A man crosses the frosted glass bridge that connects the Reynolds Journalism Institute with Walter Williams Hall at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Metadata: f/11; 1/125; ISO 800; 16mm focal length

The Futures Lab in the Reynolds Journalism Institute’s lower level affords an excellent vantage point of the semi-transparent glass walkway that spans about 20 feet two floors above.

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As all kinds of cameras are popular today, a shutter release has also become a must for many people. But not everyone knows what it is, not to mention how to use it. So today I will provide you some ideas about the camera shuttle release and also some tips for how to use it correctly.

First of all, let’s make clear what camera shutter release is. Serious. It can be a remote or cable based control for your camera shutter. It's main advantage is allowing you to take shots without interfering with the camera stability, but it could also be used for shooting from awkward/distant positions or when taking shots including yourself. Another common use of them is to do aerial photography (using R/C planes and helicopters, kites etc), where the shutter can be controlled by radio or electrical signals through a wire.

A third option, but not exactly remote, is to use automatic shutter control mechanisms based on time (those are usually available in the camera itself) or events. Using special software (for example CHDK for Canon cameras) or tethering you could make the shutter trigger whenever there is movement in the scene, a change of light or some other event.

Now that we have made clear what camera shuttle release is, let’s see how to use it. Since most of the shuttle releases are the wireless one. So, first of all, you normally have to set the camera to accept the remote signal. This can be found sometimes with the drive modes or self-timer, it really depends on your model. Then, once the camera is ready, aim at one of the IR receptors and click the release. Some cameras work with a front receptor, while some with a back one and some have both. Look for what looks like a small very dark window.

In a addition, the camera can be in any modes and it will take the shot accordingly. Most models will not autofocus when used with the shuttle remote, some will let you specify this as an custom setting. Bulb mode either works by holding the release the whole time (which IMO is silly) or by clicking at the beginning and end of the internal. A few DSLRs allow both and the behavior is chosen via a custom setting.