Top 10 Tips for Taking The Perfect Selfie on Your Travels

Everyone has that angle they love. If you have to snap a quick pic and don’t have a lot of time to get that “perfect shot”, lean into the angles you know you love.  If you aren’t sure about what your “good side” is, check out your selfies and the content you share on social. You’ll likely notice a pattern. Not only is the right angle important so you feel you look best in the photo, but it’s also important for the background, too. Depending on the features of your destinations, you might need to get creative with your angles, too. Play with your angles and perspective because it might create a more impactful and memorable selfie. And remember, a selfie doesn’t need to be of just your face.

You can do a lot to a photo in “post” (meaning editing it after the fact) thanks to so many fairly easy to use editing tools on your phone. Heck, IG can slap a brightening filter on your photo and call it a day. That being said, focusing on great lighting will give you the best possible results. And the best lighting? Natural lighting. Flash can help in a pinch, but can create harsh shadows or dilute important details you want in your pic. Obviously, golden hour is my favorite time to grab those buttery skin photos, but if that’s just not possible, lean into other poses. Harsh lighting on your face is a big no, but instead, why don’t you turn around and let that same bright light illuminate your outfit and the scenery and take a photo from behind?

Using a timer for your selfies will allow you to make sure you’re on point with your pose before the camera snaps that photo. Even if you’re using your cell phone selfie camera, use the timer. That extra time is helpful to hopefully make the most of each of those photos. Using a tripod and camera or cell phone and the self-timer or a remote will give you the ability to take beautiful photos that look like someone took them for you. Even if you’re having someone help you with photos, a timer will give you extra time to get the best shot. And always select Burst Mode so you can try different poses and angles and work the camera the best you can while also netting the best possible opportunity for a usable selfie.

Don’t forget to pay attention to your background. We’re talking travel selfies, which generally means you want to share this moment you’re experiencing with your friends and/or followers. That means they need to quickly understand the where of it all while still matching your preferred mood and aesthetic. Also keep in mind everything else we’ve talked about: Know your inspiration, know your angles, be mindful of lighting, and how you want to stage this photo. And really, if you’re going to a touristy location, people are going to be a factor. Keep an open mind about how you capture this shot, because people are a variable that can be challenging to control. I tend to look for a side angle or different vantage point that gives me the inspo I want but isn’t as crowded.

If you feel safe and comfortable in your surroundings, you can always ask a fellow traveler for help with your travel selfie. Obviously, try to assess if you think they are trustworthy before handing a phone or camera to a stranger. Prioritize someone who has a camera on them or is also taking selfies for the best potential outcome. You can offer to help them out in exchange, too. Make sure to ask them to take a few photos so you have a better percentage chance of getting something usable. Change poses a couple times, as well. 

Listen, you’re taking selfies while traveling the globe. Don’t let the stress of finding the perfect selfie ruin the moment. That travel selfie is about capturing a memory, a moment in time, and sharing that with your friends, family, followers, future self. Make sure that your actual memories match that selfie you’ve snapped. Be in the moment and really enjoy yourself and the sights. Embracing that energy will also help you create an even better selfie.