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How to Set a Timer on the iPhone Camera

Setting a timer on your iPhone camera is an easy way to take pictures without having to physically press the shutter button. This allows you to get in the shot yourself or avoid shaking the camera when pressing the button. Here’s a comprehensive guide on using the built-in timer feature in the iPhone’s Camera app.

Accessing the Camera Timer

The camera timer option is located right within the default Camera app on iPhones. Here are the steps to access it:

  1. Open the Camera app
  2. Tap the arrow icon in the top center to expand the camera settings
  3. Swipe left through the options at the bottom until you reach the Timer icon (looks like a stopwatch)

Note: The timer feature only works when the Camera app is in Photo or Portrait mode. It will not show up in Video mode.

Setting the Timer Duration

Once you have accessed the Timer settings, you can choose between two preset durations:

  • 3 seconds – Best for selfies or when you don’t need much time to get into position
  • 10 seconds – Allows more time to get ready for group shots

To set the timer:

  1. Tap the Timer icon
  2. Select either 3s or 10s depending on your needs
  3. The icon will turn yellow to confirm your selection

The number of seconds you choose will be displayed at the top of the Camera app so you know how much time you have.

Taking a Photo with the Timer

Once you’ve chosen your timer duration, taking a timed photo takes just a couple steps:

  1. Compose your shot and get ready
  2. Tap the shutter button to start the countdown
  3. Get yourself or your group into position
  4. The photo will automatically take after the countdown

As the timer counts down, the camera flash will blink. This helps provide a visual cue for when the photo will be taken.

Pro Tip: Put your iPhone on a tripod or steady surface to avoid blurry photos. The timer prevents shake from pressing the shutter but not from device movement.

Using the Timer for Different Situations

The iPhone camera timer has many great uses for all sorts of photo situations:

  • Group photos – Set the phone on a table with the timer to take large group shots without leaving someone out
  • Selfies – Use the 3-second timer and front camera for self portraits
  • Low light shots – Mount the phone and use the timer for sharper low light shots with slower shutter speeds
  • Landscapes – Eliminate shake for blur-free, crisp landscape images

For group shots, the longer 10-second duration gives everyone plenty of time to get in place. For selfies, the quicker 3-second timer prevents you having to hold an awkward smile too long!

Camera Timer Tips and Tricks

Take your iPhone timed photos to the next level with these pro photography tips:

  • Use a tripod or flat surface – This prevents shake and blur from holding the camera
  • Get creative with angles – Put the phone on the ground facing up for a unique perspective
  • Take multiple shots – Experiment with poses after starting the timer
  • Use Burst mode – Burst captures multiple shots in a row for the best expressions
  • Use the Volume buttons – Alternative way to trigger the shutter timer for remote photos
  • Use Portrait mode – The timer works great combined with Portrait mode features

The more you work with the timer, the more creative ideas you’ll have for taking epic iPhone photos!

Camera Timer Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about using the camera timer on iPhone:

Does the timer work on front and rear cameras?

Yes! The timer can be used on either camera. Great for selfies using the front cam.

Do Live Photos work with the timer?

Yes, you can take Live Photos with the iPhone camera timer. Just enable Live Photo first.

Can I set a custom timer duration?

Unfortunately no, Apple only includes two presets: 3 seconds or 10 seconds. You can’t manually input a custom time.

Does Portrait mode work with the timer?

Yes! You can combine Portrait mode features like lighting and depth control with the timer.

Can I use the timer to record video?

No, the camera timer option is only available when taking photos in Photo and Portrait modes. It does not work in Video mode.

Conclusion

The built-in timer in the default iPhone Camera app offers an easy way to take self-portraits, group shots, steady low light images, and more without fumbling for the shutter button. With just a couple taps in the Camera app, you can set a 3-second or 10-second timer to automatically take photos hands-free.

Use the quick tips in this guide to start leveraging the often underused iPhone camera timer for stunning hands-free photos. Get creative with selfies, groups shots, landscapes and other photos benefiting from a timer. In no time you’ll get pro-looking images from your iPhone’s Camera app!

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