I think we can all agree that taking travel selfies can feel pretty awkward, especially in the middle of a crowded tourist attraction with strangers watching you.
What is it that worries you most when having your picture taken for the gram or otherwise? Are you not feeling confident in the way you look that day? You’re not sure what pose best suits you? Or maybe you’re not in that #travelcouplegoals relationship where your professional photographer partner takes amazing photos of you everywhere you go?
The list can go on and on. Trust me, these are questions I and plenty others have asked. So keep reading to find out how to finally muster the confidence to look and feel less awkward in your travel selfies.
Tips For Taking Incredible Travel Selfies
Guest post by Lena Nikolaj from @WhereTFisLena
MY TRAVEL SELFIE JOURNEY
Hey, I’m Lena, a 27 year old free spirit raised in a traditional Albanian household with a strong appetite for adventure. I initially thought I would find that adventure through modeling, but a much louder voice kept calling my name. Travel.
Six years ago, against the cultural mold, I moved out of my house before marriage and moved to NYC (in my culture, this was a big no-no!) Born a Michigan girl, I always knew NYC had bigger plans for me. In May 2018, I attended a Social Media Marketing course at The Institute of Code where I met the wonderful Narendra, from Shutterowlphotography.com (thank you for taking my goals to the next level!)
Thus, the travel blogger in me was born. With this newfound passion, I took everything I learned from my modeling experiences (awkward and all) and coupled them with the one thing I love to do most – travel. This is exactly what brought me the confidence I have now and the drive to help you see that your dreams aren’t as unrealistic as you think.
BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE
First and foremost, understand that you are the only you we’ve got. DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT compare yourself to others. If Gaga listened to all the jerks who criticized her nose she wouldn’t be the Grammy Award winning goddess she is today. (Anybody else still crying over A Star is Born?) So stop complaining about your flaws and learn to love them.
“YOU HAVE TO BE UNIQUE, AND DIFFERENT, AND SHINE IN YOUR OWN WAY.” – LADY GAGA
It wasn’t until this year that I gained more confidence than ever. I started to realize that wishing I looked a certain way was suuuch a waste of my damn time! What’s the point in putting yourself down when you can bring yourself up, gain more confidence, and create more happiness in your life.
Thanks to my sister, I started reading a ton of self-help books like: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Big Magic, You Are a Badass, The Power of Now, and so much more. On top of that, I was listening to podcasts from Gary Vee to Impact Theory to Super Soul Conversations with Oprah, and more (if you want my long list of these top-rated self-development books and podcasts feel free to message me on Instagram!)
POINT IS, IT IS ABSOLUTELY POSSIBLE TO BECOME MORE CONFIDENT.
Especially nowadays, with where the digital world has come, there is so much material out there and so many people that can relate to you in some way. Everything is literally at your fingertips. Research, research, research.
Now, my last piece of advice on becoming more confident. And read this with an open mind because it may sound a little strange… Look in the mirror every. single. day. and tell yourself at least 10 affirmations or words of self love…kinda like this (that clap at 0:32 though – hysterical!) But seriously, give yourself some compliments.
True story, I’ve actually cried tears of gratitude after just doing this a couple times. You’ll be shocked at how effective this is if you just stay consistent with it. I can finally say, ‘I love my damn self.”
Having confidence is your first step towards taking better travel selfies, feeling good about yourself, and overall being more happy!
RELAX AND BE YOURSELF
When it comes to taking incredible travel selfies, don’t stress it and have some fun! Find your authentic self and show it to the world (unapologetically). Do something silly, dance around and laugh about it. Who cares if it seems awkward. It’s only awkward if you make it awkward. Try to forget the people around you… because you’re probably never going to see them again anyway.
Candid pictures are becoming much more appreciated as they show a little part of your personality. These kinds of pictures are more intimate and relatable. So look around you, take in the scene, and remember that your future you will be thankful to have captured this beautiful experience.
I’m kind of obsessed with waterfalls and always try to truly feel the moment when I am around them. It’s important to take a step back and realize just how lucky you are to be traveling and experiencing the incredible scenery around you – gratitude always!
The things this world has to offer is completely astounding. So think and appreciate that instead of worrying about looking awkward or how many likes you’re going to get.
