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This article we will show you how to take Hands-free photos on Android and iPhone. We’ve all been in that situation. You grab your smartphone with both hands, extend your arm as far as it will go, and try to cram yourself and all of your friends into the frame of the picture. However, as soon as you have found a position for everyone, a new problem will present itself. How do you get your finger to the button that takes pictures? The majority of people opt for the somewhat awkward method of reaching for the shutter button on their phone with their other hand while simultaneously holding the phone carefully so that it doesn’t fall.
As of the June 2023 feature drop, Google Pixel phones have the capability to take photos without the user having to physically hold the device. At the very least, Google refers to this function as a “hands-free” option. As we will see in the walkthrough that is located further down on this page, it is still very much dependent upon the use of the hand.
We also argue that it actually requires the use of both hands, because in many situations in which you’d use this (such as taking selfies), you’ll be holding the phone in one hand while taking the picture with the other. Hands-free photography is essentially just a function that can be activated on the camera by raising your hand to initiate the start of the camera’s timer. It’s a feature that has already been available on Samsung devices for some time, but it’s exciting to see that it’s finally making its ways how to take Hands-free photos on Android and iPhone.
What are hands-free photos?
There are many situations in which taking photos without using your hands can be helpful. They can make it easier for you to take photographs at unnatural or challenging angles. Additionally, you won’t need to hold the camera steady in order to take pictures of yourself with their assistance. In addition, you can take photos without having to use your hands if you have a camera that supports hands-free shooting. There are a number of ways to use the camera on your iPhone without even touching the device itself. These methods include voice control, the Shortcuts app, the timer, and third-party accessories. Continue reading to obtain further information.
How to take Hands-free photos on Android
- Get your phone ready. Set your phone down on a tripod, selfie stick, or something else stable. With a timer, you don’t even have to touch the phone to take the picture.
- Start up the Camera app.
- Change to the camera on the back.
- Tap the Timer icon, which usually looks like a clock, and choose how long you want to wait.
- Click on the shutter button.
- Hold the pose and wait for the timer to go off.
How to take Hands-free photos on iPhone
Use a timer:
- Open the Camera app.
- Tap the timer icon in the top left corner of the screen.
- Choose a timer interval (3 seconds or 10 seconds).
- Tap anywhere on the screen to set the focus.
- Strike a pose and the photo will be taken automatically after the timer expires.
Use Siri:
- Say “Hey Siri, take a photo.”
- Siri will open the Camera app and start a timer for 3 seconds.
- Strike a pose and the photo will be taken automatically. You can also use the Voice Control feature on iPhone to take hands-free photos.
- To do this, go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control and enable it. Then, you can say “Shutter” to take a photo.
Benefits of Hands-Free Photography
- Stability: Using a tripod or hands-free accessories reduces camera shake, resulting in sharper and clearer photos.
- Group Shots: You can set up your phone on a stable surface and include yourself in group photos without needing someone else to take the picture.
- Long Exposures: For low light or night photography, hands-free options allow for long exposure shots, capturing stunning light trails or starry skies.
- Timed Shots: Hands-free modes often come with timer options, enabling you to set a delay and get into the frame before the photo is taken.
- Better Framing: It’s easier to frame your shot precisely when you’re not holding the phone, which can lead to more aesthetically pleasing compositions.
- No Shutter Button Disturbance: Avoiding physical contact with the shutter button reduces the chance of camera shake, especially during slow shutter or macro shots.
- Improved Selfies: Hands-free photography can provide better angles and perspectives for selfies without visible arms or selfie sticks in the frame.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Requirement Type | Description |
---|---|
Hardware | |
Smartphone | An iPhone or compatible smartphone with a working |
camera. | |
Microphone | A functional built-in or external microphone for |
voice commands. | |
Tripod or Stand | A tripod or stand to stabilize the smartphone |
while taking photos. | |
Software | |
iOS Version | An iOS device with a compatible version of the |
operating system (iOS 14 or later for Voice Control). | |
Voice Control Feature | The Voice Control feature must be enabled in the |
smartphone’s settings. | |
Camera App | A camera app on the smartphone for capturing photos. |
Conclusion
Setting up a camera that can be controlled by voice has a number of advantages, the most obvious of which is the ability to take selfies. It is capable of capturing speech much more quickly than you could type. Those who have difficulties seeing or speaking also benefit from this treatment. The ‘Voice control’ feature is not only an irresistible shortcut for taking a snapshot for everyone, but it is also an essential accessibility feature for anyone who has difficulty pressing the on-screen buttons.
Questions and Answers
Lens Buddy is an app for your camera that is both easy to use and powerful, and it allows you to take pictures of yourself and your loved ones without having to hold the device or even press any buttons. Simply let the camera take the pictures while you set the desired amount of time in between each shot. You can skip using the Bluetooth clicker and take care of your own photoshoot.
Open Camera is a great open-source alternative to the camera app that comes pre-installed on Android devices. It is also one of the most versatile camera apps that can be downloaded for use on Android devices. Open Camera is a robust phoneography tool that is offered for no cost at all and comes with a tonne of features.
The first step is to select Settings from the menu, followed by Accessibility. To configure it, tap the Voice Control button. You can manually take a picture using the volume buttons on either side of your device; however, you can open the camera by saying “Hey, Siri, open camera.” Then you should tell them to “turn down the volume.” “Turn up the volume” will also do the trick.