A Remote Shutter Release is almost a requirement for studio macro photography. I would also argue that it is a necessity for reverse lens macro photography.  A remote shutter release is a device usually attached via a wire or done over radio that allows a photographer to remotely release the shutter there by stopping camera shake and providing them a different vantage point or to put themselves into the photo.

While it is common for most people to just use their camera’s built in timer, it can be kind of a pain in the ass.  Most shutter releases also add in a trigger for the autofocus helping the photographer focus before dropping the shutter.  Plus the camera’s built in timer doesn’t allow you to capture the moment and forces a pose.   The moral of the story is if you are doing macro photography on a tripod you really need a remote release.

Of course the Canons and Nikons of the world will be happy to sell you one:

• $40 Canon Release
• $70 Nikon Release

While you can get offbrand ones cheaper and those are just a few examples of branded releases these prices have sparked a whole interest in the DIY community to build their own much like the photo in the beginning of this article.

User videokid842 has built an quick tutorial on how to build a remote shutter release trigger for the Canon Rebel series.  The install is very clean looking using a film can and a few switches.  The release features an on off, autofocus and a shutter release switch.

The instructions are easy to follow and contain a wiring diagram.  Please check them out at: http://www.instructables.com/id/Canon-Wired-Remote/

There are many DIY instructables featuring remote releases for Sony, Olympus, and Canon.

One other reason to make your own shutter release is to tie in a sensor.  I recently read an article over adam behman’s blog where he describes building a remote release that is triggered by breaking a laser beam.  It isn’t setup on a DSLR but it wouldn’t take a whole lot to convert this over.  Please check out the video: