The question “Who takes your photos?” gets asked a lot. Often the answer is a friend, family or whoever I am with at that time. However, sometimes, especially when going on a solo trip or when my friends and family are just tired of taking photos for me (lol) – I take my own. In fact, all photos in this post are of me and taken by me! It is a lot easier than you may think, and it definitely gives you more freedom. It allows you to be the boss and get all those good angles we know that you have! It takes selfies to a whole new level! Here’s what you need to pull it off.

Camera with Self-Timer and Continuous Shooting Capabilities

A camera with self-timer and continuous shooting capabilities is key. I’ll admit though that I don’t have the funds for a big fancy camera (yet). So, I use my iPhone for my self-shot photos more than my DSLR camera. When you set your iPhone up using a self-timer it automatically takes the photo as a burst – which is essentially the same thing as continuous shooting on a digital camera.

Tripod

It is very important to have a tripod. It makes life much easier. When I first started taking my own photos, I would prop the camera up with anything that I could. I would build stacks of whatever to get it to the height and angle that I needed it. TOO MUCH. Invest in a tripod.

Even if you are using an iPhone, there are iPhone tripods out there. I have one and always travel with it. These often come with a remote which is helpful too, but in my experience, they can be very finicky because they run off a strong Bluetooth connection. As soon as you walk too far or the connection is lost, it stops working. Self-timer is your bestie here.

Patience

When you’re taking your own photos, you have got to be patient with yourself. The photos aren’t going to turn out bangin’ every time. Play with it. Play with your angles, the way you have the camera set up, the lighting, etc. And you know what – you’re by yourself! So, take all the time that you need.

(Above) Photo on Left: This was nice because I was actually the only one out on the terrace for a bit.

(Above) Photo on Right: Hiding my remote ;)

Right before I lost my hat and scratched my leg trying to catch it. Solo photoshoot adventures lol.

Confidence

You really do need to be able to be confident and block out all the people that are going to point, stare and laugh at you because you’re out there working it all on your own. It happens, but something to remember is that people are doing the same thing as you are every day. You don’t need to explain yourself to anyone. Do what you do! Somewhere right now someone is having a solo photoshoot. Also be able to laugh at yourself and smile at the haters. Always!

People kept walking by giggling while I was taking these photos on the jetty. I just smiled and giggled back!

How to Take the Actual Photos

Once you have the frame that you want set up with your camera and tripod – set the self-timer and run! You might get a workout doing this as well! When I was in Bali, I was by myself, at a villa, with an infinity pool. I wanted to take a photo of myself. So, I set up the self-timer and swam fast across the pool and set myself up like I had just been there chillin’ (LOL). It was all worth it though because I was able to get the shot I wanted.