Vanlife & Photography: How to Take Stunning Self-Portraits on the Road

Traveling in a van means freedom, adventure, and waking up to some of the most breathtaking landscapes. But if you're traveling solo (or even as a couple), capturing yourself in those epic scenes can be a real challenge, also for backpackers.

As a photographer who has spent years traveling alone, I know the struggle of trying to get the perfect shot without someone behind the camera. Now that I'm traveling with my boyfriend, I want photos of the two of us and lucky I spent so much time practicing alone, cause he would not have the patience. 

While I’ll give you my best tips on how to take beautiful self-portraits on the road, let me say this upfront: nothing beats having a professional photographer capture your adventures. Sometimes, investing in a photo session is the best way to get high-quality, emotion-filled shots without the stress of setting everything up yourself. They'll take heaps of photos in different angles and make it way more comfortable and special for you, then you could ever do alone.  But for those everyday moments or when you just want to experiment, here’s how to do it yourself!

1. The Best Cameras & Tripods for Vanlife Photography

A good camera and a sturdy tripod are essential for self-portraits. While smartphones have come a long way, a mirrorless or DSLR camera will give you much more creative control and higher image quality. Some of my favorite cameras for vanlife photography are:

• Sony A7 series – Lightweight, full-frame, and great in low light ( I'm using a sony too) 
• Canon EOS R series – Fantastic color science and user-friendly
• Fujifilm X-T5 – If you love film-like colors and a more compact setup

If you never really use a camera, then don't buy one. It's a massive investment and you can just do it with your phone for travel memories, but a tripod will definitley help. Also just to attach your phone. 

For tripods, look for something that is sturdy but portable, especially if you’re shooting in windy conditions or uneven terrain. Some great options:

• Peak Design Travel Tripod – Compact and easy to set up
• Manfrotto Befree Advanced – Solid and reliable
• Joby GorillaPod – Ideal for flexible setups, especially for vlogging

2. Timer, Remote, or App – What’s Best for You?

Once you’ve got your camera and tripod set up, you need a way to trigger the shot. Here are three easy ways to do it:

• Camera Timer – The simplest method. Set a 10-second timer, hit the shutter, and run into position. Works great, but you might have to do several takes and it's kinda stressful. 
• Remote Control – A Bluetooth or wireless remote lets you take shots without having to run back and forth. 
• Camera App – Many cameras (Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc.) have mobile apps that let you adjust settings and trigger the shot from your phone. This is a game-changer for composing your shots perfectly!

And my absolute favourite way to do it: 

• Intervall: Set up an intervall on your camera, for example 1 photo every 3 seconds and it should do 30 photos in total, so you'll have a few photos that you can just sort from. I think this is always a bit easier and less stressful and I take candid shots with things I often don't expect. It's only the sorting in the end that can be taking ages.

3. How to Use Light & Composition to Your Advantage

Lighting is EVERYTHING in photography. Here’s how to make the most of natural light:

• Golden Hour is Your Best Friend – Shoot during sunrise or sunset for soft, warm tones.
• Cloudy Days = Perfect Diffuser – Overcast weather eliminates harsh shadows and makes skin look great.
• Backlighting for a Dreamy Look – Position the sun behind you for that golden glow effect.
• Use Reflective Surfaces – Water, sand, or even a white blanket can bounce light beautifully onto your subject.

When it comes to composition, remember these tips:

• Use the rule of thirds to position yourself off-center for a more dynamic shot.
• Leading lines (like roads, shorelines, or trees) naturally draw the viewer’s eye to you.
• Try different angles – low angles can make landscapes look more dramatic, while high angles can give a fresh perspective.

4. Posing & Storytelling – Make Your Photos Feel Alive

The hardest part of self-portraits? Not looking stiff or awkward! Here are a few tricks to keep things natural:

• Move! Walk, twirl, jump, or interact with your surroundings.
• Use props like a coffee mug, a book, or your van door to add context.
• Show emotions – laughter, curiosity, or even a peaceful moment staring at the horizon makes a huge difference.
• Capture real vanlife moments: cooking outside, setting up camp, or waking up to a stunning view.

5. Why Hiring a Professional Photographer is Still Worth It

I love taking my own photos, but let’s be real – self-portraits will never replace a professional shoot. There’s something incredibly valuable about having someone else capture you in the moment, without you worrying about settings, focus, or running back and forth between shots.

We don’t just get pictures – we get memories frozen in time, with all the details, emotions, and storytelling elements that are hard to capture when you’re doing it all yourself, it helps having someone else take the photos, with a different perspective. 

So while I encourage you to experiment with self-portraits (it’s fun, and you’ll learn a lot!), I also highly recommend booking a local photographer when you’re in a stunning location. Trust me – you won’t regret it!

---

Do you have any self-portrait tips or struggles? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your experiences!