Tips for getting decent solo travel photos without looking awkward?

solo-travelphotographyeurope-trip

Monika_P

Joined:
16.06.2020
Posts: 1500

Topic Starter

12.01.2025 09:41

I'm heading to Italy and France next month for a solo trip, and I really want to come back with some nice photos that aren't just selfies with my arm in the frame. I feel a bit self-conscious setting up a tripod in crowded tourist spots, but I also don't want to rely solely on asking strangers to take a blurry picture of me. Does anyone have experience with using a small travel tripod or maybe a specific technique for framing shots when you are the only one there? I'd love to hear how you handle equipment and timing to avoid the crowds.

11 replies in this topic

tech_geek_bg

Joined:
25.05.2024
Posts: 2003

24.04.2025 00:36

Honestly, just get a lightweight Peak Design travel tripod. It folds down to nothing and you can just set it up for 30 seconds and be done. Nobody actually cares what you're doing, they're too busy looking at their own phones.

grigor_b

Joined:
11.03.2024
Posts: 1960

15.05.2025 23:22

In reply to a previous post

I second the tripod idea. To avoid the awkwardness, go at sunrise. The light is better, and you’ll have the Colosseum or the Eiffel Tower basically to yourself for an hour.

kris_1982

Joined:
25.02.2024
Posts: 17

17.05.2025 02:39

Have you considered just using a phone gimbal? It helps with steady video and photos, and it looks a bit more 'pro' than just propping your phone against a trash can.

Selekcioner

Joined:
29.10.2022
Posts: 360

02.06.2025 22:37

In reply to a previous post

I usually just find another solo traveler and offer to take a photo of them first. It breaks the ice and they’re usually happy to return the favor.

Roman_88

Joined:
12.08.2024
Posts: 976

05.06.2025 10:36

The secret is to frame your shot, set your camera to burst mode, and just walk through the frame naturally. It looks way less staged than posing for a single shot.

kris_1982

Joined:
07.05.2020
Posts: 1407

19.10.2025 20:22

In reply to a previous post

That's a great tip, I've tried that before and it definitely feels more candid. Do you have any advice for adjusting focus though?

ObiknovenChovek

Joined:
07.04.2024
Posts: 2283

27.11.2025 16:13

In reply to a previous post

If you have a newer iPhone or a decent mirrorless camera, just use the eye-tracking autofocus. It’s a lifesaver when you're moving around in the frame.

Stasi_B

Joined:
06.10.2021
Posts: 310

01.01.2026 10:14

I tried the tripod thing in Paris and honestly, I was too paranoid about someone stealing it. I just stick to asking people who look like they have a decent camera themselves.

krisi_r

Joined:
06.01.2024
Posts: 2173

25.02.2026 01:25

In reply to a previous post

If you see someone with a nice camera, they usually know how to use it! They’re the best people to ask for a photo.

Maya_L

Joined:
04.04.2021
Posts: 689

14.03.2026 14:19

Don't overthink it. Half the fun of solo travel is that nobody knows you, so you can look as awkward as you want and it doesn't matter!

iztrit_potrebitel

Joined:
04.07.2023
Posts: 1291

15.03.2026 02:41

I’ve started using a small Bluetooth remote shutter hidden in my hand. It makes the 'posing' part much faster since you aren't running back and forth to the timer.

Tips for getting decent solo travel photos without looking awkward?

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