What Is Tethering and Why Use It in Photoshoots?

We’re professional photographers, so naturally we’re going to geek out on different ways to approach a photoshoot for our clients. Have you heard of tethering? We’ve been using this approach to many of our photoshoots, because it makes viewing, proofing and sending images faster.

Let’s walk you through what tethering is and why we use it in our professional photoshoots for headshots, portraits and product photography, to name a few.

What is Tethering in Photography?

Tethered photography consists of connecting the camera to a computer or tablet. Each shot is directly uploaded to the computer throughout the photo shoot.

Why Do Photographers Use Tethering in Photoshoots?

It may seem strange or unnecessary to some, but tethered photography can be beneficial to catching errors in the photos. Sometimes there can be lighting errors or general problems that can only be seen after the photo is taken. Tethering allows us to catch these imperfections in an efficient way and ensure we capture the photos you want from your shoot.

Viewing photos on a computer screen at the time of the shoot provides easier review from our photographers, too. Photoshoots can be fast paced and a large monitor that allows the photographer to ensure each photo is ideal compared to reviewing on a small camera screen.

We’ve found tethering very helpful when doing headshots, portraits and even product photography. This way clients can preview images as they’re taken. This can make the shoots go faster, and makes certain we capture the images you like. It also allows for the subject to have some agency in their headshots/portraits. They can also make their selections on site, which means we can process only the images that are selected - so the clients get the photos even faster!

For product or lifestyle shoots where a creative director is present, the subject can focus their attention on the computer and more easily direct, rather than having to wait for the photographer to show them the back of the camera.

What’s Needed to Tether?

To successfully utilize tethered photography, it requires the camera (of course), a USB cable or cable connection to the computer or tablet. We use mobile carts and have all these items in our studio. Keep in mind the location of your photoshoot, may require other items used or prevent some sort of tethering.

Photos That Are Made, Not Taken

Our team of professional photographers has proudly served businesses in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago and even across the country. We work with businesses to help them create their own asset library of images of their people, workplace, people in action, products and so much more. Tethering is one way we make photoshoots effective and efficient for our clients.

Learn more about our approach to professional and commercial photography. Let’s connect or take a moment to explore some of our work from portraits & headshots to products & still life there is a lot to see..