certainly no compromising on vision. Just me, my camera, and intention.
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If you’re planning a solo trip and wondering how you’ll capture photos and videos while travelling solo for the best memories, here are the exact methods I use. But first, let me show you some of my favourite photos and videos I have taken while travelling solo below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below I would love to hear from you.
It’s worth noting that in taking amazing photos and videos while travelling solo you may find that:
- not all your photos and videos while travelling solo will come out perfect. I laugh now but there are times when I thought I was recording or taking a photo and it wasn’t even on the right settings. There are so many trial and errors that you just have to live with it. And practise makes perfect.
- You shouldn’t just travel solo to get good photos and videos. You should be travelling solo because you want to create memories, and you don’t want to wait for people.
- Use apps like Lightroom and Snapseed for editing, they have truly brought my photos and videos to life while solo travelling to light.
Ok now to the bit where I share how I take amazing photos and videos while travelling solo.
1. Hire a Professional Photographer
This is my favourite option to take amazing photos and videos while travelling solo. You can hire a photographer for your birthdays, key trips and new countries. I’ve had photographers in Italy (twice), Nigeria, South Africa and I will certainly have more. For me hiring a local photographer gives you:
- High-quality, polished images that you wouldn’t get alone.
- Local knowledge of hidden spots
- Confidence in front of the camera with coordination with the direction.
You can find photographers through Airbnb Experiences (which is where I get most of mine from), Instagram (search: “Photographer & destination”) and even from local travel groups. You can also book via GetYourGuide and Viator for certain countries. And worst case secenario you can do a call out on threads or X.
2. Invest in a Tripod
My tripods help me take amazing photos and videos while solo travelling. Tripods has been the real game changer for me. If you travel solo regularly like I do then a lightweight tripod is non-negotiable. However, I would also say that even when I’m travelling with friends, family or a loved one I still tend to have my tripod at hand, just because I know what I like and I just don’t always want to ask people all the time. Your tripod will give you the following:
- Full control over angles
- Freedom to shoot video and photos
- Multiple attempts without pressure
- Natural walking footage
I often set my phone up in a secure place and then record video, and then screenshot the best moments later. or you can use the Bluetooth function button – either way, both are just as good. You can also use the Apple watch which I will dive into a bit more a little later.
I have a number of selfie sticks, the big bulky ones, but the most recent buy has been my ATUMTEK selfie stick which you can buy here.
3. Ask Your Tour Guides
This one is underrated because tour guides are sometimes the best photographers you will ever meet. If you’re already booking a walking tour, food or safari experience then your guide will be able to take amazing photos and videos of you. They are usually managing and hosting these tours daily so will or should be happy to take a photo, because they know the best angles and backdrops.
And they understand lighting in that location better than you do. It’s one of the easiest ways to get great shots without awkwardly asking strangers if that is not really your thing.
4. Use Your Apple Watch as a Camera Remote
If you have an Apple Watch, this is your hidden weapon to take amazing photos and videos while travelling solo. You can use your Apple Watch to:
- See yourself in the preview
- Adjust your pose
- Start and stop recordings
- Avoid running back and forth
Once I started using it, I wondered why more people weren’t talking about it.
5. Ask a Stranger To Take Amazing Photos and Videos While Travelling Solo
Yes, you can still ask someone and a lot of the time I do ask strangers while travelling solo and i get good photos too. It’s usually a ‘you do for me and I will do for you’ so it works out really well in my opinion.
Now, when you are asking strangers to take amazing photos and videos while travelling solo, you want to choose a busy tourist area. Ask people who look like they need help taking photos and avoid handing your phone to someone who seems distracted or in a rush. Most people are kind and willing to help, especially in popular travel spots.
Final Views – Take Amazing Photos and Videos While Travelling Solo
And there you have it, five ways to help you take amazing photos and videos while travelling solo. If you’ve been holding back from travelling solo because you’re worried about photos and videos, you really shouldn’t because you can take some of the best photos and videos while travelling solo.
And sometimes, the best content comes when you’re fully in control of the vision that you know you want. Now tell me, what solo photo hack do you swear by? I would love to hear from you today.
Speak soon,
Adebola MBV x
