How to Ask Someone to Take a Picture of You

Have you been out on your own or with friends and spotted a great picture opportunity? Taking selfies isn’t always the best for capturing the beauty. That’s when asking a stranger comes in handy. These are the best ways to ask a stranger to take a picture of you:

• Can you take a picture of me?
• Would you mind taking a picture of me?
• Have you got a moment to take a picture of me?
• Please take a picture of me
• Could you quickly take a picture of me?
• I’d love it if you could take a picture of me
• Are you too busy to take a picture for me?
• Do you mind taking this picture for me?
• Could you take a quick snap for me?
• Sorry to bother you, but can you take my picture?

The best ways to ask someone to take a picture of you are “can you take a picture of me,” “would you mind taking a picture of me,” and “have you got a moment to take a picture of me?” These questions are great to remain polite and respectful.

1. Can You Take a Picture of Me?

“Can you take a picture of me?” is one of the most common ways to ask someone to take a picture for you in English. It is a simple request that works politely, allowing you to sound as respectful as possible.

This will encourage most people to take a picture of you. It’s simple and shows that you won’t waste much of their time. The only people who might refuse you are the ones that are too busy or don’t like interacting with strangers.

• Can you take a picture of me, please? I don’t have anyone else around that’s able to help right now!
• I’m sorry, sir. I’d love to get a record of this, but I don’t want it to be a selfie! Can you take a picture of me?

2. Would You Mind Taking a Picture of Me?

“Would you mind taking a picture of me?” is as simple as they come. It shows that you’d like your picture taken and remain respectful by using “would you mind?”

It’s great to use a phrase like this when asking for someone’s help. You can replace “taking a picture of me” with any request after “would you mind” to ask for someone’s help.

• I’d really love to capture this moment with you. Would you mind taking a picture of me? I think that’d be fun.
• Would you mind taking a picture of me with this building? It’s such a great thing to see, but I want to capture the memory.

3. Have You Got a Moment to Take a Picture of Me?

“Have you got a moment to take a picture of me?” is a great request when you know someone is quite busy. If you’re approaching a stranger who looks busy or lost in thought, this question is great to see if they can lend a hand.

If not, move along. Don’t waste any more of their time if they’re unwilling to help you after the first ask.

• Have you got a moment to take a picture of me? I’d love it if you could help me get something nice here.
• Have you got a moment to take a picture of me? It’s so nice out here. I’d love to keep it in my records.

4. Please Take a Picture of Me

“Please take a picture of me” is a decent choice that avoids a question entirely. It uses “please” to look for permission from someone to help you out and take a picture.

Be careful with this choice, though. “Please take a picture of me” seems more like a demand to some people. That might cause them to reject your plea for help and move away from you without taking your picture.

• Please take a picture of me if you’re not too busy. You look like you’d be so good at taking pictures with that camera!
• Please take a picture of me. I’d love to capture this moment. I’m worried it’ll go away forever!

5. Could You Quickly Take a Picture of Me?

“Could you quickly take a picture of me?” is a great question alternative. It shows that you’d like your picture taken and would like it taken “quickly.”

“Quickly” works well here because it shows you won’t take up too much of the stranger’s time. This is a great way to encourage someone to take your picture, showing you are keen to get it done quickly as you know they are busy.

• Could you quickly take a picture of me? I’d love to see how it comes out when you get it on that camera.
• Could you quickly take a picture of me? That would really help! I don’t have anyone else to ask.

6. I’d Love it if You Could Take a Picture of Me

“I’d love it if you could take a picture of me” is another great way to encourage someone to help you without asking a question. This time, you can use “I’d love it” to show how happy you’d be if someone could take a picture of you.

This is great to use when remaining friendly and caring. It shows that you’d “love” someone’s help if they can offer it.

• I’d love it if you could take a picture of me, sir. I know you’re quite busy, but it won’t take more than a few seconds.
• I’d love it if you could take a picture of me. It’s so nice to see all of these beautiful sights.

7. Are You Too Busy to Take a Picture for Me?

“Are you too busy to take a picture of me?” is a direct question asking if someone is too busy to help you for a short period. It’s a decent choice if you’re looking for a direct and prompt answer, though it could be misconstrued.

You should be careful with this one. It might come across as a bit needy or desperate. Some people might be turned off by this approach, making this a less useful option that some of the other choices.

• Are you too busy to take a picture for me? I’d love to capture this moment. I hope that’s okay.
• I’m sorry to bother you. I think this is a great thing to get on camera! Are you too busy to take a picture for me?

8. Do You Mind Taking This Picture for Me?

“Do you mind taking this picture for me?” is a simple question that works well. It asks someone whether they are happy to take the picture by using “do you mind?”

You should always approach someone with politeness when asking them to do a favour like this. That’s why all of the question alternatives are such great choices.

• Do you mind taking this picture for me? I don’t have anyone else to turn to. You’d be doing me a huge favour.
• Do you mind taking this picture for me? I would love to look back at this at some point. It’d be great to see it again.

9. Could You Take a Quick Snap of Me?

When knowing how to ask someone to click your picture, “quick snap” is a great option. It shows that you want a “quick snap” (or “photo”) taken of you to capture a beautiful moment.

Using “quick” is ideal here. It shows that you won’t take too much of the stranger’s time. Most people will be happy to help as long as they know it’ll be over quickly.

• Could you take a quick snap of me? I promise I won’t take more than a few seconds of your time!
• Could you take a quick snap of me? I’d love to see this place again, so I’ll use the photo you took to do so!

10. Sorry to Bother You, But Can You Take My Picture?

“Sorry to bother you” should start the majority of requests when you’re worried about how someone might react. “Can you take my picture?” is a simple request that follows the polite introduction.

Together, this phrase works well to show that you didn’t want to upset someone or take too much of their time. It shows that you respect their time and hope they’re not “bothered” by your request for their help.

• I’m sorry to bother you, but can you take my picture? I am only here for a few more minutes and would love to remember this.
• Sorry to bother you, but can you take my picture? I think this is the best photo opportunity I’ve had in a while!

What to Remember When Asking Someone to Take a Picture

You’ve seen the best ways to ask for your picture taken, but there’s one more thing to remember. You need to remain polite and respectful as you’re asking someone to do you a favour.

Here’s the best way to ask someone to take a picture of you, regardless of the alternative used:

1. Find the Right Person

You’re about to trust someone with a very expensive piece of technology. Look around and find someone surrounded by friends or family, as they are often the most trustworthy and happiest to help.

2. Smile and Make Eye Contact

Introduce yourself briefly once you find the right person. Show them that you’re friendly and looking for a quick favour. This’ll encourage them to match your kind energy and offer to help you.

3. Have Your Device Ready

Always have a device prepared when asking someone to take a picture of you. Offer them your phone or a camera to show that you have everything set up and ready to go.

4. Pose

Someone is taking a picture to help you out. Do not waste their time by requesting they take multiple pictures of you in different poses, angles, or lighting to try and get the best Instagram shot.

5. Thank Them and Be Polite

Remain polite throughout the entire engagement to yield the best results. Once they’ve taken the photo, thank them and move along. You may review the photo to ensure it’s okay, but don’t ask them to take it again if it’s not good enough unless they offer to do so.