use fswebcam to script webcam picture capturing

 create a config file, use:
nano ~/.fswebcam.conf

The contents of my config file are listed below...

device /dev/video0
input 0
loop 15
skip 20
background
resolution 320x240
set brightness=60%
set contrast=13%
top-banner
font /usr/share/fonts/truetype/msttcorefonts/arial.ttf
title "EvilEye cam-O-tron"
timestamp "%d-%m-%Y %H:%M:%S (%Z)"
jpeg 95
save /home/user/pictures/viewcam.jpg
palette MJPEG
Check the fswebcam MAN page for the full range of commands and options. I'm just using those that are relevant to my particular installation.