Become An Expert At Solo Travel Photography

My solo travel photography journey began before the age of smartphones and social media.

Imagine that—capturing the world without instant sharing! Solo photography has evolved immensely since then, with advancements in camera technology and gear.

Over the years, I’ve honed my craft with various cameras and gadgets, from the trusty DSLR to the compact power of the Fujifilm X-T20. Now, I’ve compiled all my knowledge and experience into the ultimate guide for solo travel photography.

Below, you’ll find a treasure trove of resources, from selecting the best cameras and accessories to framing the perfect shot. Dive in to create your own solo travel photography story!

Photography Posts

Camera Gear

Best Camera Gear for Solo Travelers

Find out what products I use to take all the pictures you find on this blog!

Solo Travel Photography Mini Guide

Taking the Shot

Setting Up the Shot in a Secure Location

Safety should always be your top priority. When setting up your shot, choose locations that are well-populated and well-lit.

Always keep your gear close and be mindful of your surroundings.

Using a secure camera strap and a camera bag that doesn’t scream “photography gear” can help keep your equipment safe.

If using a tripod, never stray too far from it, especially in busy areas.

Woman sitting on the edge of the pool in Milos Greece
Lighting

Best Time to Shoot for Optimal Lighting

The golden hour, occurring just after sunrise and before sunset offers a warm, soft light that’s ideal for photography.

The blue hour, which happens just before sunrise and after sunset, provides a cooler, serene light, lending a mystical atmosphere to photos, especially for cityscapes and peaceful scenes.

Midday light, often too harsh with strong contrasts and deep shadows, can be challenging for photography, but overcast conditions during this time can offer a softer, more flattering light.

Posing

How to Get the Right Angles

Understanding the rule of thirds can be a game-changer in composing your shots. Place points of interest on the intersections of your frame for a more balanced photo.

Don’t be afraid to change perspectives—crouch low for an imposing angle or find a higher vantage point to capture the vastness of a landscape.

Experiment with your camera’s burst mode to capture multiple shots and select the best one later.

Best Things to do in Milos
A solo woman traveling in Paris
Confidence

Confidence to Get the Shot

Confidence in photography comes with practice. The more photos you take, the better you’ll become at quickly setting up shots and adjusting to changing conditions.

Start by practicing in less crowded places to build up your confidence.

Remember, every professional was once an amateur. Embrace the learning process, and don’t be deterred by the occasional missed shot.

With time, your skills will grow, and so will your confidence.

FAQ’s For Solo Travel Photography

The best camera for solo travel is typically a lightweight and durable option. Mirrorless cameras, like the Fujifilm X-T20, are popular due to their compact size and excellent image quality. DSLRs are also a good choice for their versatility. Ultimately, the best camera depends on your specific needs and photography style.

Use a tripod combined with a camera’s self-timer or a remote shutter control. This setup allows you to frame your shot and then step into the scene. Experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most flattering shots.

Essential accessories include a sturdy tripod, extra batteries, memory cards, a protective camera bag, and possibly a portable hard drive for backups. A versatile lens (like a zoom lens for DSLRs or a multi-purpose lens for mirrorless cameras) is also important.

Keep your gear in a secure, inconspicuous camera bag. Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Consider using a camera strap that’s cut-resistant. Additionally, ensure your gear is insured and consider using GPS trackers for expensive items.

Start by understanding the basics of your camera, read photography books or blogs, watch tutorial videos, and practice regularly. Experiment with different settings, lighting conditions, and compositions. Learn from each shoot, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Learn to use your camera’s manual settings to adjust exposure. Shooting during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) provides soft, flattering light. For harsh midday sun, try to find shade or use it to create dramatic high-contrast photos.

Yes, modern smartphones are capable of taking high-quality photos, especially in good lighting. While they may lack some capabilities of DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, smartphones are a great option for convenience and ease of use. Use photography apps and external lenses to enhance your smartphone photography.

Regularly backing up your photos is crucial when traveling solo. Use a combination of methods for added security. First, consider bringing multiple memory cards and swapping them out regularly. This way, if one card fails, you won’t lose all your photos. Second, use a portable external hard drive or a solid-state drive (SSD) to back up your images daily. Lastly, cloud storage services are an excellent option for remote backup. You can upload your photos to the cloud whenever you have a secure internet connection, ensuring your memories are safe even if your physical storage devices are lost or damaged. Remember, it’s better to have multiple backup solutions to safeguard your precious travel photos.