Canon Rebel T7- can’t take pictures with plain backdrop

[Ckopp63]

Hello-
I am trying to take pictures of me and my baby using the self timer... however, when I press the button to take the picture it keeps focusing and won’t start the timer. ( I’m using a solid color back drop) I’ve tried using manual focus and it will take the picture but it is blurry.. any idea why this is happening and how I can fix it? Thanks in advance!

[jrhoffman75]

The camera can only focus if it has enough light and suffiicient contrast. You need to select centerpoing focus and be sure you are centered in the image window.

Put a chair or a table and lamp in the position you will be located and focus camera. Switch to MF and stand in place of the prop.

[ebiggs1]

"I’ve tried using manual focus and it will take the picture but it is blurry.. "

You just missed the focus. Try it again but be very critical on the focus point. Put something in the exact spot you will be and focus on it.  Vertical lines are best.  If you have some vertical lines in the shot AF might even work. Not many if any camera can focus on a solid color BG.

Now the next issue is DOF. Depth of field. It is a term that dictates how much of the photo will be in sharp focus.  I suspect you are indoors where the light  isn't optimal and the camera is selecting a more open aperture, say f2 for example. The DOF at f2 and a relatively close to the camera distance, the DOF will shrink to a few inches or less.  Adding some extra light can let the camera select an aperture, say f8, where the DOF will be much larger.  More in focus is the nottom line.

So try critical MF and add some light to the subject. You'll do fine. 

[ebiggs1]

You might be able to get a remote trigger for your T7.  That way you can let it try and AF until it either does or does not.  Usually remoter trigger aren't too expensive but if you do a lot of this photography you will love it.

Again try to have some vertical lines in the shot. That will help.

[RobertTheFat]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

You might be able to get a remote trigger for your T7.  That way you can let it try and AF until it either does or does not.  Usually remoter trigger aren't too expensive but if you do a lot of this photography you will love it.

Again try to have some vertical lines in the shot. That will help.

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That was my first thought too; but I looked it up, and the T7 doesn't appear to have an IR receptor. The clumsy method using the self timer may be the only option.

[John_]

I would guess the T7 has a remote shutter input port, either wired or wireless. The wireless ones with the transmitter and receiver can be had for about 20-30 dollars. They do come in handy and the transmitters are usually small so for a self-portrait, it can be concealed. 

[kvbarkley]

You can also use your smartphone:

If you don't have the Wireless Connection manual, you can download it from the Canon Support site.

[RobertTheFat]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

You can also use your smartphone:

If you don't have the Wireless Connection manual, you can download it from the Canon Support site.

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Holding a (probably wriggling) baby while operating a camera via a smartphone? Good luck with that!

[ebiggs1]

"I would guess the T7 has a remote shutter input port, either wired or wireless..."

I am not up on the T7 but I would certainly think there was a wired remote trigger.  And, I would much prefer it over the iphone connection.

[kvbarkley]

Except the T7 does not have a flipout screen, the cell phone can at least let you preview the shot.

Besides, it is up to the OP to decide which option works best.

Well, there is always soothing syrup 8^) :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mrs._Winslow%27s_Soothing_Syrup