Here at Tether Tools, we’re constantly driven by innovation, seeking to provide advanced solutions that enhance your workflow and protect your valuable gear. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our latest breakthrough the TetherGuard LeverLock Plate. Designed with input from photographers across the globe, this compact device sets a new standard for cable management and camera port protection.

Effortless Set Up & Breakdown

Say goodbye to the hassle of removing your camera plate every time you need to connect or disconnect a cable. Thanks to the LeverLock Plate‘s custom design you can seamlessly attach or detach cables without having to remove the plate from your camera. This means setting up, changing out cameras on set and breaking down is a breeze, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot.

Unmatched 5-Point Protection

The LeverLock Plate boasts a 5-Point Protection system, ensuring your equipment stays safe and secure at all times. Featuring a CamCleat Lever, Anti-Slip Speed Bump, two Retention Ridges, and a cable S-Channel, this plate provides comprehensive protection for your camera’s sensitive ports and cable. With the LeverLock Plate, you can shoot with confidence knowing your gear is fully protected. Rubber non-slip pads ensure that the LeverLock Plate stays aligned on your camera, providing an additional layer of security during even the most demanding shoots. And with our limited lifetime warranty, you can shoot with confidence knowing that your investment is protected.

Quality Build & Versatile Design

Crafted from lightweight yet durable materials, the LeverLock Plate is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Its all-metal construction ensures long-lasting performance, so you can trust it to protect your gear when the unexpected happens.

Whether you’re shooting with a compact mirrorless camera or a larger DSLR camera, the LeverLock Plate is designed to accommodate a wide range of camera and cable sizes offering versatility without sacrificing functionality.

Universal Tripod Compatibility

With Arca compatibility and a 1/4″ – 20 thread, the LeverLock Plate is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of tripod plates. Whether you’re using an Arca Swiss tripod or another brand, you can trust that our plate will provide a secure connection every time.

The LeverLock Plate is more than just a camera plate – it’s a game-changer for tethered photography. With its innovative design, comprehensive protection features, and unmatched versatility, it’s the ultimate solution for photographers who demand the best. Upgrade your tethering setup today and experience the difference for yourself. Better connection, better protection – that’s the TetherGuard LeverLock Plate promise. (Learn More)

Tether Tools is thrilled to shine a spotlight on the recent celebration of women in photography and videography, beautifully captured by our very own Tether Tools Pro Team member, Yessica Duque.

As we honor Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Yessica takes us on a heartwarming journey through her lens, highlighting the remarkable stories and works of extraordinary women in the field. In her captivating mini-documentary, Yessica Duque, host and creator, welcomes viewers to a celebration close to her heart. With her signature warmth and passion, Yessica invites us to explore the Hello Click Studio in Den Haag, Netherlands, where a gathering of talented women photographers share their experiences and showcases their outstanding portfolios.

From behind-the-scenes glimpses to heartfelt interviews, the documentary encapsulates the vibrant energy and empowering spirit of the event. It’s not just a showcase of photography; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the power of community.

Tether Tools is committed to empowering photographers and fostering inclusivity within the industry, and we’re honored to stand alongside Yessica Duque and the incredible women featured in this celebration. Together, let’s continue to uplift, support, and celebrate the remarkable journey of women in photography.

Check out Tether Tools Women’s Day Playlist on Spotify for a collaboration of songs to jam out to next time you are on set or in the studio!

Within the world of overhead photography, the artistry lies in the meticulous arrangement of elements, a dash of creativity, and, of course, the essential tools of the trade. Let’s take a behind the scenes look at the secrets behind capturing an elevated Bourbon bottle photography shot with proper lighting, hardware, and composition.

