When Jada and David Parrish walk into an empty studio, they don’t just see blank walls—they see endless creative potential. Known for their surreal sets and storytelling imagery, the husband-and-wife duo have built a reputation for turning DIY ideas into professional, high-concept photo shoots that merge artistry and engineering.
For their latest shoot, they took on one of their boldest builds yet—a bendy DIY plywood set that curved upward to create a sense of movement and distortion.
“We love wild poses and ideas,” Jada says. “But to get there, our models have to feel completely safe. So every piece of the set has to be sturdy and tested.”
That commitment to safety and stability is the foundation of their workflow. Whether they’re building new sets, lighting complex scenes, or managing gear, every decision comes back to one goal: creating an inspiring and safe environment where creativity thrives.
Setting the Stage: Building A Studio Set Up from Scratch
A clean, secure environment is key to any successful photo shoot.
Before the lights were switched on, David Parrish got to work engineering the foundation of the shoot — a custom bendy DIY plywood set built entirely from scratch. Each curved panel was carefully cut, assembled, and reinforced to create a seamless, wave-like structure strong enough for dynamic posing yet smooth enough to photograph beautifully. Once the structure was in place, David designed a symmetrical lighting setup, positioning LED bars and strobes on either side of the set to evenly fill the space while leaving a subtle halo of backlight. The result was a clean, sculptural look that highlighted the set’s curves and gave Jada’s creative direction room to shine.
“When it comes to the set, the two biggest priorities are safety and presentation,” Jada explains. “Even if you’re using seamless paper, make sure to neatly tape it down to avoid tripping hazards and to keep everything looking sharp.
Their “do it yourself” set was built from scratch, reinforced with jacks and sandbags to ensure safety for the model performing dynamic poses inside the curved structure. This thoughtful preparation built the trust necessary for the creative energy that followed.
Creative Lighting: Less Is More
In the Parrish studio, simplicity equals control. David, who oversees most of the lighting, focuses on precision and symmetry.
“Nothing makes a behind-the-scenes setup look more chaotic than a bunch of lights with messy cords everywhere,” Jada notes.
David positioned Nanlite LED bars and strobes to evenly light the set while keeping cords tightly managed and the footprint small. By pairing a V-flat on each side to bounce light, he achieved a clean, high-key look while maintaining safety and organization.
“We always set up our light stands with the long leg facing forward and a sandbag for stability. This protects our gear and keeps everyone safe on set.”
This “less is more” philosophy minimizes technical distractions and creates space for authentic collaboration.
Tethering: Where Collaboration Happens
Tethering is at the heart of how Jada and David work together. Every photo is instantly transferred from camera to laptop, allowing real-time review and collaboration.
“David has eyes on every photo I take,” Jada shares. “He can double check posing, exposure, focus, and lighting on a large monitor so we can catch mistakes early.”
For their workflow, the TetherPro Optima 10G USB-C Cable delivers a fast, stable connection between camera and computer. Paired with the TetherGuard LeverLock Plate, the tether cord stays firmly locked in place—protecting the port from accidental tugging or strain.
“We use the LeverLock to secure the tether cable so it can’t accidentally unplug mid-shoot. It also reduces strain on your camera port, keeping your gear safe,” Jada explains.
The LeverLock’s dual-purpose design also lets Jada switch seamlessly between handheld and tripod shooting without ever disconnecting her tether lead—an essential for fluid, efficient sessions.
The AeroTrac Workstation System: A Photographer’s Command Center
David’s favorite part of the setup? The AeroTrac Workstation System. It’s their on-set command center—a portable photography workstation that brings power, organization, and tethering together.
“The AeroTrac is portable, easy to set up, customizable, and most importantly, it keeps us organized,” Jada says.
The AeroTrac’s track-based system allows accessories like Tech Clamps, Retractable Accessory Holder, and Thread Mounts to be attached anywhere. Jada and David mount their laptop stand, secure their external battery below to eliminate extra cords, and add hooks to keep spare tether cables coiled neatly.
“We even added a cup holder for water in a safe, spill-proof way and a hook to keep extra tether cords neatly organized instead of piled on the floor.”
The AeroTrac’s flexibility allows it to mount on a low boy roller, tripod, or table, adapting to any studio or on-location workflow. Its clean footprint enhances safety on set while projecting a professional image to clients.
Why a Clean BTS Setup Matters
“Whenever we work with clients, how you set up for your shoot says more about you in the first five minutes than words can,” Jada writes. “Is your behind-the-scenes setup organized? Does it look professional? Is it safe?”
Their minimalist, well-organized approach isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about confidence and control. Every cable, clamp, and workstation element contributes to smoother sessions, better collaboration, and safer environments for both models and gear.
Ready to Build Your Own Tethered Workflow?
A clean and safe tethered workflow isn’t just about looking professional—it’s about building trust, efficiency, and creativity on set. Whether you’re creating your own DIY photo studio or managing full-scale commercial productions, a reliable tether cable, organized workstation system, and smart cable management keep your workflow seamless from start to finish.
To achieve a setup like Jada and David’s, start with reliable, professional-grade gear that enhances safety and performance on set:
- AeroTrac Workstation System — a modular, portable photography workstation for studio or on-location shoots.
- TetherGuard LeverLock Plate — secure port protection and cable management in one.
- TetherPro Optima 10G USB-C Cable — ultra-fast, reliable tethering for Capture One and Lightroom users.
“When things run smoothly during a shoot, it makes you look like a better photographer—prepared, professional, and in control.”
