Intro — the real-world problem

Four days on the streets of Milan during fashion week: zebra crossings, tram tracks, crowds, constant company moves. I carried the digi plate on my shoulder between locations around La Scala and busy sidewalks. Noise, traffic, and zero breathing space. In that environment, weight and speed decide whether the workflow holds—or falls apart.

The constraint

Client selects needed to happen as we shot so files were ready for retouch by day’s end. The stylist used the main laptop for reference/selection. I still needed a live view to check focus, exposure, histogram, and make quick tweaks—without adding bulk.

The solution — a side-mounted command center

I mounted an iPad Air on the xLamina Pro 11 (the 13 works just as well) on the side of the digi plate. Using Sidecar, I ran a dedicated Capture One Client Viewer A window and floating tools (histogram, focus, camera settings). Under the xLamina I mounted a medium Stream Deck in our 3D-printed cradle (free STEP download or we can print it in-house for cheap). With Emory Dunn’s C1 icons and shortcuts loaded into the stream deck, I could:

• Tap between Follow Capture while shooting and Follow Selected during review

• Adjust camera settings instantly, and make small adjustments to exposure during review

• Keep the laptop free for the stylist without slowing anyone down

Result: a lightweight, mobile tethering rig that behaved like a full station—perfect for street fashion and on-location work.

---- Explore xLamina Pro 11 and xLamina 13 ----

Why xLamina Pro for street/LOC work

• Ultra-light, rigid plate – keeps the iPad stable while you’re on the move

• NATO rail ecosystem – fast to mount on arms; secure, no wobble

• Cable management – keeps things tidy and minimal

• Versatile system – you can adapt the rig to any situation
  

Who this helps

• Pro Digi Techs: Keep the laptop for client selects; you still get live tools, histogram, and focus on a side screen. Less fatigue, faster moves.

• Photographers: Compact, dependable on-location tethering; clear division of roles reduces decision bottlenecks.

• Aspiring techs: Affordable way to build a serious on-set workflow—start with iPad Air + xLamina and add the Stream Deck cradle for control.  You can always move to an iPad Pro in the future.

---- Get the free Stream Deck cradle STL ----

Setup notes

• I used Sidecar to extend the screen (no need for wifi network)\

• Client Viewer A + floating Histogram / Focus / Camera Settings

• Stream Deck Medium in 3D-printed cradle under the xLamina

• Shortcuts pack: Emory Dunn (icons + mappings)

• Mounted the xLamina to the digiplate using a NATO rail  and a magic arm.
  

Takeaway

Four fast days in Milan proved it: a side-mounted xLamina Pro + iPad Air + Stream Deck turns chaotic street fashion into a light, modular, client-ready workflow.