Three tips for taking authentic stranger photos when traveling

There’s a saying I love that says, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” And when you decide to read that book, you may also want to add some illustrations. In his recent video, Lodi Pertovt of Lost And Abroad shares some amazing tips for taking photos of strangers while you’re abroad. Not only will they help you “illustrate your book,” but also make connections and get places you normally wouldn’t.

Tip 1: Be open to change—and open in general

Many of us are big overplanners when it comes to traveling, but you just can’t predict everything. Embracing unexpected events or changing plans on the spot can be stressful – but you can turn it to your advantage.

One of Lodi’s biggest insights is to remain open to unexpected opportunities, and he shares his own example. When he arrived in Maramureș, Romania, he planned just a quick stop in Baia Mare before heading to remote villages. But things changed when he discovered a local chestnut festival (by the way, if you’ve never eaten roasted chestnuts or chestnut puree, I highly recommend it). Instead of sticking to his original plan, Lodi checked in for an extra night to dive into the festival and soak up the town’s unique charm. This open-minded approach led to genuine connections, unforgettable photos, and a richer travel experience overall.

Tip 2: Just say “yes”—when it’s safe

In Maramureș, Lodi’s group met a local named Clodo, who noticed them camping near an old wooden church. Clodo struck up a conversation and offered them a warm place to stay with his family, cautioning that it would be a cold night outside. After gauging the situation (and noting the family’s warm hospitality), they accepted his offer. This simple “yes” led to more than just a cozy night’s rest—it opened up a memorable cultural exchange with Clodo’s family and the surrounding community. It reminded me of a similar situation my parents had when they slept over at a complete stranger’s home in a remote village here in Serbia. People can be incredibly warm and hospitable here in the Balkans (no matter what you may have heard about us).

However, as Lodi emphasizes, and I second this, saying “yes” doesn’t mean agreeing to everything blindly. Trust your instincts, consider the environment, and be cautious. But if you say “yes” to safe and positive opportunities, you can find yourself welcomed into a local family or given a chance to see life from an entirely new perspective.

Tip 3: Smile, greet, and learn a bit of the local language

In the charming town of Breb, Lodi’s approach to photography became much simpler: be friendly and say hello. Greeting locals with a smile and learning a few basic phrases in Romanian like “Buna” (hello) or “Seara buna” (good evening) helped him create instant connections. These small gestures made people feel at ease, and, in turn, they welcomed him into their lives.

Lodi’s open greetings led to unexpected adventures—like joining locals picking apples and even being invited to lunch by a sweet elderly woman he met along the way. By showing genuine warmth and friendliness, Lodi was able to gain people’s trust and photograph them in ways that felt authentic and non-intrusive.

So, while some street or travel photography may feel intrusive or uncomfortable, yours doesn’t have to be. I love Lodi’s approach of building connections and treating each encounter respectfully. When you put yourself out there in this way, people often respond with kindness, and you might find yourself welcomed into homes, festivals, and daily rituals that make your travel memories truly unforgettable.

So next time you’re abroad, consider these tips. Be open to the unexpected, stay respectful, and embrace the local culture. You’ll come home with incredible, unique photos. But what’s even more important, in my opinion – you’ll return with new experiences, and perhaps a few new friends, too.

[Are You Photographing Strangers Like a Creep? | Lost And Abroad]