Self Timers
Return to DiscussionsI usually don't have that problem when using the self timer, even though the camera focuses when I press the button, not the 10 sec later. Ok so it does focus on the background rather than on me. But the depth of vision is usually sufficient.
Hasn't there already been a post on this subject? The answer to getting the camera to focus on yourself rather than the background using a self-timer is to pick an object, eg a twig or stone, where you want to place yourself, focus on that either automatically or manually by half-pressing the shutter button, switch to manual (M) focus to retain that point of focus, compose the shot and then activate the self-timer before running like mad to include yourself in the pic. Good luck!
For the picture of you on the porch, you show focus on the post and then when you stand in front of it after you press the button you know you will be in focus. I was able to find a remote for my new camera... Best thing ever!!
Remotes, especially wireless ones, are a great addition to your gadget bag (do we still use that expression?) as not only are they useful in taking self-portraits but also get around the vibration issue when taking long exposures. I have also discovered a gizmo called a ZigView which in essence is a small TV camera which you attach to your camera viewfinder and which is attached by a 10 metre cable to a small monitor which replicates the shutter release including focus at half pressure. Thus you can check on your composition instead of taking pot-luck. The only problem is either concealing or photoshopping the cable.
https://cdnimg.socialcomediallc.netdna-cdn.com/people/zi1ts/0eee89ad46149c33c6b62290c69c0572.jpg
As an example I'm attaching a link to a photo of myself in my old kitchen (can't get the hang of embedding it). The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice the cable emerging from the tea towel by my left hand which is also cupping the TV monitor.
I use Photoshop, not to cheat (well not most of the time) but to adjust the exposure and crop the photo. When I save the result I can chose the file size. I chose between 400kb and 500kb which is big enough to get a full screen image and not too big to upload to places like TN.
I might suggest you use manual focus and either read the lens and set the distance, or focus on something set at the spot you are going to occupy. Then you can either use the object or quickly toss it aside. You can also set the camera for to the highest fstop the light will allow and that will give you the deepest depth of field but will give you a longer shutter speed.I use a radio controlled release that gives me more flexibility.Lilstones
Recently, I use a Samsung camera that has "gesture mode". From a distance, you can wave your hand and it will snap a pic in 3 seconds. If you make circular motion with your hand, it will zoom in or zoom out. I find this very useful for the taking of all my nude photos. It's better than the self timer.