Photography is often about being in the right place at the right time. But what happens when you need to be somewhere else when the picture is taken? Maybe I want to include myself in a photograph, capture a subject moving through a specific position or create a time-lapse that unfolds over several hours.
That’s where the Hähnel Captur system comes in. With the Captur Module Pro & IR, Captur Wireless Tx/Rx Kit and Captur Timer Kit, I have a versatile collection of tools that gives me greater control over when and how my camera captures an image.
Whether I’m working on creative projects, experimenting with unusual photographic techniques or simply trying to get myself into the frame, these accessories help me do more than just press the shutter button.
Captur Wireless Tx/Rx Kit: Freedom from Behind the Camera
One of the most useful accessories in my kit is the Hähnel Captur Wireless Transmitter and Receiver Kit. It allows me to trigger my camera remotely, giving me the freedom to step away from the camera and explore different photographic possibilities.
Taking Selfies Without the Selfie Stick
Let’s be honest: sometimes I want to be in the photograph, not just behind the camera.
I use the Captur Wireless Kit for selfies and self-portraits, particularly when I want higher quality and to use my studio strobes – something I can’t get from my smartphone. With the receiver connected to my camera and the transmitter in my hand, I can position myself within the scene and trigger the camera remotely.
This is particularly useful when I’m working with a tripod, experimenting with lighting or trying to create a more considered portrait. Instead of rushing into position and hoping for the best, I can take my time, check the composition and trigger the camera when I’m ready. I set my camera to timed release – usually 2-5 seconds. I can also set my D810 to capture multiple frames after each press. There’s also another HUGE advantage – when I trigger the shutter with my Captur trigger, I’m in the frame and focus is locked on me. If I use my camera’s timer function and press the shutter, there’s no subject to grab focus – my camera will focus on the background. Now I’m out of focus.
Unlike a traditional selfie, I’m not limited to keeping the camera within arm’s reach!
Remote Triggering for Creative Photography
The wireless kit is also useful for other remote triggering tasks. When I need to position my camera in a location that isn’t easily accessible, or when I want to avoid touching the camera during an exposure, a wireless trigger can make the process much easier.
The Captur system offers a wireless range of up to 100 metres, depending on conditions and setup, giving me considerable flexibility when working in larger spaces or outdoors.
It’s a simple concept, but being able to separate myself from the camera opens up plenty of creative possibilities. When I’m at the cottage, especially during bug season or when it’s cold out, I’ll set my camera on a tripod and run back to the safety of the cottage. I can sit inside the warm cottage on a comfy chair to capture images.
I also shoot a lot of bracketed images – usually three images with three stop separation but sometimes five stops, depending on conditions. Other times, I’ll use bulb mode for long exposures. With my Hahnel triggers, I can take advantage of these advanced triggering options remotely instead of having to press the shutter button on my camera.
Captur Module Pro & IR: When Timing Matters
The Hähnel Captur Module Pro & IR takes remote triggering a step further. Rather than relying solely on me to press a button, the system allows the camera to respond to different events and programmed sequences.
The Module Pro includes built-in sensors for sound, light, laser and infrared, along with an auxiliary connection for compatible external sensors. It also supports programmable timing sequences, making it useful for specialized photographic applications.
This is where the Captur system becomes particularly interesting for photographers who enjoy experimenting.
Capturing the Unexpected
Photography often involves capturing moments that happen too quickly for us to react manually. A water droplet hitting a surface, an object moving through a specific point, or a sudden change in lighting can all present timing challenges. Lightning might be my favourite subject to capture with this trigger. This video of a summer storm only captures the lightning flashes:
The Captur Module Pro allows me to explore techniques that rely on sensors and programmed delays. Depending on the setup, I can configure the system to respond to a detected event and trigger the camera after a selected delay.
That level of control can be useful for experimental macro photography, high-speed sequences, and other situations where timing is critical.
The included IR module adds another option, allowing the system to detect when an infrared beam is interrupted. This provides a way to trigger the camera when a subject crosses a predetermined point.
I used a laser trigger to capture this image of me riding my bike off a jump. I could have used timer and tried to align my timing to the camera, but that would have been time-consuming and not very practical. I aligned the laser trigger so that once I broke the beam, the camera and flashes fired.
Of course, getting the best results still requires careful planning. Camera settings, focus, lighting, sensor positioning and timing all play a role. The Captur system doesn’t replace good photographic technique – it gives me another way to put that technique into practice.
Captur Timer Kit: Taking the Long View
The Hähnel Captur Timer Kit is another useful addition to my remote-triggering setup, particularly when I’m working with time-lapse photography or exposures that require precise timing.
The kit supports single, continuous and bulb shooting modes, as well as programmable timing sequences. This makes it useful for situations where I want the camera to capture images at regular intervals without manually triggering every exposure.
Time-Lapse Photography and Beyond
Time-lapse photography is one of those techniques that rewards patience. Whether I’m documenting changes in a scene, capturing movement over time, or creating a sequence of images for a larger project, a reliable timer helps keep the process consistent.
Rather than standing beside the camera and pressing the shutter repeatedly, I can program the timing and allow the camera to work through the sequence. Hahnel’s Captur Timer offers more functionality than is integrated into most cameras, including the ability to capture images over longer time frames. This timelapse would not be possible with most cameras as it was recorded over 15 hours:
The timer can also be useful for long-exposure photography, where avoiding unnecessary camera movement is important. I have often used the timer with celestial photography, such as lunar and solar eclipses, so I can create composite images later. With the camera securely positioned on a tripod, a remote trigger helps reduce the need to physically interact with the camera.
It’s one less thing to worry about when I’m already concentrating on composition, exposure and the changing conditions around me.
One System, Plenty of Possibilities
What I appreciate about the Hähnel Captur system is its flexibility. Each component offers a different approach to triggering the camera, but they can also work together as part of a larger setup.
The Wireless Tx/Rx Kit gives me the freedom to trigger my camera remotely, whether I’m taking a self-portrait or working on a creative project. The Module Pro & IR adds sensor-based triggering and more advanced timing options, while the Timer Kit provides useful control for time-lapse and timed exposures.
For me, these tools are about more than convenience. They’re about creating opportunities to photograph things that might otherwise be difficult – or even impossible – to capture.
The camera doesn’t always need to be in my hands for me to be in control of the photograph. Sometimes, the best thing I can do is step away, let the technology handle the timing and concentrate on creating the image.
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Author: Will Prentice
A portrait, fine art and commercial photographer for 30 plus years, Will Prentice is not just a contributor to PHOTONews magazine, but also host of PHOTONewsTV, owner of Captura Photography+Imaging and Technical Support/Brand Manager for Amplis Foto, Canada’s largest distributor of photographic equipment.
Will teaches photographers of all skill levels how to improve their craft – from creative photo projects to picking the right gear for their needs to flattering lighting to getting the best expressions to creating final images for screen and print. His unique style of highly detailed images with perfect tonality, wide dynamic range and stunning colour is instantly recognizable. Commercial clients rely on Will’s creative eye and mastery of lighting.
When he’s not behind the camera or in front of a class, you’ll find Will outdoors in any weather – usually on one of his bikes or enjoying time with his grandchildren.
