Greetings!

this probably sounds a bit crazy. Is it normal and safe to ask strangers to take your photo with your smartphone or camera?

I am traveling alone and if I want to be in any of the photos, my options are selfies (never been good at taking them but I am planning on getting a selfie stick before my trip) or asking random people to take a photo. How safe is it? I mean I'd never think twice before asking someone in Tokyo and I often offer to take people's photos here when I see those who travel alone or even as couples. But I also know that in some parts of the world, you might end up having your camera or your smartphone stollen (my sister was on a camel in Egypt and a nice young boy took off with her camera . needless to say we have no photo of my sister on a camel!)

Would love to hear your thoughts or suggestions on what I can do. Especially, I want to take photos in the theater district. Hopefully with Broadway theaters and posters in the background.

Thank you!

Don't ask on the subway.

​​​​​​But seriously, tourists are the same the world over. Look for a couple also taking photos.

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If you hand your phone/camera to a stranger, you risk loss of phone/camera. Only ask someone taking pictures with an expensive camera who will have no need for yours. Or decide that you don't need to be in every picture of your trip just to prove you were there.

A piece of solid advice that I am planning to follow. Thank you!

First, please forget the selfie stick. Seriously anti-social items.

Second, why do you need to be in the photos in the first place? This is actually a serious question, not snark. I have never seen how it improves a photo to put the photographer in the shot. But then I hate having my photo taken.

When I'm out and about by myself I bring along a somewhat outdated iPhone for photos that I ask other tourists to take of me, which isn't too often; my current iPhone stays buried in my tote. If an outdated iPhone gets stolen I am only out a few selfies, is my thinking. Even when traveling with DH and/or family I will only hand over my Canon to someone who also has an expensive camera, and usually not until they ask me to take their photo.

At the risk of sounding obvious, set your camera timer to a 2-5 second delay. I was horrible at selfies too, but this makes all the difference.

"set your camera timer to a 2-5 second delay"

and then what? Put it down on the sidewalk in Times Square and hope nobody walks between you and the camera?

Got a selfie stick today . Not the best solution, but at least, I'll have that option.

I would ask a family taking pictures if you take theirs, would they take yours.

really (?) -- terrible idea.

. . I am aware that some people use them in museums or theaters which I would not do personally, but for outside, say in Central Park or in front of a Broadway theater, I don't see how it would bother anyone. At least I hope it would not

. Yes, absolutely!

A selfie stick in use says "I am as important as this view." Rarely the case, but when you turn your back to a sight in order to take your own picture, well . . .

Asking people is usually fine and people in NYC are ordinarily happy to help -- just trust your instincts. Totally agree that selfie-sticks are horrible!

I take photos in NYC all the time. Selfies in front of theaters, including me solo and with friends, as well as photos I ask others to take for us. I agree with the suggestion to ask someone else nearby to snap a photo, especially if they are taking photos themselves. Sure, there's a risk if you ask a random stranger to take a photo they will run off with your phone, but very unlikely if you ask someone who is enjoying the same event as you. It's not complicated. I'd skip the selfie stick.