Gear You’ll Need:

1. Black or dark seamless background paper
2. Glass, Pyrex baking dish or similar clear container. We used a 5 qt. dish, measuring in at 17” x 11” x 2.5”
3. Gaff tape rolled into four balls. These are to be placed on each of the four sides of the baking dish, creating a cavity below to fit backlighting
4. Lump charcoal
5. Bourbon of choice
6. Laptop or tablet of choice
7. Tether Tools Ultimate Flat Lay Photography Tethering Kit
8. Smart Shooter
9. Three Spekular KYU-6 LED Light Wraps
10. PMI Gear’s SmokeNINJA or other handheld fog machine

How to Compose Your Overhead Photography Shot:

1. Place background paper on flat surface.
2. Place baking sheet on top of the black surface.
3. Roll gaff tape into small balls and place them under the baking dish on each corner to elevate the dish and create room for KYU-6 LED Lights.
4. Fill the baking dish with lump charcoal.
5. Place the Bourbon bottle within the center of baking dish, surrounding it with the charcoal, but leave room for light to spill through the underside of the baking dish.
6. Setup key lighting for the Bourbon scene. We’ve used a few Aputure 120d Mark ii LED Lights attached to Aputure Light Dome Soft Boxes at about 45 degrees to the subject, but this can be done with other studio lights or with the natural light from a nearby window.
7. Setup backlighting for the scene. Turn on KYU-6 lights, apply the fire effect or other similar red/amber lighting. Slide KYU-6 lights under the baking dish so that they shine through the baking dish. Slide them to the right, left, and bottom sides of the Bourbon bottle. Adjust lump charcoal if necessary.
8. Move Tether Tools Ultimate Flat Lay Photography Kit or similar setup over the Bourbon bottle, so that the edges of the baking dish are cropped out. This does make it easier, but can also be accomplished in post if using a wide lens.
9. Open Smart Shooter 5 or your choice of tethering software and adjust for composition, focus, and camera settings. Below were our camera settings:

• Camera: Sony A7iii
• Lens: Sony FE 24-105mm F4 OSS
• Focal length: 105mm
• ISO: 320
• Aperture: f/4

10. Using the dry ice effect, use the Smoke Ninja or similar fog machine to generously apply smoke closely to all sides of the Bourbon bottle. Get creative with this. You can let the smoke sit in or gently blow it to create movement within the shot.

11. Take the shot.

The Final Result

Now you’ve got the tools to spice up your overhead bottle photography game. From laying out the charcoal, creating a fire effect using the KYU-6 led lights, to adding some mystery with PMI Gear’s SmokeNINJA, we’ve set the stage for you to try it out yourself! So gear up, follow the steps, and let’s see your recreated Bourbon shots!

At Tether Tools, we understand the intricate relationship between photographers and your gear. A seamless tethered connection allows you to focus on capturing the perfect shot without any technical hiccups. That’s why we’re happy to bring you the new TetherPro 15′ USB-C to USB-C Dual Right Angle Cable — the photographer’s ultimate companion for efficient and secure tethering.

Secure, Angled Connection for Uninterrupted Workflow

Imagine a cable designed not just for connectivity but crafted to enhance your entire photography experience. The TetherPro Dual Right Angle Cable does just that. It’s designed to ensure a snug fit in your camera’s sensitive USB-C port, offering a secure connection that minimizes the risk of movement and accidental disconnection during shoots.

The right-angle cable tips on both sides of the cable serve a dual purpose. On the camera side, the right angle hugs the port, staying out of the way and providing a comfortable grip on the camera body. This thoughtful design allows you to focus on framing the perfect shot without any distractions.

Pair this cable with our TetherBlock for an extra layer of security, ensuring that your connection remains rock solid even in dynamic shooting environments.

Effortless Strain Relief for Your Computer Port

Tethering can sometimes put strain on your computer’s USB-C port, especially when cables dangle awkwardly. The TetherPro Dual Right Angle Cable addresses this concern by aligning along the side of your computer and staying neatly routed on the table or cart. This not only reduces strain on the port but also adds an element of organization to your workspace.

Durable Construction, Lightning-Fast Transfer

We understand that a cable is only as good as its construction. The TetherPro Dual Right Angle Cable is built with a custom-formulated, durable, and rugged material that prevents kinking, increases the cable’s lifespan, and keeps it clean through countless shoots.

With super-speed data transfer capabilities of up to 5 Gbps, this cable ensures that your images transfer quickly and reliably, maintaining the integrity of your creative process. The heavy-duty tips and connectors, along with bi-directional functionality for optimal image transfer and two-way camera control, make this cable a robust tool in your photography arsenal.

