Travel selfies. There, I said it. I said those dirty words that seem to stir up some unexplainable animosity amongst travelers. For some odd reason, taking travel selfies has become a practice that is often looked down upon. And I think it’s hilarious. Why someone would care how others are capturing their travel memories simply boggles my mind. I proudly count myself amongst those who take travel selfies…not out of vanity, but out of necessity. Before you’re quick to judge, allow me to explain why I take travel selfies…and see if any of my situations ring true for you!
Reason #1: I prefer to travel solo
Back in 2014, I found myself studying abroad in Germany. After getting my passport stolen 2 weeks before I left the country, I became exorbitantly focused on having the time of my life. I knew that by the end of the trip I was going to be putting together an epic photo album, and I was determined to not miss a thing. I was going to take pictures of everything: places I went, food I ate, adventures and misadventures…and everything in between. I found myself exploring various corners of Eastern Europe during that trip, and most of the time I was by myself. I didn’t own a tripod at the time, so I became proficient at figuring out my angles, learning about the rule of thirds, and just not giving a care in the world to those people who would look at me funny.
Reason #2: Some people can’t take a quality picture to save their life
Maybe I’m being a little too critical here, but I stand by this opinion…and I’m sure some of you feel the same way. Whenever you ask someone to take a picture of you or your group, you run the risk of either having to explain to them how to use a camera/smartphone, or possibly getting a quality picture of the ground…with everyone’s heads cut off at the forehead. Again, during my study abroad to Germany, our classes took a weekend trip to Berlin. Check out this awesome shot of me in a park…
After a few shots like this, I wised up. If I handed my camera to someone else in order to get a wider shot, I would tell or even show them what I wanted, essentially taking out all of the guesswork. Seriously, all they had to do was wait for me to get into position and smile. Sometimes even that would prove difficult. I wound up with unflattering pictures, taken way before I was ready and usually still talking to my current photographer…
…or shots where I have no idea what is behind me because the person forgot to include the rest of the building in the frame. I mean, is this a museum? Church? Surprised building about to swallow me whole? Okay, I know there’s a museum inside because of the sign, but what was it originally?
Throw it back to a few weeks ago in Boston, Massachusetts. I found myself in front of the original “Cheers” bar inspiration location, across from the Boston Public Gardens. Since there was already a crowd gathered outside, I threw caution to the wind and asked a seemingly younger-looking couple to take my picture, in exchange for taking theirs. My direction was clear: a few shots, waist-up, try to not get other people in the shot, and include the ornate top of the sign.
I believe I was in the middle of the word “finger” when he took this one and only shot. Needless to say I grabbed a few selfies as soon as my “photographer” looked away. Le sigh.
Reason #3: I get the pictures that I want
Back in 2017, my friend and I went to our local Masonic Temple’s open house in downtown Salt Lake City. It was an enlightening experience, and I can’t wait until the next time we get to learn more about our local Masons. My friend and I wanted our picture taken in a specific room while we sat on some pretty plush, ornate chairs. I knew better than to ask an older visitor to take our picture using my iPhone 6, so I located what turned out to be a frat boy…who used the opportunity to add a few pictures of himself to my gallery. He knew what he was doing.
At least he managed to take a few real pictures of us, and he will forever be emblazoned upon my memory, forever.
Reason #4: Instant gratification
Let’s face it – trying to find a competent photographer from a group of random people is time-consuming. When you’re on the go, in a time-crunch, or just aren’t really feeling it…but you know you need to take a picture of whatever place you’re in, taking your own travel selfie is the best way to go. A few years ago I was in the US Virgin Islands for a destination wedding, and I decided that I wanted to go snorkeling. Our guide disappeared to the ocean floor and reemerged with a conch. She passed it around quickly and I was able to grab a quick selfie with my GoPro. I didn’t have a lot of time to ask around for someone to take my picture, unhook the bobber from my wrist, or pass my camera to someone. Boom. I got it. Sometimes, you only have a second or two before a moment passes.
So that’s it! Those are my 4 main reasons why I take travel selfies! How do you prefer to take your travel pictures? Any of these reasons ring true to you?
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