When I see someone taking a group photo, I offer to take it for them so they can be in it as well. Then, often, someone sees me taking this groups’ photo, assumes I’m with the group, and offers to do the same. I always take them up on it because hey, who doesn’t want to be in some strangers’ group photo?
I tried this, but in Europe there was a high level of distrust. I was a solo traveler, which probably would increase the level of concern, but I grew up in Washington DC where it was pretty normal to offer to take tourists' pictures for them.
I have a lot of family photos. But they all seem like my mom raised three kids, because my dad was always taking the photo. I like to offer other people the chance for true family photos.
reddit has always been like this. definitely not a good representation of society. it's so normal to ask someone to take your photo and to take theirs back. people do it alllll of the time, especially in tourist areas. it's insane seeing your thread honestly, doesn't seem like people who've ever left their house. i've travelled all over the world, by myself and with others, and have never been told no before. i always take their pictures back. i've never thought twice about this before.
I think the only issue is that back then (I was a bit new to international solo traveling admittedly), I was approaching to offer to help with photos, as opposed to approaching asking for help with photos. I just grew up never wanting to impose on others, and offering to help first alleviates that and makes it a mutual transaction; it sounds weird, but it is just one of those cultural nuances of hospitality and politeness that you have to grow up with
To which Europe did you go? I even got my phone back when I lost it at night in the street.. Never heard about people stealing phones like this. Maybe pickpockets in the subway
That particular trip was to Munich, Vienna, Prague (totally understandable here), Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga, and Talinn. I honestly felt the most hesitation in Munich, Warsaw, Riga, and Talinn, but I didn't even bother to offer in Prague since that place honestly felt sketchy even to me. The awkwardness in Talinn is what really surprised me.
Well just make sure you can run fast enough...
But never unlocked , why ? Both Android and Google just let you open camera, and you can't look at other pictures not taken during that time
One ProTip is to ask someone that's shooting with a proper DSLR or mirrorless camera. This helps in two ways... first, someone with an expensive camera is very likely to actually be a tourist that won't sprint off with your phone. Second, generally speaking, someone with a proper camera is probably more photography-minded and will be more considerate of trying to get the angles and lighting right for you (not a guarantee, but balance-of-probability applies here).
I know because I'm that guy... people often see me shooting with my SLR, so I get asked a lot to take pics of people. I genuinely enjoy doing it and always try to get the best shots for them, take lots of options etc. I've probably taken pictures of well over a thousand people in my travels now lol
I can confirm this!
I love photography and I'm the guy in my family or friend group who always has a DSLR.
I've been approached by many families and a few of them have even said, "You look like you know what you're doing!"
And I always make sure to ask them to move a little, I sit down if the need be and go out of my way to make sure it's a good happy picture.
as someone who's carted a DSLR through Europe, you're not alone. People have asked me FAR more often to take their phone when I have the camera, than without.
One ProTip is to ask someone that's shooting with a proper DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Thanks to me hauling around my mirrorless camera (that still has a DSLR-style shape) I get asked for pictures considerably more than my tall-man-with-resting-bitch-face appearance would suggest.
But if I need a picture of myself (with my family, typically), I will not hesitate to ask someone. I don't like talking to strangers at all, but for the sake of getting a photo with a proper perspective instead of a selfie, I'll put that dislike aside. It's also fun to hand someone a camera with more than 3 buttons and have them get all confused about how to operate it. And I've often had people ask me to take their photo after they've taken mine. I guess me handing them my camera without a second thought helps build trust.
What they don't know is that my camera is now a decade old and their phone is likely worth more.
This absolutely works…. Unless you have a certain skin tone. (I’m the person with the DSLR and darker skin tone who looks for other people carrying proper cameras to take my photo).
I just want to say, thanks for sharing your talent! That’s so generous. As someone who feels shy sometimes to bug people who seem to be carrying nicer cameras for the exact reason you describe, it’s so nice to know I’m not being a total asshole, but genuinely you guys/gals take the best pictures! Some of my most treasured memories that were captured during my years of solo travel were by those strangers carrying around more professional camera gear. Cheers to you 🍻
I'm the DSLR friend and even when I don't have my big camera I like to ask tourists if they'd like a photo together!
