Photography For Solos

I have never asked anyone to take my picture when I'm on vacation, and I'm starting to realize that's been a mistake. I have very few photos of myself, and no travel photos. I don't care for the photos people take of themselves by just holding their camera at arm's length and pointing it at themselves, so I won't do that. They do make something like a monopod that extends out to make it easier to take a photo of yourself. I haven't tried it yet.

I am going to try to work up the motivation to ask a CM to take my picture during my trip to WDW.

I'll often have a Photopass photographer take my picture while I'm in front of major icons and such. That can be a really boring job, so I think it's fun for them to have weirdos like me come by and pose for wacky pictures.

I've also been known to use this little guy: Gorillapod. It's a flexible tripod that's about the size of my open hand. It can wrap around balconies and poles, and bends to get the right angle. It's easy to carry around, and makes for great pictures if you don't want to ask someone to take one for you. It also keeps your camera steady for nighttime or fireworks shots.

I've never had a photopass guy be anything but nice about me having them take a pic with my camera. They always take another one with theirs to try to get me to buy later, but they're always nice about it. I'm sure they'd be even nicer if you're solo, recognizing that you have limited options.

How do I find Photopass photographers in the parks? I'm not sure I've ever seen one.

Here's a photopass guy!

I was going to describe one, however, it turns out I was going to describe them wrong. I'm glad you had a picture.

Solo, I feel your pain, and being the outstanding humanitarian that I am, I will take all the photos of you on your next trip that you desire.

All it will require are my expenses for the trip, but hey, I'll pay my own parking!

Bali, you took a picture of the photopass CM???

Thanks for the info, you guys! MouseTraveler, there are things I would pay for if I had the money--a personal (clothes) shopper, a personal chef, a personal trainer--but a personal photographer is not one of them.

Can't blame a fella for tryin.....

Maybe you can perform those other functions as well!

That is kind of odd now that you mention it.

DSoup.... you've now entered the Twilight Zone..... A place where the photographers are actually the models....

Even when I don't travel alone I'm so bad at getting pictures of myself! I want them, I just never seem to think to hand off my camera and get in the shot. Of course, my family even though they frequently have cameras with them, also never think to take pictures of me. When have many a vacation that you would never know I was on.

Completely agree, Kristen! You'll always find me behind the lens. But that may be because my hubby is so clumsy that I don't trust him with the expensive camera!

I've asked Photopass photographers, waiters, waitresses and other guests to take my picture when I have solo time in the World. Anytime another guest has taken my picture, I always repay them by taking a picture of their entire group.