Preparation

Look for Photo Locations

Before I go on a trip I always check for photo locations online. Instagram and Pinterest can be a huge inspiration, but I also look on Google Street View to see if I can find some other places to shoot at. It is not always easy to place a tripod. That is why I like to investigate certain locations to check if I can place a tripod or not. When I go by car I also always check where I can park (for free) close by. Because I hate to drive around looking for a parking spot.

The Perfect Timing

The perfect light (if you do not want harsh shadows) is always at sunrise and sunset. I prefer to shoot at sunrise, because then most people are still in bed and I have the location all to myself. That way I do not need to worry about someone stealing or knocking over my tripod and camera, no one will be in the photo ànd I will have the perfect lighting conditions. I always check where locations are situated on Google Maps to see where the light will be. For instance, when visiting Hallerbos at sunrise, I knew I could park east of the forest to make sure the light of the rising sun would shine on the beautiful flowers and trees. If you want to make a photo of a building bathing in golden light, you need to know if it will be illuminated in the morning or in the evening.

Grey weather is also good for photos. Cloudy skies prevent harsh shadows and less people tend to go outside, so smaller crowds! It all depends on what vibe you prefer in your photos. In bad weather you can create beautiful mysterious moody shots. If you love blue skies, you will prefer to shoot during the day when the weather is sunny.

Check the Local Conditions

The surroundings

Certain locations ask for more preparation and it is best to check the conditions of your photo spots such as its surroundings, the weather, the soil (rocks, mud, concrete,…) For instance if you want to shoot waterfalls. Some waterfall locations are situated in river canyons or very muddy places. It is not always possible to put a tripod there. Sometimes you would need to put the tripod in the middle of a river. If the river is not too deep and the current not too strong, it is possible. Then you could take extra precautions with you like a bag you can hang on your tripod with rocks to add extra weight. Also cliffs are not always easy to shoot at with a tripod. So you can check in advance how much space there is for your tripod and if it is possible to put it there in a steady and safe manner. Sometimes it is better to use a drone then.

Weather & Water

Waterfalls or rain are also bad for your camera or drone because they will ruin them. Protect your camera with a plastic bag and take paper tissues to clean the lens. They absorb the water quickly and you can keep taking photos. (do not throw the tissues into nature, put them in a bag and keep them with you until you find a trash can) It is prohibited to fly drones in the rain or when it is freezing, since it will destroy them and makes a crash more likely. (always check local drone legislations)

Local Rules & Legislation

Also always check if it is allowed to use a tripod or drone at the location you want to shoot at. In Morocco I encountered several places where it was not allowed to use a tripod. So then you need to be creative and take a firm big bag or backpack, which you can use as a tripod! Some countries do not even allow drones and will confiscate them.

All this will tell you what (not) to take to create your own photos as a solo traveler. If it is impossible to shoot with a tripod or illegal to fly a drone, you do not want to drag them around all day.

The Right Bag

When you know what to take with you, you know the necessary size of your bag. I mostly take a backpack because that way I can divide the weight between my shoulders. Sometimes it can be pretty heavy. Then you do not want to carry everything on one shoulder!

Setting up the tripod

When you have arrived at the location you can look for the frames you want. I tend to unfold my tripod and mount the camera immediately. That way I can see what the possibilities are for framing with the camera on the tripod. I look for the perfect frame and place to put the tripod and change its height if necessary.

Setting up the camera

First I shoot one picture (without me) to check the lighting and the framing. I adjust the camera settings until I find the perfect setting, look where I will stand or sit in the shot, activate the interval timer, set the right focus and press the shutter button. Then I walk/run to the spot where I am supposed to be in the shot and pose until I think I have the right shot.

Check the photos

After each shooting session I check my shots to see if they are sharp and if I am satisfied with them. That way there are no disappointments when returning back home. If I am content, I shoot the next frame or location.

And thàt is how I take my own photos as a solo traveler! As you can read it takes a lot of work and dedication. It is not just putting a camera on a tripod and shoot. You need the right preparation and settings. In the beginning it was a little bit of a struggle, but after a lot of practice to me it feels like biking or swimming. You never forget how and it becomes a routine.