Getting yourself into shots

[dingie256]

Many of us have way more experience than the layman. What are your experiences in trying to get yourself into shots with your fancy equipment? Yes, that's what other people call your big bad boy, believe it or not. For example: group shots or just some snaps with you and the background while traveling.

Do you let family/friends/strangers use your camera? Do you give him/her a quick guide? Left hand on lens, not body? Mode dial on P? Preset your focus point? Hear a complaint about the camera not being on? Turn on live view or explain the viewfinder? Make sure he/she has the strap round the neck? Tuck their elbows? Coach a designated family/friend shooter ahead of the trip?

[dingie256]

Does anyone take pictures of themselves?

[nathancarter]

The last time I did it, I just put the camera on a windowsill, pointed it at where I was going to stand, and set the timer for 10 seconds.

[dingie256]

Well I was thinking more of vacation or group outings

[nathancarter]

Put it on a tripod, point it at the group, then set the timer and dash over to take your place in the group? Or get a remote trigger. I have one of those too but it's flaky.

[JasonMK]

Originally Posted by dingie256

Does anyone take pictures of themselves?

My wife and I often joke that our kids will look back on all of the photos vacation and day trips and wonder if they had a father growing up. Our 4 year old is always asking where I am "in the picture" forgetting that someone had to take the picture.

We got lucky in DC during the Blossom Kite Festival when a group stopped and asked us for directions and then offered to take a family photo. The picture didn't come out too great, but at least we were all in it. (the thought did cross my mind that they may have been setting us up to run off with my camera)

So I'd be curious what others do too.

[Littlejon Dsgn]

tripod and 10second timer, worked good in Hawaii to get myself in a few pictures. I dont like being in the pictures (I am a larger guy) I think I ruin the pictures lol.

[nathancarter]

Originally Posted by Littlejon Dsgn

I think I ruin the pictures lol.

Your friends and family don't agree, I'm sure.

[Littlejon Dsgn]

Originally Posted by nathancarter

Your friends and family don't agree, I'm sure.

Not so sure, pictures with me got lots of laughs when family watched the quick slideshow.

[Regina37]

e I was going to stand, and set the timer for 10 seconds.

[matchboxx]

cheap pair of YN-603 gives you a remote wireless shutter release, add a tripod and you are all set...I'm too old and slow for the timer

[jra]

Generally, if I'm in a picture, it's because someone else took it with their camera. I don't usually make an effort to be in my own photos.

[RDKirk]

After 40 years of photography, the question when my kids are showing the record of the family is, "where is your dad?" Fathers are already considered disposable enough. These days, I get into the picture. Even though I'm not particularly photogenic, I was there, and if it's a record of what the family was doing, I should be in some of them.

To answer the question, I commonly use a tripod and a cheap eBay radio remote. Or if it's just a cell phone camera shot, I'll ask a passerby.

[kfreels]

Tripod + wireless remote.

[facedodge]

If you are a trusting individual, I recommend putting it in full auto or metering it yourself before giving it to someone else to shoot. Make sure the shutter speed is high enough, and make sure it's stopped down more than 2.8 because they will probably not focus carefully.

I've had too many shots that were focused over our heads on the background. I usually compose the shot, focus it, set AF to manual and give it to them. This would only be in situations that I don't have a tripod or something to rest it on. Although I did this once and the guy started backing up, and he was so shocked when I started yelling... NOOOO!