You’ve decided to take a solo trip. Everything’s booked, from your flight to your Airbnb reservation. You’ve started scouting your favorite fashion websites for some bomb outfits, especially the monochrome #lewks. A suitcase has made an appearance in the middle of your bedroom, and you’re just about ready to go. Despite the thrill, you’re a bit nervous to be traveling by yourself. You have concerns about safety but are even more worried about the Instagram photos. Who is going to capture these photos? Were you really there if you don’t have bomb photos to prove it? As millennials, we’re all about aesthetics. What will the Instagram row look like without your girl there to capture the perfect shot? 5 Tips on How to Capture The Perfect Self-timer on Your IPhone.

I’m a solo traveler, and I’m here to tell you, you can slay the feed all on your own! Here are my 6 tips to capturing the perfect Instagram shot:

1. Save all your travel inspiration shots on Instagram and recreate your version of it. We’re sometimes inspired to travel to a specific location because someone we follow on Instagram went to that same spot and slayed. Save that photo and Google how to get there. The key is to be prepared well in advance, choose an outfit, charge your camera, secure the tripod, and print out directions. I did this for my self-timer in Paris! Note that the goal is to recreate with inspiration, not imitate.

2. Did you schedule a group tour while on your solo trip? Befriend one person in your touring group ASAP. Trust me, this will make it easier to ask them to take a photo of you. When deciding who to pick, look for someone who always meets your gaze with a smile. Make sure you return the favor. Steer clear of aunties and uncles with cameras from the sixties. They don’t understand the angles’ game.

3. When you see couples or any two people desperate for a photo in front of an instagrammable location (e.g., a world wonder), offer to take it for them. Once you’ve taken their photo, they’ll suggest returning the favor. Don’t spend most of your time giving them direction. You should’ve figured out the angle prior to asking. Instruct them on where to stand by snapping one photo for them to see. Never hand over your camera and assume your volunteers know photography. You’ll be sorry you did that.

4. Ask EVERY SINGLE PERSON to take your photo. It usually takes 100 shots to get one shot that’s Instagram worthy, so ask everyone.  Please don’t burden one person with a photo shoot session, as they’r traveling to enjoy themselves. I advise you to use, if possible, an iPhone, unless you’ve mastered the manual setting on your DSLR, Nikon, etc. Ninety percent of the time we’re shooting with our phones, so switch to portrait mode and let it rip!  

5. During paid tours, you have about 10 minutes or so to explore and get the shot. If you decide to forsake everything your tour guide has to say, move quickly! Include videos because you don’t know what will bite. Note that self-timers work better in secluded environments, so pick your accommodation wisely. Read my 5 tips on capturing the perfect self-timer here.

6. Stop being shy! I understand that stares can make you uncomfortable but guess what, you’ll never see those people again! Be confident and bold, you look good. If you spend most of the time looking around to see who is watching you, all your shots will reflect that. The quicker you get this over with, the more time you have to enjoy your tour.  

P.S. This shot was captured by a couple whose photo I took a few hours prior. The lovely woman saw me later and stopped me amid conversation to return the favor.
In life you get what you give.

Xx, Kris