Self Timer Selfie

Chris Pine isn't answering my calls. I wonder why.

Even a doofus needs a photo once in a while, and here is perfect sample. I was getting ready to leave a weekend cottage that had no electricity, and all of the guests had to carry flashlights or wear headlamps, which is the option I chose. It suffices to say that doofi (plural?) often find themselves alone and bored, so selfies are a way to pass the time. Unfortunately, your camera's focusing options can be limited when you use your self timer, which is why I made this post.

When the self-timer option is selected (I assume it defaulted to ten seconds), the timing sequence stars as soon as the shutter release is pressed. At that moment, the camera locks focus on whatever is sees at that moment. It could not/would not re-focus to accommodate your final location.

For the record, this photo was made with a Nikon P7000 with a FlashPoint TTL Mini flash with its head turned toward the wall behind the camera. The flash is not particularly powerful, so a large aperture is required. The exposure was 1/250 second, F 4.0, ISO 400.

The work-around is simple. Pick the spot where the cameras will be positioned, and mark the location with something bright and reflective. This will be your "focusing dummy". Next, step to where you plan on posing, and with the self-timer set and ready, focus on the dummy and press the shutter release. Now quickly place the camera beside the dummy, return to where you stood when you locked focus, strike your pose, and wait for the click. Simple, no?

Barrel Distortion not corrected in post.

The results would have been a more predictable if the camera had a reticulated LCD panel, but since it didn't, I wound up taking nearly a dozen shots to get one I liked. Also, the original image suffered from noticeable barrel distortion, the rendering of straight lines as curved outward. This can be corrected (somewhat) in post-production. Here's the original, uncorrected image.

I'm sure this photo will ruin my standing as a serious photographer of interesting, noteworthy subjects. Alas, under the circumstances, I had to make do with who was available. 

Ahh, the self-deprecation I must endure for the sake of my craft.