10 Easy Ways to Be in Your Travel Photos (Even If You Hate the Camera)

Introduction

Do you ever come home from an incredible trip only to realise you’re barely in any of the photos?

If you’re camera-shy or simply prefer being behind the lens, you’re not alone. I’ve been documenting our travels with photography for over 25 years – and yet, I’m rarely in front of the camera. It’s part camera-shyness, part perfectionist (I like to make sure the photos are actually good, but don’t tell my hubby I said that!). But I’ve learned that being in a few travel photos matters – not for social media perfection, but as proof that yes, you really were there.

As a middle-aged woman who definitely doesn’t feel “Insta-perfect”, I’ve found ways to include myself in our travel memories without cringing at the result. From creative angles to clever props and a bit of humour, these tips have helped me feel more comfortable – and maybe they’ll help you too.

In this post, I’m sharing 10 easy, real-life ways to be in your travel photos – even if you normally avoid the camera at all costs.

1. Be a Small Part of the Bigger Picture

One of the easiest ways to include yourself in travel photos – without making yourself the focus – is to simply take up less space in the frame. Think wide-angle shots where you’re just a small part of a much bigger scene. You still get to be in the photo, but the spotlight stays on the landscape.

In one of my favourite photos from Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, I’m tucked into the bottom right corner of the shot. The trail leads the eye up to the rugged mountain range, and I’m just part of the story – not the star. Another great example is a photo taken in Norway. We were visiting a wolf conservation park and managed to capture an image with a beautiful wolf as the focal point. I’m blurred in the background, quietly observing. It’s one of my favourites because it captures the experience without making it all about me.

This approach is ideal if you want the memory without the pressure. Let the scenery do the heavy lifting.

2. Hide Your Face Strategically

If being in photos makes you uncomfortable, hiding part of your face can be a great workaround. It draws attention away from you and toward something interesting, like a local delicacy or a cultural moment.

In Paris, we grabbed some waffles from a street vendor. I had my husband snap a quick photo of me pretending to dive in – the waffles were the star of the shot, not me. Similarly, in Kyoto’s stunning Japanese Tea Garden, I was sipping tea with the cup subtly covering part of my face. In both cases, the viewer’s eye goes to the food and setting, not to me, and that’s exactly what I wanted.

You still capture the experience, but in a way that feels more relaxed and natural. Think of props like drinks, books, hats, or even your scarf – small things that can shift focus and help you ease into the photo.

3. Be Literal

Sometimes, the best photos are the ones that lean into a bit of humour or storytelling, especially if they tie directly to where you are.

A perfect example? “Dead Woman’s Pass” on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. After months of training and pushing myself to tackle the altitude and the challenge, reaching that peak of Dead Woman’s Pass felt like a massive achievement. So what did I do? I flopped down and played the “dead woman” at Dead Woman’s Pass. Was it a glamorous photo? Absolutely not. But was it fun, memorable, and personal? Absolutely!

These kinds of literal, tongue-in-cheek shots add personality to your travel album. Just remember to stay respectful, especially in cultural or religious sites. What’s cheeky in one place might be offensive in another, so use good judgement.

4. Embrace the Awkward

Let’s face it – some travel experiences come with outfits that are anything but flattering. But rather than avoiding the camera altogether, I say lean into it. These photos might not be Instagram-worthy, but they’re often the ones that spark the best memories and biggest laughs.

Take Iceland, for example. When we went snorkelling at Silfra – between two tectonic plates in glacial water – we had to wear bulky dry suits. I couldn’t get into mine, no matter how hard I tried. Eventually, our two guides came over, grabbed either side of the suit, and lifted me completely off the ground; I then slid into it. Not exactly graceful, but highly effective – and pretty hilarious in hindsight.

Same thing on our Zodiac boat trip on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. I looked like the Michelin Man, layered up and waddling around in my gear. There was no way to look glamorous, but the adventure was unforgettable.

These are the real-life moments that tell the whole story of your travels. Embrace the puff, the layers, and the ridiculous headgear. You’ll look back and smile – I promise.

5. Let Your Feet or Hands Do the Talking

Sometimes, the best way to include yourself in a photo is not to include your face at all. Your feet or hands can say just as much – and they’re a low-pressure way to be part of the picture.

Feet photos are especially fun. Think beautiful tiles in an old Italian building, colourful autumn leaves on a forest trail, or even a quirky maintenance hole cover on the way to see snow monkeys in Japan – like the one I spotted and knew I had to capture with my boots in the frame.

On our glacier hike in Iceland, I snapped a photo looking down at my crampons and included my ice pick for a little added drama. It told the story without needing a posed shot.

Hands work just as well. Hold a ticket, an ice cream cone, a local delicacy, or even a pretty leaf. These subtle touches create a sense of presence and place, without the pressure of looking “camera-ready.”

6. Channel Your Inner Diva (Playfully)

Even if you’re camera-shy, sometimes it’s fun to surprise yourself – and your friends and family – with a little drama. I am definitely not someone who strikes a pose for the ‘gram, but every now and then, I find an opportunity to let loose and have fun in front of the lens.