Backed by Tether Tools Assurance

We stand behind the quality of our products. The TetherPro 15′ USB-C to USB-C Dual Right Angle Cable comes with the Tether Tools 1-Year Warranty, ensuring peace of mind and a commitment to your satisfaction.

The holiday season is upon us! Whether you are looking for ways to elevate capturing your holiday goods, or stock up your photography gear for 2024 Tether Tools has got you covered. We’re thrilled to unwrap the magical world of photography with our special holiday series, “What’s in My Bag.” This edition is all about the essential gear for food and beverage photography, Skyler Burt. Join us as we delve into the festive spirit and uncover the essential Tether Tools gear that makes Skyler’s photography truly extraordinary.

Skyler’s Ultimate Flat Lay Photography Gear

*Check out the full Ultimate Flay Lay Photography Kit Here*

1. TetherPro USB-C Cable:

Skyler relies on a TetherPro Cable for seamless connectivity and reliability while shooting. With lightning-fast data transfer, the TetherPro Cable ensures that every savory detail is captured instantly, allowing him to focus on perfecting his craft without any technical interruptions.

2. TetherBlock Arca:

The TetherBlock Arca keeps Skyler’s cable secured directly to his camera keeping the tethered connection stable and preventing accidental disconnections during those crucial moments. Skyler can focus on his creative vision, knowing that his camera’s sensitive data port and cable are safe and secure.

3. Rock Solid Low Boy Roller Stand:

The Rock Solid Low Boy Roller Stand provides stability and mobility to Skyler’s photography workflow. It effortlessly glides across the studio floor, enabling Skyler to shift perspectives and angles swiftly. Perfect for commercial photography, food photography, and stop motion shoots, this roller is a game-changer in the world of photography.

4. AeroTab:

For hands-free operation, Skyler turns to the AeroTab. This versatile tablet mount secures his device at the perfect angle, allowing him to preview and adjust settings with ease while keeping his hands free to work culinary magic.

5. ONsite Relay C Camera Power System & Camera Coupler:

Ensuring a reliable power source is crucial in photography. The ONsite Relay C Camera Power System, with its efficient power distribution, keeps Skyler’s devices charged, allowing him to shoot uninterrupted. Skyler maximizes efficiency with the Relay Camera Coupler, eliminating the need for multiple camera batteries. This dummy battery device ensures his camera stays powered throughout the entire photoshoot, making it an indispensable tool in his studio arsenal.

6. ONsite USB-C 150W Battery & StrapMoore:

The ONsite USB-C 150W PD Battery Pack is a powerhouse, providing Skyler with the freedom to shoot on location without worrying about power constraints. Its lightweight design makes it a must-have for any photographer on the move. Skyler keeps his battery secure to his workstation with the StrapMoore. This nifty accessory keeps his workstation organized, ensuring that he can focus on creating mouth-watering images without the hassle of tangled cables or loose gear.

7. Rock Solid Baby Ballhead Adapter:

Versatility is key in photography. The Rock Solid Baby Ballhead Adapter adds flexibility to Skyler’s setup, allowing him to pivot and tilt his camera effortlessly for any type of composition.

8. Rock Solid 2-Head Cross Bar Side Arm:

Creating a workstation that adapts to Skyler’s creative needs, the Rock Solid 2-Head Cross Bar Side Arm supports multiple devices simultaneously. It’s efficiency enables him to manage his entire setup seamlessly from table top to portrait mode.

9. Frio Grasp:

For securing accessories like the AeroTab, Skyler relies on the Frio Grasp. This compact, sturdy device ensures that every tool is mounted securely and within arm’s reach, whether it be his iPad, tablet, lights, or camera, streamlining his workflow and making his photography process smoother.

10. Dual Wing Sand Bag:

Stability is paramount in photography, especially during a stop motion shoot. The Dual Wing Sand Bag anchors Skyler’s equipment securely, providing the stability needed for precision shots and preventing any mishaps.

As the holiday season unfolds, dive into the world of food and beverage photography with Tether Tools. Elevate your craft and explore the Ultimate Food & Beverage Photography Guide to learn more about what the industry leaders recommend for tips and gear for 2024.

