Last week was unlike any other for me, professionally speaking. Just a few weeks before the ProFusion Expo event in Toronto, I was given the privilege by Tether Tools (as their Canadian ambassador) to showcase a “Tethering Solutions on Location” presentation and share my workflow with others. In the past handful of years that I’ve been to this show, it was only as an attendee so this was truly an exciting experience to be had. I quickly prepared a slideshow with bits about my career path, some of my favourite images, the gear I use, and how my workflow has become more efficient allowing me to focus on creating the “Magic Moment” with the subject. The act of tethering (in a photoshoot) isn’t rocket science, but many photographers still hesitate in doing so and have yet to learn the awesome workflow and creative benefits – I was hoping to change that.
As this was my first time presenting at the show, I wanted to make sure everything would go off without a hitch so I met up with the stage manager. We went over the details on how the visual presentation would run and when the demo setup would need to be done.
As mentioned earlier, the main goal of this presentation was to give some insight as to the workflow and creative benefits of having a tethered workflow. Although I’ve been shooting professionally for nearly two decades, I didn’t always tether – granted, technology has come a long way since then. When preparing the demo portion of the presentation, I asked myself “How can I simplify a shoot that will clearly show what I’m talking about?”, then the answer came to me – add colour! The concept was to do a portrait with just two lights and a reflector, with the kicker light gelled red. Nothing overcomplicated, nothing fancy, just a simple setup that everyone can relate to and will touch on the points made. Plus, who doesn’t love a touch of red on a portrait?
For the live demo, I kept things simple. My lighting setup consisted of one strobe (camera right) with a beauty dish as the key and another strobe on the opposite side paired with a silver umbrella and gelled red. The major workflow benefit of tethering is that of dialling-in composition and lighting, with the ability to view it on a larger screen (such as a laptop). Take the above series of images as a direct example, within 6 test shots I had my strobes positioned and powered to where I wanted them… including the creative benefits of precise styling, posing adjustments, and team collaboration.
Test shot #1 was setting up the main (key) light, which was underpowered.
Test shot #2 was getting better with more power added to the strobe, but the model had no impact.
Test shot #3 a reflector was brought in and placed underneath to bounce some light up.
Test shot #4 was the introduction of the red gelled kicker light, a bit underpowered.
Test shot #5 was the rear strobe powered up 2-stops and slightly feathered towards the model.
Test shot #6 was bringing everything together and coaching the model on his expression, pose, and emotion before beginning the shoot.
Within a matter of minutes, I was able to dial everything in with collaborative feedback from everyone – including the audience. Whether working in the studio or on-location having a tethered workflow is a major asset. I’m not always fortunate to have the helping hands-on set, but for this demo, it wouldn’t have been possible without my friends (and fellow photographers) Sam, Will, and Ian (model) – thank you!
The words “Connect, Collaborate, & Create” couldn’t be more true for a photographer such as myself and hopefully, my tethered workflow presentation rang true to that belief. My ultimate goal was to inspire other creatives and smash the stigma that tethering is just to view on a larger screen, challenging, and only for commercial-studio photographers. From building your lighting, posing the subject, working collaboratively, pleasing clients, saving time in culling, and getting the shot that you envisioned – this is what it’s all about. Anyone and everyone can do it, with the benefits being larger than one could ever imagine.
Before I became a Pro Team ambassador, I used Tether Tools gear daily whether I was on-location shooting a fashion spread or in a studio setting doing portraits. My affinity for the brand is in part due to their on-going support in finding proper solutions photographers need. The TT crew are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, charming, and always have their finger on the pulse – have you heard about the new Air Direct yet? A big thanks for the opportunity to present on stage and answer any workflow questions in the booth.
Thanks to tethering, the images that I produce have given me clients that believe in my artistic nature and afforded me a life where I love what I do! Never in my wildest dreams did I think that my motto “Visualize then Actualize” would one day be true… in more ways than one. A big thanks to everyone, friend, fan, or random spectator who came out to the presentation and showed their support, I am forever grateful.
Photo Credits / Specs:
© 2019 Giancarlo Pawelec | PAWELECphoto
Digital Tech: Sam Tsang | @silistudio
Assistant: Will Prentice | @capturaphoto.ca
Model: Ian C.
Event: ProFusion Expo 2019
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre | Toronto
Cameras: Canon 1Dx
Lens: Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD
Tethering: Tether Tools TetherPro Cable, JerkStopper, & Tether Table Aero (Master)
Lighting: 1 Broncolor Siros L 800ws w/ Broncolor Silver 85mm Umbrella & Red Gel, 1 Broncolor Siros L 800ws w/ Broncolor BeautyBox 65, Silver Reflector
Software: CaptureOne Pro 12
