Travelling alone for the first time as a photographer: Tips and Stories
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Traveling solo as a photographer can be a rewarding and enriching experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your craft and explore new destinations on your own terms. However, it can also be intimidating, especially if you're not used to traveling alone. As I am currently planning my next solo trip, I thought I’d share a few tips I have used to help you make the most of your solo photography adventures.
Plan ahead
It's always a good idea to do some research and planning before setting out on a solo trip, especially if you're travelling to a new and unfamiliar destination. Look into accommodation options, transportation, and any local laws or customs that you should be aware of.
My favourite resources to plan my future trips are:
Pinterest. just search for “top things to do in destination” or “destination travel guide”
Instagram. Just search for the hashtag or location of your destination. I wrote a complete guide on how I use Instagram to scoot for locations and plan my future trips. (Link below)
Google maps. This is ideal for searching for restaurants or activities to do. You can also group your activities by location and plan how long it would take you to go from one point to another. You can also create and download an offline map that you will be able to use even if you do not have internet.
Stay safe
While solo travel can be exciting, it's important to stay safe and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
This means keeping your valuables close and being aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
It's also a good idea to let someone know of your itinerary and to have a plan in case of an emergency.
When I travel I always try to keep it low-key. I would not show signs that I carry something valuable with me. That’s why I love mobile photography too, it allows me to carry everything I need in a sling that I carry with me at all times.
I wrote an article where I share all the gear I carry with me usually when I travel.
Embrace the solitude
One of the benefits of travelling solo as a photographer is the opportunity to immerse yourself fully in your craft.
Take the time to explore and photograph new places at your own pace, and don't be afraid to spend some time alone with your camera.
You own your schedule. If you want to wake up at 4 am to catch the sunrise and no crowd you can do it.
You can stay at a location as long as you like. There is no rush, you are the one in control.
Make connections
While it's important to respect your own boundaries and be independent, it's also good to make connections with the people you meet on your travels.
Whether it's chatting with locals or connecting with other photographers, these relationships can enrich your experience and provide valuable insights and inspiration.
Instagram is a great medium for that. Anytime I plan to go to a new destination solo, I always browse Instagram a few weeks before my trip to find local photographers’ accounts and reach out to them once I land to meet up.
You can also look for pub crawls or walking tours of the city. It is a great way to meet people, learn more about the city's history and visit the city with a local.
Facebook groups can also be helpful. Just type your destination name, and select the groups that are the most relevant.
I personally belong to a content creator Facebook group called Lost Creator Academy and we are spread all over the world. It is a great way to get to know members of the community while travelling to a new city.
Lost Creator Academy - Is This Program Right For Content Creators?
Have fun
Above all, remember to have fun and enjoy the freedom and flexibility that solo travel brings. Embrace new experiences and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – that's what solo travel is all about!
Learn how to take pictures of yourself alone
One of the first things to consider is the camera or device you will use.
Many smartphones have high-quality cameras and offer a wide range of features such as self-timer and portrait mode.
Before taking a picture, think about the composition and background. Try different angles and poses to find the most flattering and visually interesting shot.
Using a tripod or a flat surface to prop up your camera can also be helpful for getting the perfect angle.
You can even try using a remote or voice command to take the picture.
Experiment with different lighting and settings to find the look you like best. Remember to have fun and be confident in yourself, the final picture will reflect that.
Have a read at this article below where I share more advanced techniques I have used personally.
Here are a few travel stories from when I travelled solo to a few countries.
Exploring the Greek Islands
I travelled to the Greek islands solo and it was an incredible experience.
I spent a week exploring the islands of Santorini, Mykonos, and Ios, and each one was so unique and beautiful.
In Santorini, I spent my days photographing the iconic blue-domed churches and the stunning sunsets over the caldera.
In Mykonos, I captured the vibrant nightlife and the stunning beaches.
And in Ios, I photographed the sunsets and the charming villages nestled in the hills.
The great thing about the Greek islands is that you can get amazing shots at sunsets which leaves you the rest of the day to explore or rest as you please.
You can read my complete travel guide below.
Visiting Lisbon and its Surroundings
I also travelled solo to Lisbon and the surrounding areas of Portugal.
The city itself was full of charming streets and colourful buildings, making it a photographer's dream.
I spent my days exploring the narrow streets of the Alfama neighbourhood and the historic Belem district, capturing the vibrant street life and the stunning views of the city.
I also took a day trip to Sintra to photograph the stunning palaces and gardens. I highly recommend you visit it if you pass by Lisbon.
Visiting San Francisco
I travelled to San Francisco solo and it was an amazing experience.
The city itself is full of iconic landmarks like the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the painted ladies, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Lombard Streets.
I did a hike from Lands End Lookout to Mile Rock Beach with a unique view over the Golden Gate Bridge.
San Francisco has some amazing speakeasies if you are a fan of cocktails you will be served. But watch out at night as the streets can get dangerous. I’d recommend grabbing a uber to move around and even order it while you are still indoors so that you do not have to wait outside by yourself.
Solo travel as a photographer can be an incredible experience, full of freedom and opportunity. With a little planning and some basic safety precautions, you'll be well on your way to capturing some amazing photos and creating lasting memories.
What about you, have you ever travelled solo? What are your best tips to travel solo as a photographer? Let me know in the comments.
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