Happy holidays and happy shooting!

Related Gear:

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than to take a peek inside the camera bag of the incredibly talented photographer, Clay Cook? Clay is renowned for his exceptional photography and storytelling skills and has built an arsenal of gear that elevates his craft to new heights. Let’s dive in!

Clay’s Tethering Essentials

TetherPro Cables

Clay trusts TetherPro Cables and Active Extensions to keep his tethered connection secure and stable while shooting. The TetherPro Active Extension Cables ensure flexibility and reliable data transfer over longer distances when needed both on location and in the studio. The ability to add additional length when needed allows Clay to focus on capturing the perfect shot. The robust construction and high-quality materials of the cables guarantee durability and longevity, making them essential components of his tethering setup.

Cable Management

To enhance the stability and safety of his tethered connection, Clay relies on the TetherGuard Extension Lock and TetherBlock to keep his cables and camera’s sensitive data port free from unnecessary damage. These tools safeguard against accidental disconnections, ensuring uninterrupted workflow during critical moments.

Grips & Mounts

Clay’s bag wouldn’t be complete without the Rock Solid Master Articulating Arm and Rock Solid Master Clamp. These tools provide versatile mounting options, giving Clay the flexibility to set up his iPad or tablet, camera, lights, modifiers and other gear, exactly how he needs it both in the studio and on location.

Workstations

Finally, for Clay’s tethered photography workstation, he utilizes the Pro Tethering Kit. It combines the essential elements needed for a stable, durable, and portable workstation for tethered shooting.

Additional Gear Clay Recommends:

Cameras

• Canon 5D Mark IV
• Canon 5D Mark III
• Phase One IQ3 80MP XF Medium Format Camera

Lighting

• Profoto Lighting
  • Pro-10, D2, B10, B2, B1
• Profoto Modifiers
• Elinchrom Modifiers

Software

• CaptureOne

Workstations & Power

• Avenger Grip
• Matthews Grip
• Inovativ Cart System (Voyager 36)
• ViewSonic Monitors

As we delve into Clay Cook’s camera bag, it’s evident that every piece of gear is carefully chosen to enhance his creative process. This holiday season, take inspiration from Clay’s setup to elevate your own photography game.

Ready to learn more about Clay Cook’s photography journey? Check out his exclusive Behind the Lens article here. Happy holidays and happy shooting!

Related Gear:

Throughout his childhood, Clay’s passions were centered around Hollywood. The acclaimed photographer grew up as a fanatical movie buff. From “Jaws” to “Braveheart” it was this passion for film that introduced Clay to the world of capturing moments through film and photography.

“In the 90’s, my parents bought a good quality video camera to capture family moments, I ended up using it to make my own version of “Saving Private Ryan,” using firecrackers for explosions and ketchup for blood,” said Clay.

After leaving that brand new video camera outside in the rain and recovering from a month-long grounding, Clay found a new love in the form of music.

“The rush that heavy music gave me was unmatched, it was something movies could not do. It formed a deep passion of mine and spent the following 10 years pursuing a career in music,” Clay stated.

During his time in the music industry, Clay ran into countless photographers and developed a grand respect for the art of photography. By 2007, some of Clay’s passions for music had swayed into the world of graphic design. By the time Clay’s band split in 2010, he decided to take on graphic design full-time and started inquiring about DSLR cameras to shoot his own stock photography.

“In December of 2010, I received my first DSLR camera as a gift. Never did I imagine it would completely change my life,” Clay said.

What was a challenge you overcame when first starting out as a photographer? 

“I started photography with a selfish eye, an eye that only cared about me. An eye that didn’t care who or what was in the picture as long as it had great lighting, great composition, or perfect pose. I didn’t truly understand the gift I yielded and the power of the tool I had been given. That all changed once I was given the opportunity to see the world and step away from the technical aspect of photography. I gained a new perspective and altered the “why” of my photography ideology,” Clay said.

How has tethering improved your photography?

When it comes to the wide variety of photography projects Clay takes on, he believes tethering is an absolute must for nearly all of his projects, in fact most of his clientele require it.

