When taking photos on your iPhone, you might want to include yourself in the shot, but find it difficult to press the shutter while holding the phone or getting the right angle. The best solution is to use the time-delayed photo feature that’s built into the iPhone. This feature allows you to take a photo with a delay of 3 or 10 seconds, giving you enough time to get into the frame or capture a cool action shot. This helpful guide will walk you through how to take a time-delayed photo on your iPhone and offer some bonus tips and FAQs along the way.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Take A Time Delayed Photo on iPhone
Aside from capturing better angles and getting yourself into the shot, there are many reasons why you might need to use the time-delayed photo feature on your iPhone. Here are some of the main reasons:
- You want to take a group photo but don’t want to leave anyone out.
- You want to take a selfie but can’t reach the shutter button.
- You want to capture a cool action shot.
- You want to reduce camera shake and blur.
- You want to include a beautiful landscape or background.
Method 1: Using the Camera App
The easiest way to take a time-delayed photo on your iPhone is by using the built-in Camera app. Here’s how:
- Open the Camera app on your iPhone.
- Switch to the front-facing or rear-facing camera as needed.
- Tap the timer icon in the top-center of the screen. This will bring up the timer options.
- Select either the 3-second or 10-second timer, depending on how much time you need.
- Position yourself or the subject in the frame and tap the shutter button. The timer will start counting down.
- Wait for the countdown to finish, and the iPhone will capture the photo automatically.
Pros:
- The method is quick and easy.
- You don’t need any special tools or apps.
- You can adjust the timer delay depending on your needs.
Cons:
- You need to manually set the timer every time you want to use it.
- You cannot customize the delay beyond the preset options.
- The Camera app does not offer many advanced features for editing or post-processing the photo.
Method 2: Using Siri
If you’re looking for a hands-free way to take a time-delayed photo on your iPhone, you can use Siri. Here are the steps:
- Enable "Hey Siri" on your iPhone by going to Settings > Siri & Search and toggling on the "Listen for Hey Siri" option.
- Launch the Camera app on your iPhone.
- Position yourself or the subject in the frame.
- Say "Hey Siri, take a photo in 10 seconds." Siri will confirm the command and start the countdown.
- Wait for the countdown to finish, and the iPhone will capture the photo automatically.
Pros:
- You can use hands-free voice commands to control the Camera app.
- You can set a custom timer delay beyond the preset options.
- You don’t need to touch the phone or use the shutter button.
Cons:
- You need to enable "Hey Siri" and have a stable internet connection for Siri recognition.
- You need to speak clearly and loudly for Siri to understand the command.
- The feature may not work well in noisy or crowded environments.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party App
If you’re looking for more advanced features and capabilities beyond what the Camera app offers, you can use a third-party app. Here are some popular apps that have time-delayed photo features:
- VSCO
- CamMe
- Camera+
- ProCamera
Here are the general steps for using a third-party app:
- Download and install the app from the App Store.
- Open the app and select the camera mode or feature you want to use.
- Enable the time-delayed photo option or select the timer delay as needed.
- Position yourself or the subject in the frame and tap the shutter button.
- Wait for the countdown to finish, and the app will capture the photo automatically.
Pros:
- You can access more advanced features like manual focus, shutter speed, and exposure.
- You can customize the timer delay and even add multiple shots or intervals.
- You can edit and post-process the photo using the app’s built-in tools and filters.
Cons:
- You might need to pay for the app or upgrade to access all the features.
- You might need to spend time learning how to use the app or adjusting the settings.
- The app might take up more storage space on your iPhone or affect battery life.
What to Do If You Can’t Take A Time Delayed Photo on iPhone
If you’re having trouble taking a time-delayed photo on your iPhone, here are some things you can try:
- Make sure you have the latest version of iOS and the Camera app installed.
- Check that your iPhone has enough storage space and battery life.
- Clean the camera lens and adjust the focus if needed.
- Restart your iPhone or reset the Camera app.
- Try using a different method or third-party app.
Bonus Tip
If you want to take a burst of photos instead of just one, you can use the burst mode feature on your iPhone. This feature captures a sequence of photos in rapid succession and is perfect for capturing fast-moving subjects or expressions. To use burst mode, simply press and hold the shutter button or volume up button in the Camera app. The iPhone will capture a series of photos until you release the button or the buffer fills up. You can then select the best shot or keep them all.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I use the time-delayed photo feature with the flash or HDR modes?
A: Yes. You can enable or disable the flash or HDR modes before taking the photo, just like with a regular photo.
Q: Can I adjust the exposure or white balance with the time-delayed photo feature?
A: It depends on the method or app you’re using. Some third-party apps offer manual controls for exposure and white balance, while others don’t.
Q: What happens if I move or shake the phone during the countdown?
A: The iPhone will try to stabilize the shot and reduce camera shake or motion blur, but the photo might still be blurry or distorted.
Q: Can I cancel or stop the countdown once it’s started?
A: It depends on the method or app you’re using. Some apps allow you to cancel or re-start the countdown, while others don’t.
Q: Can I take a time-delayed photo with multiple people or subjects?
A: Yes. Just make sure everyone or everything is in the frame before starting the countdown, and adjust the timer delay as needed.
Final Thoughts
Taking a time-delayed photo on your iPhone might seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite easy and useful once you get the hang of it. Whether you’re taking selfies, group shots, or action shots, the time-delayed photo feature can help you capture the perfect moment without fumbling with the shutter button or sacrificing the quality. Try out the different methods and apps listed in this guide and have fun experimenting with different poses, backgrounds, and settings. With a little practice, you’ll be taking stunning time-delayed photos on your iPhone in no time.
