SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

Learn how to photograph food via remote control on screen using Canon’s free EOS Utility software

- BRIAN WORLEY

How to shoot food by remote control

Extend the reach of Canon’s EOS Utility using video calling and remote control

EOS cameras allow you to control them remotely with the Canon software on your computer and mobile devices.

EOS camera remote control takes several forms: a mobile app that works with your Wi-Fi enabled camera, providing remote control of major settings and remote live view to see what you’re shooting. Then there’s EOS Utility, which connects via a USB cable or Wi-Fi if your camera has it. EOS Utility’s remote shooting controls the camera from a computer. This enables the possibility of much more remote control. Using Zoom video conferencing software, you can request remote control of a conference members computer, and this provides a means to take a photo truly remotely.

As a test, I worked with food photographer Jonathan Thompson to remotely take a photo of a subject over 150 miles away. Using an EOS 80D connected with USB, and EOS Utility on the remote computer. A Speedlite flash provided the lighting, and even though it was also off-camera, EOS Utility provides remote flash control.