“Tethering is impactful. It allows me to bring a vision to life right in front of my client’s eyes and the reaction is always worth it,” Clay said.

Clay often works with a team of people, which may include a producer, creative director, or art director. Tethering allows him to really dig into each photograph with his creative team or client on a large monitor rather than the back of his camera, which is far more comfortable for everyone.

Clay’s organic approach to lifestyle & humanitarian imagery 

“I used to want every image “perfect” until I began to travel the world and experiment with photojournalistic reportage,” said Clay.

Assignments throughout Tanzania, Ethiopia, India, and Iraq altered the way Clay viewed portraiture and changed his entire photography ethos.

“As a photographer, I have learned over time that much of my job is to listen first, and shoot second. Understand, bridge, and illustrate. I don’t photograph with the intent to sell or show, I photograph with the intent to relate,” Clay continued.

With 10 years in the music business and 12 years in advertising, editorial, and humanitarian photography, Clay is able to see people and understand human connection differently than many advertising photographers.

“I’m not some guru or magical mystic. I just love people, I love stories and I love to take pictures,” said Clay.

Why do Photos Matter to you?

“We are all photographers. But endless scrolling and over-sharing have become second nature, resulting in a generation with a shorter attention span than a goldfish, 8 seconds to be exact. So, authentically sharing meaningful stories through photography, by sharing our love, loss, vision, and opinion we are compelled to bond with people on a deeper, real level. Authentic stories humanize and influence. Great stories build a bridge of compassion. And compassion will always strengthen humanity. Photography is a power that has the potential to truly make change,” said Clay.

Behind the Lens with Clay Cook: Photography Advice, Camera Settings and Gear List

Want to learn more from Clay? Download the free Behind the Lens Guide to gain access to Clay’s top tips for up-and-coming portrait photographers, a full gear list, and his “go-to” camera settings.

Whether you’re a product photographer, portrait photographer, commercial photographer, food photographer, or a fashion photographer, we’ve got just the gear to light up your holidays. Let’s dive into the ultimate holiday gift guide that’s sure to bring smiles and joy to you and your creative friends and family!

Lindsay Adler Ultimate Tethering Kit

“With a right angle adapter on each camera, I love that I can quickly disconnect and reconnect a new camera to get various focal lengths in each session,” says Lindsay Adler, Fashion & Portrait Photographer.

The Lindsay Adler Ultimate Tethering Kit includes your choice of TetherBlock cable management (standard or arca style) securing your cable to your camera, preventing accidental disconnections, and protecting your gear from potential damage.

ONsite Portable Power Kit

The ONsite Portable Power Kit combines the ONsite 150W Dual USB-C battery pack and StrapMoore to conveniently connect power to any stand you use to power your computer. Add on the Rock Solid Master Articulating Arm + Clamp Bundle, Rock Solid Tripod Roller, and Rock Solid Camera to create a mobile studio setup ideal for quick shots with a portable key light. The battery is powerful enough to charge a Macbook Pro 1.6x, and provides 25,600 mAh to power any USB-C chargeable lights, up to 100W.

The ONsite Portable Power Kit includes the Frio Grasp which can mount to any round or flat surfaces including table edges, stair railings, poles, c-stands, and more! The mount can hold smart phones, lights, microphones, and even your camera! With the Frio Grasp’s adjustable stabilizer claw you can create a third contact point for secure mounting. 

TetherBoost Pro USB-C 31 ft. Cable System

The TetherBoost Pro 31 ft (9.4m) USB-C Cable System gives photographers the distance needed to tether from 15 ft up to 31 ft while maintaining lightning-fast image transfer speeds. A secure connection and protective case keep gear in top condition on every shoot.

The TetherBoost Pro 31 ft. (9.4m) USB-C Cable System includes the TetherBoost Pro USB-C Core Controller Extension Cable which enables you to tether up to 31’ while maintaining high transfer rates and exceptional connection stability.

AeroTab Master Kit

The AeroTab Master Kit offers unlimited options for mounting tablets to a tripod leg, light stand and more. The AeroTab’s secures the tablet, while the Master Clamp and Arm ensure the perfect viewing angle for the screen.

