Tethered Uploading via Computer | SpotMyPhotos Help Center

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Equipment Required

Camera (with memory card)
Tethering Cable (we strongly recommend Tether Tools products): USB 2.0 or 3.0 should work if you can’t get the Tether Tools cords.
Laptop with Internet Access: You will need strong enough connectivity to upload photos.
- No Internet access? No problem. Our QR Code self-spotting methods will give you the confidence to seamlessly distribute photos once you have connectivity and can upload them.

Tethering Application: Each camera manufacturer has a default app (e.g., Canon EOS Utility, Nikon Camera Control); there are also many third-party applications that can be used.
- Headshots? You’ll likely want to use either CaptureOne or Lightroom.

SpotMyPhotos Uploader App (needed for Method 1 below, not Method 2)
- To install for the first time —> Dashboard: Resources: Downloads (see images below)

Method 1: Set It & Forget It with Automated Uploading via the SMP Uploader App

SETUP Uploading Flow

Step 1: Ensure you have all the equipment required (see above)

Step 2: Ensure optimal camera settings (JPG, etc) and connect directly to the computer

File Type: Must ultimately render JPG. You’ll most likely shoot in JPG, but if you prefer to run raw through an application and export as JPG, that’s fine!
File size: Up to you; The larger the file, the more time it may take, depending upon the strength of your wifi connection.
Aspect Ratio: Match the aspect ratio selected for the event in the dashboard (under the Tools & Settings//Branding) to what you are also shooting.

Step 3: Test the Tethering setup and confirm the location where photos are saved on your computer.

We’ll want to note the folder / location where photos are dropped, so we can point the SMP Uploader to that location.

Step 4: Open SpotMyPhotos Uploader App and Login

To install for the first time → Dashboard: Resources: Downloads

Step 5: SMP Uploader: Select Event and Event Feed (likely Live), then your Hot Folder (folder location for your tethered photos)

Step 6: Test Flow: You should now be streaming to your SMP Event

Step 7: Optimize the screen for viewing

We’d recommend keeping the uploader in the foreground of your screen so you can monitor its progress, rather than minimizing it and letting it run in the background.

Method 2: Semi-Automated Uploading

Simply drag and drop into the SMP Dashboard’s Web Uploader. Great backup method, as well

Step 1: Ensure photos are landing in a destination folder on your laptop.
Step 2: Open a browser and log in to SpotMyPhotos; then navigate to your event.
Step 3: Periodically, drag photos that land upon your computer into the Live Photo Uploader area of your event in the SMP Dashboard.

Spotting Those Photographed: Which method is right for you?

Option 1: Spot from a laptop through the dashboard within a browser.
Option 2: Spot through the dashboard on a tablet, phone, or any device with a browser.
Option 3: QR Self-Spotting before, during or after your event.
Option 4: Allow attendees to self-spot through SMP Sharing Station.
Option 5: On a phone, within the dashboard, take a photo through the drag and drop zone and spot from that device.
- Step 1: On the phone, navigate through the browser to the Event in the Dashboard
- Step 2: Toggle the DropZone
- Step 3: Take a photo
- Step 4: Spot people within the photo, and set the expectation for when they’ll receive the rest
Option 6: Any combination of the above.

Tips:

Take initial photo on iPhone as people are beginning photo session vs at the end. This way, you’ll have the screen ready to spot as soon as they finish the photos.
High volume photo station? Take turns with spotting staff members, playing “leapfrog”
Work with the shooter to ensure the pace works for all.
If not streaming from camera(s) in real-time, periodically upload photos, and people will get spotted once photos hit the cloud.

Photo station in action, courtesy of Jack Hartzman, WTA Photo (BOTTOM)