Why Every Photographer Needs a Backup Tethering Cable: A Lesson Learned the Hard Way
Why You Should Always Carry a Backup Tethering Cable
Some lessons in life come hard and fast—and for me, one of the most important was learning to always have a backup tethering cable in my camera bag.
Here’s why.
The Day I Learned the Hard Way
A few years ago, I was on set for the first time with one of my dream clients. You know, the kind of brand you always hope to work with but never imagine actually landing? That one.
I’d been shooting for about an hour, and things were going great. My nerves were fading, the images looked good, and the client seemed happy.
Then it happened.
The client walked over to adjust the clothing on the model, and in the process, they stepped directly on my tethering cable.
The cable yanked out of my camera.
And… snap.
It was broken. Useless.
The client turned to me and asked the question I was dreading:
“Do you have a backup?”
I didn’t.
The Longest 20 Minutes of My Life
Panic set in. I felt sick. The next few minutes were a chaotic blur:
I frantically searched for a way to get a replacement cable delivered from a rental house.
The brand’s team scoured their office for a spare (no luck).
My mind raced through alternatives, knowing that if we couldn’t tether, the shoot couldn’t continue.
Just as I was about to break down completely, I remembered something: my backup camera in the car used a different type of tethering cable—one that I happened to have on hand.
I bolted to the car, grabbed the cable, plugged in my older (but perfectly functional) camera, and we were back in business.
Crisis averted.
We only lost about 20 minutes, but trust me, I was scarred for life.
What I Learned
From that day on, I’ve always kept a spare tethering cable in my bag—brand new, wrapped in plastic, and ready to go. No exceptions.
It might seem excessive, but it’s worth it. That backup cable is my safety net, and it has saved me from sleepless nights worrying about another mishap.
My Advice to You
If you’re a photographer, do yourself a favour:
Keep a spare tethering cable in your bag at all times.
Make sure it’s brand new and never used.
You’ll thank yourself when you’re on set and something goes wrong.
Want to know which tethering cable I trust? Check out my Amazon shop for my recommended gear.
It’s a small investment for the peace of mind you’ll have knowing you’re prepared for anything—even the dreaded cable snap.
With over a decade of experience as a fashion photographer, mixed media artist, and educator, Olivia helps photographers find their style, build client-winning portfolios, and pitch with confidence. Through her courses and resources, she empowers creatives to craft profitable, fulfilling businesses without the “starving artist” mentality. Olivia is also a passionate advocate for sustainability, blending her love of nature with her artistry to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world. When she’s not teaching or creating, she is out walking in nature with her dog, or reading a fantasy novel.