The AeroTab Master Kit includes the Rock Solid Master Clamp which is an indispensable piece of equipment designed to mount arms and gear to a wide array of round or flat surfaces

Frio Reach Kit

The Frio Reach Kit is designed to securely hold photo and video gear. It’s clamp can attach to an array of round or flat surfaces. With a baby pin, 1/4″-20, 3/8″ and removable Frio Hold cold shoe, you can mount lights, reflectors, mics, cameras, tech and other items at ay angle. This flexible and portable kit can be folded into your bag for quick, on-the-go set ups.

The Frio Reach Kit includes the Frio Hold is a versatile cold shoe mount. You can mount any shoe with ⅜”-16 or ¼”-20 threads including flashes, light panels, microphones, and more. Its strong polymer construction also alleviates inadvertent flashes and shorts.

ONsite Relay C Camera Power System Bundle

The ONsite Relay C Camera Power System Bundle lets you power your camera continually with any external USB-C battery or AC wall power, providing peace of mind knowing you have an uninterrupted power source for your camera for streaming as well as long days of video or photo shoots.

The ONsite Relay C Camera Power System Bundle includes the ONsite USB-C 150W PD Battery Pack which boasts high-capacity Power Delivery (PD) that is required for USB-C charging devices such as MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, phones and other devices. 

All-In-One Portable Studio Tethering Kit

As a photographer it is important to have a workstation that fits your specific needs during a shoot. The All-In-One Portable Studio Tethering Kit is a mobile, modular tethering system with the ability to quickly adjust from portrait to profile, to flay lay while remaining tethered to your laptop.

The All-In-One Portable Studio Tethering Kit includes the Rock Solid Tripod Roller which gives wheels to most any tripod and offers mobility for the Tether Table Aero, monitors, tablets, cameras, and other production gear.

Ultimate Tethering Workstation

The Ultimate Tethering Workstation contains everything you need to create the best possible tethering experience in-studio and on location for both your craft and your client.

The Rock Solid Low Boy Roller provides photographers the freedom to move your studio lights, workstations, and gear with ease.

Spekular KYU-6 LED Light Wraps

The KYU-6 LED Light Wraps are your go-to lighting solution for all your photography needs. With its versatile design, you can use it for product photography, portraits, and more. The KYU-6 comes in both a bi-color and RGB option, includes 5 different brightness levels, and 5 different effects modes. Various creator kits available.

The KYU-6 LED Light Wraps come in varying kits including the KYU-6 Vlogger’s Kit and KYU-6 Filmmaker’s Pro Kit.

Spekular LightBlaster Optical Snoot

The Light Blaster Optical Snoot allows photographers to project designs, patterns, and images onto their subject or background. The various types of gobos and kits lets you create stunning visual effects and to any shoot.

Featuring Light Blaster Optical Snoot for Nikon F Lenses– With Creative Gobos for Nikon F Lenses and Light Blaster Optical Snoot for Canon EOS/EF Lenses– With Creative Gobos for Canon EOS/EF Lenses.

So, this holiday season, give the gift of creativity and inspiration to the photographers in your life with Tether Tools, Frio, and Spekular‘s gear. From stocking stuffers to game-changing gear, we’ve got the presents that will light up their photography world! Don’t forget to check out our awesome holiday deals starting November 6th through the end of the year for major discounts on popular Tether Tools, Frio, and Spekular gear!

Our Favorite Gear from Other Brands

Spider Holster

Spider Holster will also be putting on some epic holiday deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Use code: BF23 to receive 25% off your order November 19th through December 2nd at www.spiderholster.com.

ThinkTank

ThinkTank’s Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales start November 21st and run through November 27th, during this time ThinkTank will be offering 25% Off Airport International, Airport Advantage Rollers, and MORE!

Fundy Software

Fundy Software will be having some rocking deals too from November 16th through November 27th.

