Smiling woman taking a selfie in a busy city crowd for public selfies tips.

Public Selfies Made Easy: 11 Best Tips to Master the Art Without Feeling Awkward

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Do you ever get that awkward feeling that someone is watching you? Does it keep you from taking public selfies or pictures on vacation? You are not alone! I have heard this complaint from people everywhere I travel (and I travel A LOT). Believe it or not, even many of my colleagues who travel and take photos for a living have the same dilemma.

So recently, I was again asked, “How can I be comfortable taking selfies in a public place when people are watching?” I knew it was time to share some of my secrets because, if you know me, not much stops me from getting a photo or video – even in public with people watching.

So, without further ado, here are my best 11 tips to master public selfies without feeling awkward:

1 – Find Your Zen: Begin Where It’s Chill

Practice your public selfies in a less crowded area, like a park or a quiet street, to get comfortable with the setup and process without too many onlookers. Also, consider the time of day you’re practicing. Mornings tend to be less busy, so go ahead and drag your equipment out with your morning cup of coffee and practice snapping with fewer onlookers.

2 – Snap Boldly: Confidence Always Wins

Confidence is key! Act like snapping selfies is the most normal thing in the world—because it is! I like to think that the world revolves around me, and maybe you do, too. It’s kind of normal. But the truth is – most people are too busy paying attention to their own situation than to what you’re doing. I promise. Think about it – when was the last time you stopped what you were doing to notice someone taking photos (even with a tripod) in a public space?

3 – Curious Looks? Take It as a Compliment

On the odd chance that someone takes note or glances your way, give them a friendly nod or smile. It’s easy to get caught up in the notion that people are watching in judgment when, oftentimes, they are simply watching because they’re curious about what you’re doing.

If you see people watching, give them a friendly nod or smile and see what happens. I bet they’ll smile back. They’re probably just curious or admiring your creativity.

Public selfies group of diverse family members sharing joyful moments outdoor.

4 – Ready, Set, Explain: People Will Be Curious

If your smile or nod catches their attention, and it may, be ready to answer if they ask what you’re up to. You can practice a couple of quick, simple sentences to be prepared. Here are a couple of examples that I’ve been known to use:

“Oh, hi! I’m a content creator and blogger—just filming some fun content for my blog and social media!”

“I share travel tips and quirky roadside attractions online, so I’m grabbing a few shots to share with my friends/audience.”

“I’m working on a blog post about this spot and thought it’d be fun to show people what it’s like in real life!”

Pick one (or two) of these up and make them your own so you feel comfortable (remember, confidence is key). You can even practice them in front of a mirror or with a spouse or friend. If you really want to test your moxie, practice with a handy teenager. They will give you the best feedback, whether you like it or not!

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Like fun roadside stops? Check out the Quirky Roadside Facebook Group!

5 – Click From a Distance: Use a Remote

If you’re shy about pressing the button on the phone, use a simple remote to take your photo or begin your video. It’s discreet and keeps you from running back and forth to your phone to set the timer or find the button on the screen.

I recently discovered this super cool gadget called an auto face-tracking mount, and it’s a total game-changer for public selfies! This handy little device tracks your eyes and smoothly moves your camera from left to right to keep you perfectly in the frame. No more worrying about if you’re in the frame and running back and forth checking your results!

6 – Be Quick, Be Slick, Get the Pic

This little tip pairs nicely with our first tip, practicing in advance. If you’re using a selfie stick, a tripod, or just your arm, practice at home first to get the feel of where to hold your phone, at what angle, and how you like to zoom. You can even pick something in your background to focus on to “stand in” for whatever you want to photograph when you’re out and about!

Plan your selfie technique in advance and practice plenty so you can set everything up efficiently without attracting attention when you are on-site. The less time you spend fiddling with your tripod, the less noticeable you’ll feel.

7 – Put Your Best Face (and Outfit) Forward

It doesn’t get more basic than this. Choose a favorite outfit, hat, or jewelry when you know you’ll be taking photos or videos in public. If makeup is your thing, make sure yours is on point, so you’ll feel confident. When you feel good about how you look, brushing off any self-consciousness is easier.

8 – Share the Space, Snap with Grace

This might go without saying (but let’s be honest—I need the reminder, too): when you’re taking a “public” selfie, remember that public places come with other people. Shocking, right? The quickest way to feel awkward is to block someone’s path or take over the best view in the place like you’re the star of a rom-com. And while it might feel like everyone’s staring, sometimes those busy spots really do make for the best photos. 

If you’re setting up shop with your tripod in a bustling area, be ready for a bit of give and take—people might stroll through your scene or stop to sneak a peek at what you’re doing. It can be a little distracting (and okay, sometimes annoying), but hey, it’s all part of the fun of capturing those public moments. 

Try to be quick, quiet, and gracious with the space around you to keep the awkward vibes to a minimum. The faster you work, the less reason you’ll have to feel awkward. 

Smiling elderly woman and young woman taking a selfie on the beach, happy family moment, multigenerational family enjoying outdoor activities, joyful seniors, capturing memories, summer vacation.

9 – Pick Your Perfect Tripod

Although bringing your tallest tripod and going for the gold may be tempting, remember that a compact or tabletop tripod can be less noticeable than a larger one and easier to set up without drawing too much attention.

Although a basic cell phone tripod will work, remember that those three tiny legs at the bottom of a pole can be relatively unstable and easily tip when bumped or hit with a gust of wind. For this reason, I prefer a standard lightweight tripod, meant for a “real” camera with an attachment for my phone. The longer legs help with stability.

Another option is a small, flexible tripod that will sit atop a nearby object or wrap around a fence or pole to hold your camera. This also works well in a restaurant to take foodie selfies! The overall message is to find a tripod that works great for you so you can set up discreetly and confidently.

10 – Smile Like No One is Watching

Remember why you’re taking your photo to begin with. Capturing a memory or creating something while having fun IS fun. If you’re enjoying yourself, it’ll show and help you relax. And if you’re a creator like me, you might just find a new fan, especially if you keep a few business cards in your pocket or use a digital business card.

11 – Public Selfie Sidekick: Bring a Buddy Along

We have to end with one of my favorite tips. Bring a friend with you if you’re extra bashful about photographing or filming in public. Studies show that having a friend or companion with you during a stressful experience can significantly reduce your stress levels.

Having someone you know and trust by your side provides emotional support and a sense of shared experience, making intimidating situations—like taking selfies in public—much less nerve-wracking!

Conclusion – Wrapping It All Up

Taking selfies in public can feel intimidating, especially when a tripod and camera setup draw extra attention. But with the right mindset and a few simple strategies, you can confidently capture fantastic photos or videos without the awkwardness.

Start by practicing in quieter locations and owning the fact that you’re creating something fun and meaningful. Early mornings or less busy times can help ease you into the process. Bring a friend for moral support—science shows this can reduce stress and boost confidence!

Tools like an auto face-tracking mount can streamline your process, keeping you in the frame while you focus on posing. Be mindful of others around you, especially in crowded areas. The key to avoiding awkward moments is to work quickly and graciously, making room for others while owning your moment.

Finally, embrace the experience with humor and confidence. Most people aren’t paying as much attention as you think—and those who do are often just curious. The more you do it, the easier and more natural it will feel. So set up that tripod, strike your pose, and let your creativity shine!

Have questions? Please ask! I love to help and have a Facebook group to chat and discuss travel locations and photography tips! Check it out at HIP ADVENTURES: LIFE & TRAVEL OVER 50

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Smiling young woman taking a selfie in Times Square with a busy city crowd behind her.