Tethered photography is a shooting strategy that has been utilized by advertising, fashion, product and portrait photographers for years. Used primarily for studio work and high-end commercial photo shoots, the process has been known in the past to be cumbersome and expensive.
In recent years, tethering technology has become more reliable and portable (as well as less expensive and easier to use). Thanks to these factors, tethering has become more common and is now practiced by countless professional and enthusiast photographers.
What is tethered photography?
Tethered photography is the process of connecting a camera to one’s computer with a cable, typically a Firewire or USB cable. You can even tether wirelessly. The computer can be a desktop or laptop, iPad or tablet, PC or Mac.
Once an image is created, the photo data bypasses the camera and your file saves directly to a folder that you’ve set up on the computer or external hard drive.
You can even change some camera model settings to save an additional copy on the memory card if you prefer. Your selected tethering software then displays the image on the large computer screen where the photo can clearly be seen in detail.
How can shooting tethered improve my photography?
It’s always better to get the shot right in camera as opposed to spending time fixing it in Photoshop. The 3-inch un-calibrated LCD screen on the back of a camera does not clearly provide the detailed information that you need to make sure your shot is just right.
A laptop, computer or iPad display is the ideal tool to get this information. Shooting tethered is beneficial because it allows you to catch distracting elements, identify depth of field, and fix focus and exposure issues.
Clients and art directors can also clearly view images as they are shot. That’s a big plus for client-photographer communication! Plus, shooting tethered can help keep expensive photography equipment safe.
What do I need to start shooting tethered?
Most DSLR cameras (check your manual) have built-in tethering capabilities and can be connected to pretty much any computer device. You just need to know which cable connection will work for your particular set-up. Tether Tools offers a free cable connection service to help determine the proper cable configuration.
Tethering software is also needed. For Nikon users Camera Control works well; for Canon shooters the EOS Utility is available. Additionally, there are photo management software programs with integrated tethering capabilities like Adobe Lightroom 3, Capture One and Aperture 3, as well as many others.
Next, you’ll need to determine how to set up your ideal tethering workstation. The Tether Table Aero System provides a complete workflow solution with a variety of options for laptops, monitors and gear. The Aero System’s LAJO-4 ProBracket allow photographers to mount a workstation on any tripod, light stand, clamp, arm or Arca-Style mount.
A few key accessories will help to further protect equipment, including JerkStoppers to maintain cable connections and protect computer and camera port damage; the SecureStrap for added laptop security; and the Aero ProPad, with its cushioned non-slip surface to protect and keep gear within arm’s reach.
Finally, many photographers like to shoot to an external hard drive for image portability and seamless backup both in the studio and on location. For photographers implementing such a strategy, the Aero XDC or XDC Duo is an ideal addition to a Tether Table because it keeps hard drives out of the way and securely attached to the table.
More Tethered Photography Gear
The Tether Tools Studio Vu Monitor Bracket is a solution for videographers and photographers who want to shoot tethered to a large monitor, iMac or Cinema Display. The system is versatile, adaptable and extremely stable.
You can use Studio Vu in the studio, on-location, or during tradeshows and in professional settings. Wedding and event photographers love it because they can use the Studio Vu as a revenue generator by playing slideshows of their work on large screens live during events.
Did you know that you can also shoot tethered to your iPad? The Tether Tools Wallee Connect Kit lets you mount your iPad to a tripod, light stand, the wall or virtually anywhere.
Photographers tethering wirelessly or using a photo application designed for the iPad can now position the iPad during a photo shoot. Plus, you can even use the iPad in post-production with Tether Tools’ full line of Wallee products.
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