Skip to main content

This is what I like about photographs. They are proof that once, even if just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.

Jodi Picoult

The most memorable souvenir from any trip, is the pictures you take while traveling. Looking back through old photos of your adventures brings all the memories rushing back. Capturing the joy, excitement and wonder you feel while abroad is why so many people fall in love with travel photography.

Trouble is, it can be difficult to get any decent photos of you on your trip- especially if you’re traveling solo! Asking other tourists to snap a photo of you will only occasionally produce good results.

But more often than not, they turn out blurry or your new found amateur photographer crops out the scenery behind you entirely. And you feel too shy to ask for a retake.

Airbnb Photo Tours

One way to ensure you come back from your trip with a beautiful array of photos is to book an Airbnb experience with a professional photographer.

I teamed up with Zuzanna from Krakow with a Photographer during my time in Poland and can’t recommend her photography tour enough!

You can book this exact excursion here.

Get $15 off your first Airbnb Experience of $50 or more!

Meet locals and find hidden spots

Not only is a chance to get great photos, (especially if you’re a blogger or avid social media user!) but you get the chance to connect with someone local in the country.

Zuzanna showed me hidden spots in Krakow I would have never found without a local’s guidance. She explained quirky city art and unnoticed historical sites as we walked around for several hours on a beautiful snowy day.

And after our photo tour, we warmed up over a delicious lunch with a great view of the city. Several days later we met again as friends to visit Krakow’s hidden lake and eat Polish cuisine.

Exploring street art in Krakow!
Despite the cold, we managed to have a great time taking photos around the city!
Hiked to the top of a snowy hill to catch this beautiful view over Krakow!
Pro tip: Bring a change of clothes or some accessories to swap out so you have a variety of looks for your photos!

I packed overalls, a skirt, scarf, a sweater and two hats (all locally bought in Poland!) to mix and match with throughout the shoot.

It was cold, snowy day but too much fun to pass up!

Feel uncomfortable in front of the camera? This is a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone!

Try looking at photos ahead of time for inspiration and recreate some of the ideas you like. Having your photo repeatedly taken can feel incredibly vulnerable, I struggled to be in front of the camera for years. But once you embrace feeling a little silly and just have fun goofing off, your photos will convey joy, comfortability and confidence.

It’s difficult to fake an emotion during a photo shoot. If you feel awkward, your photos will convey that so do you best to commit fully! Coming up with poses on your own can be challenging, but just keep trying new things- you’re bound to find what works for you! Wear something you love, that makes you feel confident and don’t be afraid to make bold choices 🙂

In just a few days, you’ll have a dropbox link full of great edited photos from your excursion.

Zuzanna is professional and efficient- you’ll have your photos quickly! In an easily downloaded format, they retain their high resolution.

Bring a favorite outfit and have fun shooting! Let me know if you book this photo tour or any others 🙂 Happy traveling!

Read: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO POLAND

Traveling in Krakow? You can book this experience here.

More on Krakow, Poland? Read:

Emily Rose

Hi, I'm Emily Rose! In 2018, I sold all my stuff and moved into my suitcase to travel full time and work around the world! Follow along for the best travel jobs, photos to fuel your wanderlust and epic adventures!