The best iPhones are great tools for taking photos of all kinds. Depending on the model, like the new iPhone 15 Pro Max, there are plenty of settings and camera-related features you can use to make sure you are getting the best photos possible. But what about when you want to take a photo of yourself or want to set a time to take a group photo? Using an Apple Watch to take a photo is one way. But what if you don’t have one? Thankfully, there is a simple way to set a timer on the iPhone, so you have time to set up the shot and pose perfectly.
18:04
Related
iPhone 15 Pro Max review: Apple is slowly winning over this Android diehard
The iPhone 15 Pro Max may not look much different from the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but it brings much improved cameras and ergonomics
How to set the camera timer on iPhone
1. Open the Camera app on your iPhone and set up your shot. If it’s a photo using the front camera (e.g., a posed selfie), flip the camera to face you.
2. Tap the upwards-facing arrow at the top, middle of the screen to bring up the menu.
3. Scroll to the left on the menu that appears under the camera frame until you see the little timer icon and select.
4. From here, you’ll see Timer Off as the default. You can choose either a 3-second or 10-second timer. Choose the desired selection.
5. The icon will turn yellow to confirm, and you’ll see the countdown timer duration noted at the top.
6. Get ready for the photo and press the shutter button. You’ll see a countdown timer for the 3 or 10 seconds, counting backwards to “1.”
7. Once the timer gets to “1,” the shutter will trigger, and the photo will be taken.
While this demo shows the feature being used in landscape mode on the iPhone 14, it works when taking portrait photos as well. Those might include flexing, full-body “sweaty selfies” to share with workout pals, or even an action shot of you jumping in the air at the beach. Using the timer will yield a much better result than holding the phone out with your arm, like with a traditional selfie. You can get more into the frame and get a better perspective and angle for everything from profile photos to group pics to share with friends.
Tips for taking photos from an iPhone using the timer
Use a tripod: While you can prop the phone up against something or use a kickstand, you might be able to get better photos by using a tripod. If so, make sure to position it at eye level, but you can also get creative with angles, especially with group photos, like taking them from overhead. Conversely, you’ll also find a tripod ideal when taking night photos, since it will help to reduce blurriness caused by shakiness. The latest iPhones have features to combat this, but it’s still worthwhile to consider a tripod.
Position the phone correctly: This is especially important when taking photos outdoors. If you’re taking them during the day when the sun is shining brightly, position the camera with the sun behind it or off to the side to avoid glare.
Use Live Photos: Particularly with group or action photos, use the Live Photos feature, which will automatically capture 1.5 seconds before and 1.5 seconds after the image was snapped. This way, you can scrub back and forth to choose the exact frame you like. Keep in mind, however, that Live Photos take up more room on the phone than a single shot.
Keep Burst Mode on: Did you know that Burst Mode is on by default when you take a photo with the timer on iPhone (if you have Live Photos off, that is)? If you prefer this over Live Photos, keep it on, and you’ll get 10 photos snapped each time the shutter goes. You’ll see Burst (10 photos) at the top of the photo, and you can scroll through to select and keep only the one you want. This ensures you don’t have to have everyone pose multiple times for the same picture, or press the timer button more than once to take multiple shots.
Before you know it, you’ll be using the Pro camera mode on your iPhone, taking even better shots.
Related
How to use the Pro camera mode on your Apple iPhone
Recent iPhone models have upped their photography game noticeably. Here’s how to use the Pro camera mode on your Apple iPhone.