How to use the LCD screen to take photos with my Nikon D300?

I'm going to use a tripod or monopod with a remote shutter release at an event tonight. I think it would be easier if I could use the screen rather than the viewfinder. But I don't seem to be smart enough to figure out how to do that. Can anyone help?

Added (1). OK. I have the camera in Live View mode, but it's not displaying anything on the LCD and isn't autofocusing.

Check your owner's manual for the term "live view". That means using the screen instead of the view finder. If it's not there your camera doesn't have this feature - most don't, especially older
dslr cameras.

I don't know how you intend to use a monopod remotely. How will it stand on its own?

Using the live view on your D300 will burn a lot of battery power, are you sure you want to do this?

You can use the remote shutter release without needed to use the live view feature

You only THINK it would be easier to use live view than the viewfinder. Not so.

All you can do is test your theory before the event and see how it goes, but in general, you NEVER want to leave your camera unattended even if it is only six feet away.

After turning on the LV (Live view) on the rotating mode dial at the top left, you have to press the shutter button twice. The first time, the LV turns on and you can view the image. The second time, the camera snaps the photo.

I don't usually use the LV feature as I get better results when I steady the camera while looking through the viewfinder. But, when shooting overhead into a crowd, or under an obstacle for a lower perspective, I've used it on occasion.

Just remember that the autofocus is contrast based when you use LV, and not as fast nor as accurate as normal AF.

Hope this helps.