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HP Digital Photography  >  Take better photos

Use your camera's timer to take interesting photos

Suggestions—from traditional to adventurous—for using your timer as a creative photographic tool.
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Content starts here
» Capture untraditional self-portraits
» Sharpen slow exposures with your timer
» Lower your camera into tight spots
» Use your timer for video
» Combine your skills
» Recommended products
People using the timer on their HP digital camera to take a photo of themselves having fun


Capture untraditional self-portraits


Use your camera's timer outdoors. Rest your camera on a rock, in the grass, or on the hood of your car for a candid, real-life photo. Most cameras allow you to choose how long you want the timer to wait before it takes a picture, giving you time to get into position.

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Sharpen slow exposures with your timer


Even when you're using a tripod to hold your camera steady, your finger pressing down can cause enough movement to blur your photo. With a timer, you don't have to touch the camera while you take the photo. This is especially helpful when shooting at night, or in other low-light conditions that require longer exposure times.

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Lower your camera into tight spots


Securely fasten a string around your digital camera and lower it into spots that would be otherwise impossible for you to get to (like the inside of a mountain crevasse or off the side of a bridge). This type of shot will take some trial and error, so be patient, and be sure to set your timer for as much time as possible (to give you time to work).

NOTE: Experiment with this technique at your own risk. To avoid damage to your camera, only use it as you feel comfortable.

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Use your timer for video


Some cameras allow you to use your timer for video the same way you use it for still photographs. Simply choose Self Timer from the Capture Menu and select On. Then, press the Video button when you're ready.

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Combine your skills


Once you become more skilled at using your timer, explore more photographic techniques that use the timer, such as night and low-light photography and blurring for effect.

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Recommended products


See the complete line of HP photo printers so you'll get perfect prints of your close-up photos every time.

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