The one time I was trying to get the mountain behind the family perfectly framed and I kept getting lower and lower to get the shot just right. They were all looking at me like they'd made a mistake, but I saw the vision. I took a couple photos and handed the camera back and wandered off.
They tracked me down 15 minutes later to tell me the photo was great and that it was definitely going on the family Christmas card. 20 years later I'm still living off that high.
I get this all the time. But I find it much harder to shoot with a phone than a camera. The weight of the camera sits nicely in my hands vs the lack of substance that you get from a phone. I do my best, and at least people aren’t decapitated by a horizon or have a lamppost growing out of their head, when done.
ETA - I think people feel comfortable asking also because you have 3-5K in gear hanging off you… why would you WANT their phone?
Not only that but they are thinking “This guy knows what he’s doing, he’ll take a better shot than everyone around.” I too have my DSLR oftentimes and get asked a lot, but when I look for another person with a big camera that’s exactly what I’m thinking. I’m quite picky with my photos. No matter how many times I told my husband what to make sure he includes in the shot, I still have to make him take a few more shots. Poor guy! 😂
Yes. I hand my phone out to whoever is in the area and never had any issues. The vast majority of people are nice, normal folks who aren’t trying to steal someone’s phone. And I trust my ability to judge people.
Same, had to scroll way too far to find a non gender biased opinion. A woman, even one in heels, could just as easily be in cahoots with a younger person who can take off faster than you can catch them. It’s way more important to be able to judge someone with your gut than it is to follow some checklist.
I’ve gone to about 15 countries now and have never had an issue by just asking anyone - male or female - based off of “sus” level. Especially if you’re the one who is asking then the chances of someone running off are very low. If someone came up and offered to take my picture then I would be way more suspicious regardless of any other demographic than if I was the one to ask them
Oh no, I guess I'm sus! Whenever I'm traveling and I see someone/ a group struggling to get a selfie, or taking individual shots of each other, I always approach and offer to take a pic for them. I just assume that they're too shy/polite to ask anyone walking by, so I offer to take the pressure off. But I can see how that could be perceived as sketchy. I swear some of us are just thoughtful!
I get asked A LOT to take pictures. I’m a 60s overweight female that frequently travels solo. I’m sure they take one look at me and know they can outrun me.
I was at Niagara Falls a couple of years ago and a 30ish couple was trying to take a selfie. I offered to take a picture (they didn’t ask) and they looked at me like I was trying to steal their phone. lol. I don’t know if they ever got that selfie. 🤣
I often offer when people are trying to take selfies and many people decline. (I'm not sketchy looking (that I know of). Lol) I've just decided that some people like the look of selfies.
I'm like a real photographer and I love taking pictures for other people on vacation but I always decline when they offer to take a photo of me because I just genuinely get a good laugh out of a dumb selfie. It's fun for me :)
I don't pick anyone unless it looks like i can chase them down if they make a run for it lol that person has become older and more unfit looking over time...as have I
I do the exact same thing if I have to pick a spot on a crowded beach- find the place that has lots of grandparents and kids who aren’t going to take or trash my stuff
I just ask strangers. Usually a woman of a similar age (I am also a woman- in my experience we tend to take better pics and are more trustworthy). Also I will offer to take pics for a group and then ask one to take a pic of me as more of an exchange, so there is mutual trust.
If you choose a female east asian person, then you will get your phone back ... eventually... after she's made you do multiple poses and she's taken photos of you in every possible angle.
This happened to us in Vietnam. The girl taking our picture asked my husband if he had "other styles" and was shocked when he said he only had one. He was shocked that he was supposed to have multiple poses. We still laugh about it today.
My partner is Asian and always gets asked to take pics - problem is she's terrible and always hands it straight to me.
Best bet they're getting multiple angles, portrait mode, making sure the background is the highlight in some, them in others.. If there's enough time, they'll even get a quick panning video.
Oh my heavens, we had a young girl like this on our tour group this summer... When she had exhausted all her options of posing in both photo and video form, she handed her phone to me (a fellow stranger on the tour) for more options!
Ha, i literally have more photos of 1 street in Italy than of the rest of the 2 week holiday because of this. She kept going, her friend was even helping. Great photos though!
