A Guide to Remote Photography

Tips for Remote Photography

There are several ways to take a photo. You can press the shutter button on top of your camera, but there are three more options: a wired remote shutter release, a wireless remote or your smartphone. You use these tools to ensure your image is not blurred by camera shake — even when your camera is on a tripod. In this blog we explain the difference between the three options and when it is best to use a (wired) remote.

Wired remote shutter release

A wired remote shutter release is, as the name suggests, a remote control with a wire. You connect it to your camera and can use it for various purposes such as long exposure shots, portraits and night photography. The advantage of working with a wire is that no batteries are needed — it always works. Before buying one, it is good to check whether it is compatible with your camera. Not every camera has a port for a wired remote.

The wireless remote

Just as a wired remote prevents camera shake, the same applies to the wireless remote. It works the same way, except that you can bridge a greater distance — because it uses infrared, just like a TV remote.

Before shooting with a wireless remote, it is advisable to check whether one is compatible with your camera and which model to buy. There are many different wireless remotes for every type of camera. If your camera cannot receive an infrared signal but does have a wired remote port, there are wireless remotes available with a receiver. Connect the receiver to your camera and use the wireless remote just like any other.

Smartphone as remote

In recent years, camera technology has not stood still. If your camera has Wi-Fi or NFC, you may be able to pair your smartphone with it. You usually need to download an app available in the App Store or Play Store. A bonus is that you can not only control your camera remotely, but also transfer your photos to your smartphone — letting you post them directly on social media or share them with family and friends.

What should I choose?

All three methods have their pros and cons. With a wire you are always connected to your camera and it always works, even in very cold conditions. With a wireless remote you can stand further away and take selfies. Which works best depends on your purpose.

Long exposure photography requires great precision — even pressing the shutter button on your camera can introduce blur. The same applies to photos with minimal depth of field. A (wired) remote shutter release is the best solution here. If you want to appear in the photo yourself, or want to photograph wildlife without being nearby, a wireless remote or your smartphone is the best choice.