Camera to cloud at a wedding: FTP, USB and card reader options explained

"Camera to cloud" means photos leave the camera and reach an online gallery while the wedding is still going on, instead of waiting on memory cards until the next day. There are three ways to do it: send from the camera over FTP, connect the camera to a phone or laptop by cable, or copy cards with a card reader. You do not need all three. Most studios start with the card reader and add the others later.

The short answer

Option 1: FTP straight from the camera

Many professional bodies from Canon, Nikon and Sony can send photos to an FTP server over Wi-Fi or a wired network. Your gallery tool gives you a server address, a username and a password; you enter them once in the camera's network menu.

• Good: fastest option. Photos can reach guests minutes after the varmala.
• Watch out for: not every camera has FTP, especially entry-level bodies, so check your camera's network or communication menu first. Sending every RAW file uses a lot of data, so most studios set the camera to send JPEGs only, or only photos they mark.
• Set it up the day before, not at the venue. Test with your own hotspot.

Option 2: USB cable to a phone or laptop

Connect the camera to a phone or laptop with a cable, and an app or uploader picks up the photos and sends them to the gallery.

• Good: works with almost any camera, and a phone with mobile data does not depend on venue Wi-Fi.
• Watch out for: the camera is tied up while the cable is connected, so do it between moments, not during the pheras.
• On Vyavasth, an Android app for uploading over USB is in early access. Studios outside early access use a laptop.

Option 3: card reader and laptop

Swap the card, copy it to the laptop with a card reader, and upload through the gallery's web uploader. This is how most studios start.

• Good: works with every camera, needs no setup, and you keep a copy on the laptop as a backup.
• Watch out for: it is batch-based, so photos arrive after each function rather than within minutes. Use an uploader that resumes on its own if the internet drops.

Which one should a small studio start with?

1. Start with the card reader. It works on day one and creates a backup.
2. Add FTP for the one or two moments where speed matters most, such as the varmala or the reception stage, if your camera supports it.
3. Use a phone over USB when there is no laptop at the venue.

Whichever method you use, plan the venue internet: carry your own hotspot and upload between functions. More on the full day plan in same-day photo delivery at a wedding, and on how uploads work in Vyavasth on the live delivery page.

Frequently asked questions

Which cameras support FTP upload?

Many professional bodies from Canon, Nikon and Sony include FTP transfer in their network menu. Entry-level cameras often do not. Check your camera's manual or network settings for "FTP".

Do I need Wi-Fi at the venue for camera to cloud?

No. A phone hotspot works for FTP and for laptop uploads. Many studios prefer their own hotspot because venue Wi-Fi is shared with hundreds of guests.

Should I send RAW files to the cloud during the wedding?

Usually not. RAW files are large and use a lot of data. Send JPEGs for guests to view, and keep the RAW files on your cards and drives for editing.

What is the easiest way to start?

A card reader and a laptop. Copy each card after a function and upload through the gallery's web uploader. It needs no camera setup and doubles as a backup.