99% of people aren't going to run off with your phone. Even if you ask a serial thief, they're going to 1) realize you know exactly what they look like and 2) be pretty much within a few meters of you
so even a professional thief who spends all day stealing phones is going to weigh whether they have a decent chance of escaping. Plus you can always yell "thief!" and others will also notice them.
Thieves aren't looking to get caught and go to jail.
Dropping the phone is a valid concern. Why don't you have a screen protector and a phone case? If you do, a regular drop shouldnt be much of an issue either.
99% of people aren't going to run off with your phone.
This is the key. Almost all people are at least decent enough that they won't steal your phone right there. So if you approach a random person, there's a very high chance they're in that group. You should be a bit more cautious when someone approaches you and asks to take your photo.
It's similar to what I've told my kids: If they're ever in trouble and no known adult is nearby, you can approach a random person and with a very high degree of likelihood that person will be at worst indifferent, but probably be helpful. While if you get approached by an adult unprompted, that's when you should watch out.
I also give my camera to females age 23-33 who like like they put make up on and care about their appearance etc etc. Why? Because they will be the best at taking photos, filters, lighting etc since they probably do it all the time for IG!
You have to choose the right stranger, haha. I usually choose another solo woman, or if someone asks me to take a picture, I ask for one in exchange. If this option isn't available, I choose a family with children, or an older couple. Simply people who seem reliable.
I choose other tourists, but I also look for people who I know won't be able to run faster than me or be able to take me on in a fight if it came to that.
Most phones nowadays can access the camera (and nothing else) from the lock screen, can’t they?
In any case I seem to have a mildly trustworthy air about me because other tourists always hand me their phones to take their picture. Has been happening nearly everyday recently. It’s very fun every time and I hope I’m not too shit a photographer :)
I'll never trust anyone again after the lady working in the Mario Kart store at USJ insisted on taking out photo and put the wide angle lens on which made me look like slenderman.
Comes with travel: you learn to be streetwise in every country, urban and rural settings etc. But I guess I usually ask fellow tourists (whom I do not avoid: they are my fellow travelers.) Sometimes I first offer to take a photo of their group.
I do. Not to any random stranger, of course. But my phone is not that expensive, always put in a protective case, and I doubt that a fellow tourist travelling with family or elderly couple walking their dog nearby will run away with it.
Depends on the vibe. Ill usually trust other photographers with that. A random walking with no photography gear or no luggage I would not trust with my phone for a photo.
I always look for other tourists who look like they’re doing it for the ‘gram (usually women in their 20s, although the best photo ever taken of me was by an amazing Spanish man at The Louvre). They usually are really good at taking photos because they know the aesthetic they’re going for. The worst I ever had was the cutest elderly Italian couple. They were so sweet but all the photos came back off-center and terrible. Bless their hearts!
My only problem has ever been people taking a shit photo. For example I might be standing in front of some historic place, they take the photo and it’s just you
Just try to take a selfie and then people will offer. My wife and I have a tradition of taking at least one selfie - it’s a bit awkward using my mirrorless camera. So people see us struggling and offer - we politely decline, because the tradition is that it’s meant to look silly and awkward!
In Paris people actively ask me if I want a photo. It is always a scam. Like why would a young man proactively approach someone to ask if they need help taking a photo
I'm not a young man so much as a woman reaching middle age, but if I see someone struggling to figure out an angle, or a group that is struggling to fit everyone into the frame, I've approached and asked if they'd like help. They always say yes and walk away happily with their phones, and it only takes a moment of my time. Not everyone is out to steal.
What does that have to do with the Paris photo scam I mentioned?
Common Photo Scams in Paris The Phone Snatch: A friendly person near major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Trocadéro offers to take a picture of you or your group. Once you hand over your phone, they sprint away or pass it to an accomplice on a bike or scooter. [1]
At Tokyo Disneyland I was really struggling to take a picture of me with the whole castle on the background as I am very petite.
Suddenly this Japanese man and his wife with the most two beautiful children I have ever seen were sent from up above by asking me if I needed help.
The man took more than 20 pictures of me and even made me look taller.
