Remote Control Photography
If you, like me, frequently end up with blurry photos due to your hands shaking as you take the picture, you may decide to look at remotely controlling your camera. This involves using a remote shutter to take a photo from a distance, with you directing when the camera is triggered. You could use a tripod to steady the image, although there is still a chance of camera shake when you press the button. A remote avoids this problem. However, a tripod can still be used, especially if you are using the remote to take a group portrait. A remote shutter can take a picture much quicker than when you are taking one normally, which means a faster reaction time and hopefully a picture closer to the one you were aiming for.
Although some digital point and shoot cameras have the capacity for a remote trigger, it is mainly DSLR cameras that have this function. To find cameras that are able to be triggered remotely, the following website is helpful: http://www.neocamera.com/search_camera.php?remoteinfrared=1&by=feature
Although some digital point and shoot cameras have the capacity for a remote trigger, it is mainly DSLR cameras that have this function. To find cameras that are able to be triggered remotely, the following website is helpful: http://www.neocamera.com/search_camera.php?remoteinfrared=1&by=feature
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| Shown above: a camera on a tripod with a wireless remote (Gadgetsin) |
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| Canon EOS Utility application on computer (Life Hacker) |
There are a couple of types of remote control, namely wired and wireless (infrared or radio frequency). Wired remotes are controlled through a cable that plugs into the camera, only offering a range as long as the cable. Included in this category are tetherable cameras such as most Canon DSLRs, which come with the software to control the camera completely through the computer. Some point and shoots also have this software.
Infrared wireless remotes work with infrared receivers built into or mounted on the camera. They need a direct line of sight to the camera receiver (preferably not in strong sunlight) and don't have a very long range. As the receivers are most often at the front of the camera, the remote will need to be triggered from the front. These remotes are cheap to buy and also make, but have a limited functionality i.e. clicking the shutter with or without a delay. IR transmitters and receivers - such as the Hama IR remote trigger - are generally used in wildlife or action photography to capture an image without having to be too close. For these types of photography an auto sensor will be used. The receivers will be set up so when the subject of the photograph (for example, a runner or a lion) interrupts the beam the shutter will click and take the picture. This allows a shot of a race winner crossing the line or a close up of a dangerous animal.
Also wireless are radio frequency remotes, which do the same thing as IR but with a greater range and no need for an unblocked path to the receiver. They are generally more expensive than the other types of remotes, with some I found on the internet being over $300 (£199). They will usually have a lot more features, such as being able to toggle between single shot and continuous shooting.
One particular contemporary photographer who uses remote photography is live music and band photographer Adam Elmakias. Among his live gear is his Canon 5D Mark III, which he arranges so that every time he presses the shutter, remote cameras take a picture at the same time. Below is an example of a picture taken simultaneously by his remote camera as he photographs the crowd from the drum riser. He is also a user of PocketWizard wireless triggers and GoPro cameras presumably with their GoPro wifi remotes, which operate on a radio frequency.
Infrared wireless remotes work with infrared receivers built into or mounted on the camera. They need a direct line of sight to the camera receiver (preferably not in strong sunlight) and don't have a very long range. As the receivers are most often at the front of the camera, the remote will need to be triggered from the front. These remotes are cheap to buy and also make, but have a limited functionality i.e. clicking the shutter with or without a delay. IR transmitters and receivers - such as the Hama IR remote trigger - are generally used in wildlife or action photography to capture an image without having to be too close. For these types of photography an auto sensor will be used. The receivers will be set up so when the subject of the photograph (for example, a runner or a lion) interrupts the beam the shutter will click and take the picture. This allows a shot of a race winner crossing the line or a close up of a dangerous animal.
| My friend's self-proclaimed "selfie taker" for her iPhone. It works as a connected Bluetooth device to set off the camera. |
One particular contemporary photographer who uses remote photography is live music and band photographer Adam Elmakias. Among his live gear is his Canon 5D Mark III, which he arranges so that every time he presses the shutter, remote cameras take a picture at the same time. Below is an example of a picture taken simultaneously by his remote camera as he photographs the crowd from the drum riser. He is also a user of PocketWizard wireless triggers and GoPro cameras presumably with their GoPro wifi remotes, which operate on a radio frequency.
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All Time Low, London 2014 by Adam Elmakias
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