For me, it’s whenever I see a pair of wings painted on a wall. I cannot resist! There’s just something about standing in front of them, arms out, pretending to take flight. It’s playful, unexpected, and a light-hearted way to be part of the moment without taking yourself too seriously.

The key is to find your version of this. Maybe it’s twirling in a new dress, holding your arms wide on a mountaintop, or doing a cheeky pose next to a funny statue. It doesn’t have to be dramatic – it just has to be you.

7. Face Away from the Camera

One of the simplest tricks to feel more comfortable in photos? Just turn around. By not facing the camera, the pressure to smile or “look good” disappears – and you still get a beautiful, intentional shot that includes you.

This is a popular technique on Instagram, but you don’t need to do the classic “holding hands” pose. Just stand slightly turned or fully facing away from the camera. It shifts the focus to the scenery you’re admiring – and it often tells a more interesting story.

In Iceland, I have a photo of myself looking out over the glaciers near Höfn as the sun was setting. I’m wearing a bright orange jacket, hands in my pockets, soaking in the view. The colour of the jacket pops against the grey-blue rocks and icy water, but the attention is on the landscape, not me.

Another time, we pulled over in the Westfjords to have a snack while taking in the scenery. I’m all bundled up in a big coat, beanie, and gloves, staring out at the horizon. The photo captures the chill in the air and the stillness of the moment – no pose required.

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8. Create a Personal Travel Photo Tradition

If you struggle with being in photos, creating a personal tradition can make it feel less awkward – and a lot more fun. It becomes part of the travel experience rather than something you have to do.

For us, it started with my husband, Darren, taking photos of me while I was taking photos. Since I’m usually behind the camera anyway, this felt like a natural way to document our travels. Over time, it became a tradition and now, on every trip, we make sure to capture at least one photo of me in action.

There’s a shot of me photographing the Dynjandi Waterfall in Iceland, and another at the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. These moments feel candid, personal, and totally me.

You can create your own tradition based on what you love. A few ideas to get you started:

Your morning coffee with a view
A glass of wine at sunset
Holding an ice cream or trying a local treat
Blowing a kiss to the camera

Just be mindful of where you are – in some places, like religious or sacred sites, even a playful pose can be seen as disrespectful.

9. Blend Into a Crowd

If standing out in a photo feels uncomfortable, the solution might be to blend in. Being part of a crowd, whether it’s locals, tourists, or a spontaneous group of new friends, lets you be in the moment without being the focus.

One of my favourite memories of this was in Iceland. We had stopped on the side of the road in the Westfjords to take some drone footage when two cars pulled up beside us. The people were far more excited about the drone than the dramatic landscape. Our drone captured a shot of all of us together – our new friends, all eyes (and cameras) on the drone. It was completely unplanned and perfectly authentic.

Other great examples? Sitting on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, strolling through Times Square in New York, or joining a crowd at a festival or market. These photos naturally draw attention to the place and the energy around you, and not just to you.

Being part of the crowd is a subtle way to say “I was there” without needing to pose for it.

10. Take the Selfie (Without Shame)

Let’s be honest: selfies get a bad rap. But when done respectfully and with a purpose, they’re a quick and easy way to capture yourself in the experience, especially when there’s no one else around to take the photo.

Now, I’m not a huge fan of the selfie stick brigade (you know the ones, blocking walkways and waving their phones around), but I do believe there’s a time and place for a good, honest selfie.

We snapped one at the top of Cradle Mountain, right after a challenging hike. Sweaty, windswept, and smiling – it’s one of my favourite memories. Another time, outside the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, it was snowing and freezing, but we got a quick selfie to remember the moment.

You do not need the perfect pose, makeup, or lighting. All you need is the moment – and the courage to take the shot.

Conclusion

You don’t have to love the camera to be in your travel photos. You don’t have to pose, smile on cue, or try to be “Insta-perfect.” Whether it’s blending into a crowd, turning your back to the lens, or just showing your shoes on an ancient stone floor – the point is that you were there. And that deserves to be remembered.

These tips have helped me feel more comfortable being included in our travel memories, even as someone who prefers to be behind the camera. I hope they give you permission to show up in your photos too – in whatever way feels right for you.

If you want more practical travel tips for midlife adventurers, explore the rest of my blog – there’s always something new to discover.

About the Author: Lisa Bundesen

Hi, I’m Lisa Bundesen - the voice behind The Middle Age Wanderer. I’m a retired chartered accountant turned passionate traveller and photographer. Alongside my husband Darren (and with our two fur babies waiting at home in Australia), we explore the world one adventure at a time.

I’ve travelled to over 35 countries, and I created this blog to inspire fellow travellers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to embrace adventure. Whether it’s hiking ancient trails, diving into new cultures, or sipping wine in scenic places, I believe life after 50 is the perfect time to explore more.

Here, you’ll find honest travel advice, destination guides, and real stories to help you travel smarter and with more confidence - because age is not a barrier, it’s an invitation.

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About: Lisa Bundesen

Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.

We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.

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