This article explains how to use the webcam on a Windows or Mac computer to take a photo. You can do this using the camera application on Windows 10 or Photo Booth on Mac.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Make sure your computer has a built-in camera (almost everyone comes with this tool)
In this case it will be easy to take a picture, otherwise you need to install a webcam before continuing.
Step 2. Open Start
by clicking on the Windows logo at the bottom left.
Step 3. Type camera to search for the application, which allows you to take pictures with the associated webcam
Step 4. Click on Camera
The icon looks like a white camera and appears at the top of the Start window. This will open the program.
Step 5. Wait for it to activate
Once activated, a light should appear next to the camera and you should be able to see yourself in the program window.
Step 6. Face the computer towards the subject you want to photograph:
it should appear on the screen.
Step 7. Click on the shutter button, a camera icon located at the bottom of the program window
This will take the photo and save it in the Windows Pictures.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Open Spotlight
Click on the magnifying glass at the top right.
Step 2. Type photo booth on Spotlight to search for the application
Step 3. Click on Photo Booth
It will be the first result to appear under the Spotlight search bar. Photo Booth will open.
Step 4. Wait for the camera to activate
Once activated, a green light will appear.
You should also see yourself on the screen
Step 5. Turn the Mac screen towards the subject you want to photograph
Everything that appears in the Photo Booth window will be part of the photo, so adjust your computer position accordingly.
Step 6. Click on the shutter button
The red and white camera icon is located at the bottom of the screen. This will allow you to take a photo and add it to your Mac's "Photos" folder.
If you have activated Photo Stream on an iPhone or iPad, the photo will also appear on these devices
Advice
- Computers running Windows 7 require you to use the application associated with the camera (for example, a camera monitored by CyberLink YouCam will have an app called YouCam or a similar name). If you don't know the name, try typing "camera" on Start or search for your computer model number to find out what kind of camera it uses.
- Photo Booth features many filters and other visual effects that can be applied to the photo while shooting.
