The main reasons a digital camera’s self-timer is used is to take photos of a group or scene, or when you want to take a self-portrait.

The camera must be set on a tripod or level surface, then the self-timer released. When the shutter-button is pressed, the photo-taker scurries into position…hopefully before the shutter goes off.

Using a self-timer is invaluable when holding a digital camera is impractical, such as taking close-up shots. It can be used along with a tripod to help prevent blurred images caused by camera movement such as when taking photos in low light without a flash or shooting long exposures.

Press the shutter button correctly when using the self-timer

You must press the shutter-release button in two steps even when using the timer. First depress the shutter button halfway to lock focus and exposure. Check the scene or subject in the viewfinder or the LCD, then fully depress the shutter-release button to trigger the timer. As you move your hands away, don’t nudge the camera from its set position.

Many digital cameras let you select the time it takes for the self-timer to release the shutter, usually between two and 10 seconds. Some models have a custom self-timer, which lets you set the countdown time and the number of shots to be taken.