Take your print designs and business to the next level with Fundy Designer’s Hottest Black
Friday deal! Discover the #1 software used by the world’s most successful photographers to
generate income. Automate your designs and experience easy sales with all the tools built into
Fundy Designer. Save time, simplify your workflow, AND increase your profitability.
● Design an entire album in 10 minutes with Auto Design
● Share & sell your designs with ease using the Multi-Design Proofer
● Create custom slideshows, stories, and carousels in seconds with the Social Design App
● Design custom studio magazines & cards in minutes with templates that include
prewritten text.

Save 40% on EVERYTHING during our Black Friday Sale, our biggest sale of the year! The
discount is applied at checkout. Try it out by downloading the free unlimited trial here.

In the world of flat lay photography, creating stunning tabletop photos requires precision, creativity, and the right equipment. Skyler Burt, a renowned food photographer and content creator, recently shared his secrets for achieving impeccable overlay photos, particularly in the realms of food, beverage, and cocktail photography. In this article, we’ll delve into the array of Tether Tools products that Skyler relies on to secure and power his ultimate flat lay setup to elevate his craft. (Check out the Ultimate Flat Lay Photography Kit by Skyler Burt here)

Tether Cable: Unleash the Potential of Tethering

One of the essential components of Skyler’s flat lay photography setup is the TetherPro Cable. Tethering allows for real-time image transfer from the camera to a computer or tablet, enabling photographers to review and adjust their shots instantly. With Tether Tools’ high-quality TetherPro USB-C to USB-C Cable, you can ensure a secure and fast connection, making your overlay photography sessions smoother and more efficient.

TetherBlock: Secure Your Tethering Connection

To keep your tether cord securely in place and prevent accidental disconnections, Skyler uses the TetherBlock cable management. This simple yet effective device ensures a stable connection between your camera and computer, eliminating any worries about interruptions during your table top photoshoots.

AeroTab Master Kit: Your Companion for iPad or Tablet Tethering

For photographers who prefer using an iPad for tethering and live previews, or a tablet to mirror your desktop monitor, the AeroTab Master Kit is a game-changer. It securely holds your iPad or tablet with the AeroTab, Rock Solid Master Articulating Arm, and Rock Solid Master Clamp for perfect viewing position, giving you a clear look at your shots and making adjustments a breeze. It’s an indispensable tool for overlay photography enthusiasts.

Frio Grasp Bigi: Versatility in Mounting

Skyler loves the versatility of the Frio Grasp Bigi, which allows him to securely attach various accessories to his setup including his tablet. Whether it’s attaching a light source, secondary camera, or tablet, the Frio Grasp Bigi keeps everything in place, giving you greater creative control over your flat lay photography.

ONsite USB-C 150W Battery & StrapMoore: Reliable Power Solutions

Consistent power management is critical in flat lay photography, especially during extended shoots. Skyler relies on the ONsite USB-C 150W Battery and StrapMoore to keep his camera and equipment powered throughout his photoshoots. These power solutions ensure that your camera never runs out of juice at a crucial moment.

ONsite Relay C Camera Power System: Streamlined Power Management

To further enhance power management, Skyler employs the ONsite Relay C Camera Power System. These tools provide a streamlined way to distribute power to multiple devices, ensuring that everything runs smoothly during food photography, beverage photography, and cocktail art sessions.

Rock Solid 4-Head Tripod Cross Bar: Expand Your Creative Possibilities

The Rock Solid 4-Head Tripod Cross Bar adds an extra dimension to Skyler’s flat lay setup. It allows for versatile positioning of lights, cameras, and other accessories, enabling creative freedom and flexibility in composing his shots.

Rock Solid Baby Ballhead Adapter and Rock Solid Low Boy Roller: Sturdy Support

To ensure stability and precise positioning of his camera, Skyler uses the Rock Solid Baby Ballhead Adapter and Rock Solid Low Boy Roller. These robust supports allow for mobility in your studio or if you are traveling for a shoot and are essential for capturing impeccable flat lay photographs and maintaining control over every detail.

Ready to Upgrade Your Set Up?

So, if you’re looking to enhance your table top photos and create breathtaking flat lay compositions, explore the end-to-end solutions Tether Tools has to offer and experience the difference that professional-grade equipment can make in your photography journey. Click here for a complete list of Skyler’s Flat Lay Set Up.

