Let’s take a selfie! I want to share a different way you can capture self-portraits on your big-girl (DSLR) camera in this post! I have an existing video on how to take a pro selfie, but it does not include the steps to take if you want to use the interval timer. So let’s check out the interval timer now!
*Updated Nov 30 2021 to include a link to this Reel displaying the interval timer!
What is an interval timer?
Before we get going, do a quick google search and see if your camera body has an interval timer, because not all do! I do not mean the time lapse function, I mean specifically search “(camera body model) interval timer.”
If you have it, yay! Keep reading! If you do not, watch this video instead to see other ways you can take a self-portrait.
Think of the interval timer as the hands-free way to take a self portrait with a DSLR camera! Well, you need your hands at first, but after the initial release of the shutter, it will take a series of photos in a row without you having to press anything. You tell your camera two things:
- How many photos you want it to take in a row
- How much time (interval) you want to pass in between each photo.
When to use it?
I think the interval timer is great to use if you do not have a remote shutter release tool available to you, OR if you want to take more than one photo in a row without having to press the shutter each time. It’s great in scenarios like the featured photo for this blog.
I set the interval timer up for 20 shots with three seconds in between each, manually focused on Ed and Emme, turned it on, then jumped in. It took 20 photos of us with a little time for readjusting between each photo. Emme was squirmy so it as great to not have to worry about her AND releasing the shutter.
This is really great when you are trying to interact with a little one in a self-portrait, because lets be real, children (and adults) don’t want to just sit there and smile at the camera. If you need tips on prompting little ones in self-portraits, read this post and then this one!
How to set up the interval timer on a Canon
To start the interval timer, you have to go into your menu settings and set-it up! The images below are from Canon (click the link to be taken to the source). They show where to find the interval timer in the menu of a 5D Mark IV (it will look very similar if not the same for other models). You choose your interval (time between each shot) and number of shots. As soon as your press the shutter it will do as you told. When it finishes, you have to re-enable it to do it again.
How to set up the interval timer on a Nikon
I do not own a Nikon but the process is very similar! You need to turn it on in your menu settings and then input the interval and number of shots.
Tips for successful interval timer photos
Focusing. 🤪 Focusing is the #1 pain point for every photographer–even the pros can miss focus! I recommend manually focusing on a placeholder before you release the shutter when using the interval timer. You can leave it in autofocus but the camera may try to re-focus in between each shot, and depending on how much time you gave it, it may struggle and miss focus. If you don’t feel comfortable in manual, focus in auto, then switch your lens back to manual so it won’t change when you release the shutter. If you use back-button focus you won’t have to do that. You can lock in the AF points and press the shutter without changing it.
You should also use a tripod to make your life a little easier, instead of delicately balancing the tripod on another surface. But, a table will do if you’re in a pinch!