GET TO KNOW YOUR ANGLES
Another mirror assignment: pose your little heart out in front of it! Work those angles child. Get comfortable in your own skin, in private and away from the crowds. Relax your body, especially your shoulders and face. Find your look. Take 100 selfies until you do, study what you like and imprint it in your brain.
You can even watch YouTube videos on how to pose. You. Can. Learn. Anything. On. YouTube! Sorelle Amore, Jenn Im, and Fashion By Ally have created videos that really teach you some tricks on how to look less awkward in travel selfies.
PLAN YOUR OUTFIT
Believe me, I am no fashionista. I’d rather spend my time and money on adventure. I still get stressed out trying to plan an outfit for a certain backdrop. But when I finally do, it always ends up being worth it. You feel incredible, you become more confident and your travel selfies nearly always come out better.
A pretty flowy dress makes for fun poses and a beautiful wanderlust shot, or throwing on a hat can cover second day hair and bring your outfit to life. Color coordination is important – pick a bright color that pops, or maybe go for something neutral that nicely compliments the setting.
I used to tell myself that I wasn’t into fashion so I could convince myself that I didn’t have to spend money on clothes. Quit lyin’ to yoself! Treat yourself, have fun, and get creative!
USE A PROP
Using a prop gives you something to do with your hands and can distract you from being so worried about looking awkward. It can also help travel selfies look more interesting.
Props can be as simple as a hat, bag, or jacket (putting one hand in your pocket can help tremendously!) or they can be more elaborate like a bicycle, flowers, blanket, glass, camera etc.
CREATE A FOLDER OF POSES
Whenever you come across a pose or composition you like SAVE it! This is not about copying other peoples work, it’s about trying on new things and seeing if you can adapt it to suit your style.
Consider creating a collection of inspiring photos/poses on Instagram or a board on Pinterest (like my examples above). This way you can always have something handy to refer to when planning your shots or when you’re feeling uninspired.
AVOID THE CROWDS
Avoiding the crowds is another secret to feeling less awkward and getting some practice poses in before the masses arrive. Wake up early. I’m talking butt-crack-of-dawn early.
I know it sounds tough but the end result is so worth it. That ‘golden hour’ light makes everyone and everything look 100% better! A 5 AM sunrise equals less people, amazing light for your travel selfies, and freedom to be yourself.
TIPS FOR TRAVELING SOLO
For those traveling solo, avoiding crowds is the best way to take pictures on your tripod. No one will see how funny you look running back and forth to fix the functions, angles, etc.
If you don’t have a tripod or are unable to bring it to a certain area just ask someone for help. Some things to be aware of when doing this is to make sure they seem trustworthy, most of the time the vibes don’t lie. Also, seek someone who has a camera around their neck, this way you know they have an idea of how to take a decent picture.
If you want to go into further detail on taking beautiful solo travel selfies check out Christina Galbato, Sorelle Amore.
HAVE FUN!
Again, most importantly, just have fun. My biggest motivator is to never look back and regret not capturing the beauty this world has to offer in the best way that reveals it through my own eyes.
I hope this blog post helps you in some way to become more confident and feel less awkward in your travel selfies!