Smart Shooter 5 is a simple to use, plug and play tethered photography program with a built-in Plugin that makes tethering your Sony (or Fujifilm and Nikon) directly to Lightroom quick and easy. 

Smart Shooter 5 offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to the diverse needs of photographers. Its key features include advanced camera control, allowing precise adjustments of camera settings remotely, instant transfer of RAW and JPEG files, live view for real-time composition and focus checking, and a SmartSave system that enables you to simultaneously save files to the camera, computer, and cloud storage. This versatility and cross-brand compatibility make Smart Shooter 5 an indispensable tool for photographers seeking efficient and flexible tethering solutions across different camera platforms.

Tethering your Sony camera to Adobe Lightroom is a game-changer for photographers seeking greater control over their shoots, streamlined workflow, and immediate access to high-quality images. Whether you’re using a Sony Alpha series camera like the A7C, A7R III, A7S III, or any other compatible model, Smart Shooter 5 is a powerful tool that facilitates seamless tethering.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of tethering your Sony camera to Lightroom using Smart Shooter 5’s Lightroom Plug-in while highlighting the tethering software’s key benefits.

Benefits of Smart Shooter 5 for Tethering

Smart Shooter 5 offers several key benefits when tethering your Sony camera to Lightroom:

1. Compatibility: Smart Shooter 5 supports various Sony Alpha models, including the A7C, A7R III, A7S III, A7 IV, A7R V, A6500, A7 III, A7S III, and more.
2. Efficient Workflow: The software streamlines your workflow with features like live view, MyWorkspace dockable windows, SmartSave, and more.
3. Reliability: Smart Shooter 5 is known for its stability, ensuring a smooth tethering experience without disruptions.
4. Customization: You can customize the user interface to suit your preferences and easily configure camera settings.
5. Tether Multiple Cameras: Smart Shooter 5 allows you to tether multiple cameras simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for studios or events.
6. Smart Shooter 5 Lightroom Plug-in: Smart Shooter 5’s Lightroom plugin allows you to tether directly into Lightroom and benefit from the softwares main features including cataloging and making selects.

Follow these steps to tether your Sony camera to Lightroom using Smart Shooter 5:

1. Install Smart Shooter 5: Begin by downloading and installing Smart Shooter 5 on your computer. Ensure you have the latest version to access the most up-to-date features. You can download a 30 day free trial of Smart Shooter here.
2. Connect Your Sony Camera: Use a TetherPro Cable to connect your Sony Alpha series camera to your computer.
3. Enable Tethering on Your Camera: On your Sony camera, navigate to the menu and find the tethering or remote control option. Activate it to establish a connection with your computer.
4. Open Smart Shooter 5: Launch Smart Shooter 5 on your computer.
5. Detect Your Sony Camera: Smart Shooter 5 should automatically detect your connected Sony camera. If not, select your camera model from the dropdown menu.
6. Configure Camera Settings: Set up your camera settings using Smart Shooter 5’s intuitive interface. Adjust parameters like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance.
7. Enable Smart Shooter’s Lightroom Plug-In: Smart Shooter 5 includes a Lightroom Plug-In that simplifies the process of sending images to Lightroom. Enable the plug-in and configure your Lightroom settings.
8. Open Lightroom & Start Tether Capture: Open Lightroom, select Tethered Capture, and then name your project before you start shooting.
9. Start Shooting: Begin capturing images, and they will automatically transfer to Lightroom for immediate review and editing.
10. Edit and Enhance: With your images in Lightroom, you can now edit, retouch, and enhance them to your heart’s content.

Tethering your Sony camera to Lightroom with Smart Shooter 5 is a winning combination for photographers. Unlike Imaging Edge which takes multiple steps to set up and is limited with its features, Smart Shooter 5 offers precise control, instant image transfer, and an efficient workflow. Whether you’re using a Sony Alpha camera like the A7C or A7R V, Smart Shooter 5 provides the reliability and customization you need to enhance your tethered shooting experience. So, why wait? Connect your Sony camera to Lightroom with Smart Shooter 5’s Lightroom Plugin and improve your tethering experience.