Creating sharp, mouthwatering food photography with full depth of field is no easy task—but professional food photographer Lauren Short has it dialed in. In her latest behind-the-scenes video, Lauren shares how she uses focus stacking to achieve razor-sharp results from front to back, walking viewers through her tethered workflow including the TetherPro Optima 10G USB-C Cable and post-production process using Helicon Focus software.
What is Focus Stacking—and Why Use It?
Focus stacking is a technique that involves capturing multiple images at different focus points and combining them in post to create one perfectly sharp final image.
For food photographers like Lauren, focus stacking is essential to achieving sharp, appetizing images with full depth of field. But that technique also means dealing with dozens of large RAW files and complex edits. The faster data speeds of the Optima 10G Cable help eliminate lag time, keep tethering stable, and maintain the momentum of a fast-paced shoot.
This is especially useful in food photography, where shallow depth of field can leave important parts of a dish out of focus. Lauren breaks down exactly how she captures her focus stack and why tethering plays a critical role in her setup.
A Fast, Reliable Cable for a Seamless Workflow
From the very first frame, Lauren is clear: tethering is essential to how she shoots. The TetherPro Optima 10G Cable gives Lauren confidence in every capture.
“Tethering is a non-negotiable part of my workflow.” -Lauren Short
With 10Gbps transfer rates, the cable keeps up with her fast-paced shoot and high-resolution RAW files without lag.
Post-Production with Helicon Focus
Once she has all the frames she needs, Lauren imports them into Helicon Focus, where the software automatically blends the images to create one final photo with full depth of field. She then fine-tunes the image in Capture One for color grading and sharpening, before putting the finishing touches on the file in Photoshop.
Why the Optima 10G Cable Makes a Difference
The TetherPro Optima 10G USB-C Cable is purpose-built for high-performance tethered photography. Designed in collaboration with photographers, it solves real-world issues like unstable connections, slow data transfer, and gear setup complexity.
Key Benefits:
- 10Gbps SuperSpeed+ Data Transfer
- Enhanced Power Delivery
- Reinforced Design for Stability and Durability
- USB-C to USB-C for Modern Camera and Computer Systems
Ready to upgrade your tethered setup?
Learn more about the Optima 10G Cable Line here:
Accelerated Tethering: Introducing the New TetherPro Optima 10G Cable Line
