Night photography tip: taking photos without touching the camera

Thursday 6 January 2022, 15:30 by Nando Harmsen | 4,126 views | 5 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

When the shutter speed gets longer, you will need to use a tripod. Even with a tripod, pressing the shutter button can still cause motion blur. The best option is to take a photo without touching the camera.

There are a few ways to take a photo without touching the camera. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. So one is not necessarily better than another, it is simply a different way of doing it. Always consider which method works best for you.

Self-timer

A self-timer allows you to press the shutter button, after which the photo is taken with a delay. Depending on your camera's make and model, this can vary between 2 and 10 or even 15 seconds.

This way, any vibrations caused when you press the shutter button will no longer be present when the photo is actually taken. The disadvantage is that there is a delay between operating the camera and taking the actual photo. That can be inconvenient.

Cable release or remote control

A cable release or remote control allows you to take the photo from a distance. You simply do not touch the camera. A cable release is a simple control connected to the camera with a cable. A remote control is wireless.

The advantage is that the photo is taken when you press the button. There is no delay like with the self-timer. You can also often lock the shutter button, which is useful for taking a series of photos or when using BULB mode.

Camera app on your smartphone

The third option is to control the camera using an app on your smartphone. This is not possible with all cameras, as you often need to be able to establish a WiFi or Bluetooth connection. Usually, you can control much more than just taking a photo. You will also often have a live view image available.

One disadvantage can be an unstable connection between the camera and smartphone. This is usually down to the manufacturer's app. They do not all work equally well or easily. You can always try it out to see whether it works for you.

Choose what works easiest for you

I always use the self-timer for my night photography, unless it is important to take the photo at exactly the right moment. In that case, I always use a cable release. You do not need an app or a battery, and it always works.

This way, I make sure my night photos do not have unwanted motion blur. Which method do you prefer to use?

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