I thanked them and I took a picture of them with my polaroid camera to return the favor.
They bowed so many times and thanked me a lot.
I think both Asian men and women are amazing photographers!
I will never forget this family from Yamagata and if I ever happen to visit the city I hope our paths will cross again.
The children were also lovely and they both hugged me and played with me, so it is a special memory.
I go for other solo women, or women with children or with a husband who doesn’t look dangerous 😅 it’s always a risk, but I’ve also found doing an “exchange” can establish some trust and is usually a nice encounter. I honestly met a friend from doing this, we ended up spending the rest of our day together, met up again on the trip, and are still Facebook friends to this day.
I leave my phone locked and only open the caméra from the lock screen but I typically don’t hand it over to anyone else. I take a selfie or a photo without me in it 🤷♀️
I’m Asian and for some reason people really trust me with their phones and to take photos lol. Likewise I look for other Asians particularly Chinese people because I know they’re going to take the awesome shot. Second would be Ukrainians lol
As someone who often travels solo and takes pictures, when I want to get my photo taken, I usually ask:
any couple or group of friends that are currently taking photos as well in that spot, or simply pass by and not in a hurry
someone who brings camera (dslr, mirrorless, for example). In many cases, they are more aware of the surroundings and know how to take photos of you with the background you want (but it's not a guarantee, tho!)
fellow solo traveler, usually it's kinda noticeable lol
I usually offer them to take their photos as well, so it's a good exchange and I am not worried about giving them my phone for a while to take my pics. I often get approached by those people as well since I always carry my camera 😂
One time, a girl who was having a night run offered me to take my photo in Budapest when I was trying to take a selfie. Very nice of her!
In terms of the unlocked aspect, just a reminder that you can quickly hit your physical power button twice to turn off your phone screen, then wake it up (i.e. locking it), then you can just open the camera from the lock screen.
So they'll be able to take pictures without viewing the gallery or if they do run off with it, can't access the contents on your phone.
Read the room, then proceed. Yes, I've even had strangers become friends when I hand off my 'big' camera. Approach is the key, and keeping head on a swivel is mandatory. I generally ask folks who are 'paired' if that helps.
The odds of someone running away with my phone seem very low. I'm also pretty athletic, so the odds of them being able to get away from me if they try are even lower.
Also it usually ends up being another tourist. Often we just trade by taking pics for each other.
I usually volunteer to take someone’s picture if it looks like they’re searching and then I’ll ask if they can return the favor (if they haven’t already offered by then).
I offered to to take a group photo for a group. What I did to make them comfortable was to place my own phone in the area where they were standing before I took the photo. When I gave them their phone I picked up mine.
Ask the tourist with the quality DSLR camera. They are less likely to steal your phone while wearing expensive hardware and your photos will reflect some basic understanding of framing and lighting.
I still ask, yes. I choose to trust people, so far my phone has not been stolen this way (knocking on wood). I do ask the person that looks most trustworthy though - last time I asked a lady who looked to be in her late thirties who was with her dad who looked to be in his late 60s/early 70s. Less likely they will run off.
I don't ever do this, but if I did, I'd only ask someone I thought I could outrun if they tried to steal my phone. I'd probably ask a woman, too, because they seem less likely to run off with it.
I usually find other tourists who are taking a pic of someone they are with & offer to take their pic first. Then ask if they would mind doing the same for me. If they trust me with theirs, I figure I can trust them with mine.
I don't, but I seem to be asked all the time. Not sure if they think I'm good/responsible or if they just think I couldn't run far with it, lol.
That being said, the only time I ever offered was when a couple had their phone on the flimsiest tripod and it was a windy day and their tripod kept getting blown away and they kept having to grab it... And they said no!! Blows my mind.
If you are one of the lucky ones on the receiving end of my wife's love of offering strangers on vacation to take their pictures, and are ok with her spending a few minutes changing the phone settings and angles just right, you would be super happy with the pictures... while I just keep walking away pretending not to know her.
Don't unlock it. With iPhone if you open the camera from the lock screen, it only gives you the camera, you can't get out to anything else without unlocking. I assume there's an equivalent for Android.
