I cant get the timer to work on the tripod

That might have to do with routing to the place you want them to stand. I do use the marks to herd sims and then after I take shots of them on the marks I try for another few shots right after they start to leave them. That way they can be standing in different areas. Since you can also take shots from different angles with the tripod you can get them from different views.
I might try taking some shots on the beach with a couple today for grins, I've only done single sims so far in Sulani.