Focusing in Self Timer Mode

[NorthernShooter]

I have a Canon A590... I noticed when using Self Timer mode the shots come out blurry. When I used my older Nikon, set the timer and jumped in front for a self or group photo I heard the Auto Focus moving and the photos came out very clear. However, when I tried this with the A590 - set it to Self Timer mode, 2-3 shots with 5 sec between shots, and jumped in for the group photos. I didn't hear the auto focus engage and the shots came out very blurry. In other words... How do you then focus for self portraits or group (including yourself) photos, if you're not behind the camera when the photos are taken ? Any ideas ?

[Jon]

For whatever reason, Canon's opted to lock all settings when you trip the shutter release, not when the picture's actually taken. Later PowerShot models are starting to incorporate "Face Detect Self-Timer" that waits for a new face to appear before doing everything. If it's a group shot though, the camera should be focusing on the group even before you get into the scene. Self-portraits, unfortunately, will require you to use a surrogate as your focusing target or to manually focus.

[NorthernShooter]

Thanks for your reply Jon.

I was hoping I missed something in the manual, but unfortunately that's not the case. I'll take your advise and use a surrogate as a focusing target.
Though could you elaborate further on 'manually focus' ?

I understood using the surrogate, I'm just not clear on how manually focusing would help with a self portrait ?

Great group btw ...

[Jon]

You can manually focus on something the right distance away, even if it's not where you'll be for the selfie. Then recompose and shoot. Make sure you're not in "Safety MF". You could also use Focus Lock to the same effect, I suspect. (pp. 96-97 in the manual).