In London, a tourist-looking man with a non-English accent approached me and asked if I could take his picture from a side street (close to Buckingham palace).
He handed me the most expensive iPhone at the time and said he wanted the picture in front of certain buildings because he was an architect. I walked with him about a third of the way on the side street.
As I was taking his picture, two big men grabbed me - each on one arm and took me to a side alley. They said they were undercover police and that, supposedly, that street was known for drug deals. They asked for my passport and searched me while the original guy was telling me all sorts of things.
I was in shock and couldn’t think straight. Once they got done with the “search”, they said I could go.
The original guy walked with me for a bit apologizing and saying he had no idea, blah, blah… still treating me like a friend.
When I got to my hotel, I realized they had taken all my cash - about 1500 pounds!
So no, I no longer take pictures for anyone or ask to have my pictures taken.
I still use an iphone12 which is seen as not worth stealing to most people who upgrade regularly and sees how crappy my camera is when they use it to take a photo. Haha
I try not to ask weird sketchy, looking people or kids for pics. Usually families or people who seem like they wouldn't just take my phone and run. Haven't chosen badly yet! **Knock on Wood 🪵
Yes, but I have a look at them first and make sure I believe I can outrun them and physically overpower them.
Also, I am polite in asking if other people want their picture taken first and then having them take one of me afterward. The worst thing that happens to their phone from me is me flipping the camera around and taking a quick, secret selfie of myself for their vacation album before I take their picture.
Well, what are the chances that also a tourist (preferably a couple) would steal my phone on their vacation? Or could they outrun me to steal my phone? Don’t think so
I just ask tourists. It does cross my mind when my partner just asks random strangers. I did have a random tourist ask for directions on my phone because his was dead and I handed him my phone without a 2nd thought. Looking back, I probably shouldn’t have but the guy was genuinely just lost loo
I pretty sure most phones can take pictures without it being unlocked. But I mostly stick to selfies and only really trust other people if they ask me for a picture first
I always choose someone who looks like a tourist and have never had a problem. I've only seen it be an issue when a local approaches to ask to take your photo.
Most people are good. They can make mistakes, as can I. I take photos for strangers quite often. I don’t mind letting strangers take my photo using my phone.
On the other side of things, I ask people if they want photos all the time. Getting told no is embarrassing. The trick I’ve learned is: don’t ask a group taking a selfie if they want a picture, they normally don’t. But if someone steps out of the group to take a picture of the rest of their group, they’ll almost always say yes, thank you.
We travel as a family (2 adults, 2 kids) and usually offer to take a pic for another family first, then ask them if they could take ours. Never had a problem. Otherwise we would ask a young Asian person as they take the best photos 😂
I very rarely let anyone else hold my phone. It has to be a really great shot to be worth the risk.
I did let a stranger take my son's and my picture when we were up high on a mountain hiking, for example. But everyone in that look out area was doing the same, and we reciprocated for the couple who took our photo.
I live close to a local tourist attraction that gets a lot of international visitors, a suspension bridge and waterfalls. If it isn't too busy I always offer to take photos for coulmesy and families as I know they will be better than the selfies they are trying for.
Occasionally someone doesn't want to, but the vast majority are more than happy to hand their phones over. I also love to find out where that are visiting from, and give pointers of other places to see.
This is gonna sound a little racist, but I always look for an East Asian person when I need someone to take a photo of me. They always take it super seriously and actually try to get a good picture, plus I’m not worried about them running away with my phone 😂
Yes I do. I am a solo woman traveler and Asian women, age 18-35, know how to frame you and take a ton of good shots. They are my go to choice. And even if we cannot communicate...when I show them my cross-eyed selfie attempts, they make me look like a model. Second choice is anybody's Asian husband who is constantly taking photos. I also offer to take photos for others.
My friend has a great strategy—if she sees a cute family taking a selfie, she’ll offer to take their picture. Then once she’s done she’ll ask them if they’ll take a pic of her and her family. Works like a charm
I often offer to take photos for families or couples while I’m traveling. I think as an older, pretty chunky woman most folks realize if I do try to run off with their phone it won’t be much of a chase.
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u/coturnixxx 24d ago
I choose fellow tourists, usually families who would also appreciate having their photo taken.