When and how to capture photos remotely

Remote shooting refers to taking pictures with your camera using a device to press the shutter and even adjust the exposure settings. At its most basic level a remote shutter cable or infrared remote control can be used to fire the shutter. With these devices you set the exposure on camera and fire the shutter using the cable or button. There are a number of advantages to shooting this way. Firstly, you avoid any chance of knocking the camera when you press the shutter. Secondly it allows you to take shots when your camera is in an awkward position, allowing you to fire the shutter comfortably.

If you own a camera with built in Wi-Fi capability you can also use the Camera Connect app to take control of your camera via a smartphone or tablet. Using this device really opens up the possibility of shooting in difficult conditions such as at night, in cold conditions or where the camera is in an inaccessible position.

Camera Connect app

For example, when photographing star trails you could set up the camera and retreat indoors to calculate your settings, adjust your exposures, take the shot and preview the results. To shoot different settings simple dial them into your app without having to return to your camera. Star trail pictures are best shot on clear nights with minimal light pollution. They require shutter speeds between 30 minutes and a few hours so the Bulb mode would need to be used with a shutter release or a remote shooting app.

Or, you can shoot dreamy landscape shots like the one above, with a shutter speed of possibly a few minutes or longer. Using the Canon Camera Connect app and controlling the exposure settings from the app would mean the photographer wouldn’t have to return to the camera to check the image after each shot, they could simply check the preview on their smartphone or tablet and take another shot if needed.