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Profoto Academy Live
PROFOTOB10
Teaching yourself how to do things online is fine, but the ultimate way to learn is in person froman expert. We offered three lucky Photography News readers that masterclass opportunity. Here’s what they produced fromour very special event
Profoto has a full range of professional lighting gear, from the C1 Bluetooth-controllable LED lights for smartphone photography to top-end, powerful mains power pack flash. The Profoto B10 is a series of powerful, sophisticated and very compact studio type flash units, powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, so perfect for location shooting. Two options are available: the B10 or the B10 Plus. The B10 is about the size of a medium-sized camera lens and around five times more powerful than a typical speedlight, with an output of 250Ws and a capacity of 400 full power flash bursts from a fully charged battery. The B10 Plus is a little bigger, about the size of a large camera lens, and has a maximum output of 500Ws and capacity of 200 full power flash bursts. Both units can be used manually or with the convenience of TTL flash (with a compatible Air Remote wireless trigger), and there’s the option of high speed sync, too. Plus, they feature Profoto’s AirX Bluetooth technology and are compatible with more than 120 Profoto light shaping tools.
IMAGE Profoto ambassador Hannah Couzens
FOR OUR SHOOTwith Profoto and three lucky PN readers, we booked theWhite Roomat the Natural Light Spaces studios atWeedon Bec in Northamptonshire. This gave us a 2000 sq ft area with an infinity curve at one end and plenty of space for other set-ups. You can find out more about this interesting space at naturallightspaces.co.uk. Profoto ambassador Hannah Couzens and the Profoto teamarrived with Profoto B10 and A1X lights and a selection of light shapers, so there was plenty of kit to try. Of course, we are in themiddle of a pandemic, and while the shoot took
place before lockdown 2.0, the health and safety of everyone involved was key. Hand sanitising stations, facemasks and social distancing were par for the course. Our lucky readers were Amit Gill, Mark Kidsley andMikeMartin. Each was provided with a Profoto Air Remote TTL wireless trigger and each had dedicated time with our model for the shoot, Nicky Phillips ( facebook.com/nicky. phillips.9047). Hannah began the day by going through core lighting techniques, such as what short, long and butterfly lighting are and how to achieve them. More
importantly, she explained the right times to use them. As the shoot progressed, set-ups got more involved, withmore light shapers being brought into action and ending with some outdoor shots. These showed what can be achieved with Profoto kit outdoors. Amit, Mark andMike got the chance to take shots and, of course, turn to Hannah for advice on set-ups, flash techniques and muchmore. Thanks to Amit, Mark andMike for coming along to our event, and for the support of Profoto and Hannah Couzens tomake it all happen.
PN reader 1: Amit Gill
Amit has a performing arts background as well as a passion for theatre and people. “I’ve always had an interest in photography and began the journey in my early 30s. I’ve never looked back,” he says. “I’d love to be a unit photographer on a film set to work with great actors,
and I love capturing moments of storytelling. “I do have some studio lighting experience,” he continues. “At university, we used Profoto lighting kit and lecturers came in to teach us new skills. But you never stop learning and it has been quite a few years since those days. “I really enjoyed seeing how the Profoto B10 worked and Hannah showed us how to get the most out of it. I loved using the light shaping tools and gels to get really creative and it was great fun way to learn, too,” he says. “The B10 is so lightweight and it’s pretty powerful. If I had the choice I’d go for the B10 Plus for the extra power, just in case. Though, the big thing for me is the portability. You can take a B10 Duo outfit anywhere, so it’s ideal for headshots on location and for weddings, too. It’s a very special system and a breath of fresh air. “I’m so glad to have been selected for this event and I learned so much today, for which I am grateful. So, thank you to Hannah and Profoto for this excellent experience.” amit-gill.format.com
40 Photography News | Issue 83
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