Last week and right on time, Profoto introduced the new B10. I shared the trailer video for the launch featuring Two Mann Studios and Joseph Radhik last Wednesday. But, there's a lot more to the story, and I like the way Profoto's put this backstory video together about the B10 and why it's a significant part of the family.
 
Going back to my roots at Polaroid and working with many other companies in the industry over the years, so often new products were introduced by accident, rather than through research and defining an actual need and benefit. I love this background video on the new B10 because it introduces you to the thought process behind the product. It's not an accident but is well-defined with a purpose and benefit to helping photographers control the light.

The video gives you a chance to meet the people involved, and they've made sure they don't miss anything in the development process from the B10 itself to the compatible accessories and even the design of the backpack. I love the comment from Jacob von Matern, the designer of the pack, "Because like the B10 the bag too has to work flawlessly. It's a combination of all the details in perfect harmony."​

It's time to get yourself into a Profoto dealer and check out what all the buzz is about. Just click on the banner below to learn more about the B10. Profoto never slows down in helping photographers raise the bar on the quality of their images and their ability to control the light wherever they go!

Last week I shared a post from Profoto that was just a teaser about something new coming on September 12. Well, true to form and always keeping their promises, meet the new B10! Just a little bigger than a medium-sized zoom lens, here's Profoto's opening description:

Size matters, it does. Because how much gear you have to carry matters. How much space you have to set up and work in matters. Being able to move fast, getting in, getting out and nailing the shot matters.

That's why when Profoto set out to create the Profoto B10, their brand new cordless off-camera flash, the company first considered size. Or rather, a lack of it. “We designed the B10 to be small,” said Göran Marén, Product Manager at Profoto. “Just a little bigger than a medium-sized zoom lens. That means you can fit it in your bag with the rest of your gear and because it’s cordless and lightweight, it’s easy to bring and set up anywhere. That said, this is in every way a Profoto light, so the power and quality of light is essential.”

Two of my favorite images shared with the B10 announcement are from Two Mann Studios and Joseph Radhik. If you've followed the SCU blog, their work isn't new to you. They're award-winning wedding photographers who never compromise on the quality of their images. Click on either image to see visit their website and see more of their work.

In Profoto's new B10 section on their website, there's a statement that combined with Profoto's legendary reputation for quality and performance says it all:

And, this short two-minute video will give you an even better perspective on the size of the B10 and how it really is designed to make life easier!

Click on the banner below and meet the newest member of the family. Then get into a Profoto dealer and find out how the B10 can join your family!

I LOVE teaser campaigns and nobody does it better than Profoto!  We've all heard the expression, "good things come in small packages." Check out the short video tied in with this announcement that came out yesterday and then circle September 12 on your calendar! 

All of us know technology never stands still, and that certainly sums up Profoto's never-ending focus on groundbreaking lighting products. Click on the light above and link to the announcement, then watch the twenty second video!

Another game-changer is about to hit the industry!

One of the things I love about all the content shared on Profoto's blog, and YouTube channel is that the information is timeless. There is no expiration date on technique, passion for the craft or an understanding of lighting.

As the leader in lighting technology, they're dedicated to making sure their support to the photographic community is just as remarkable as their product line. They never slow down sharing great content featuring some of the most respected and talented photographers in the world.

In this short video featuring fashion photographer Pauline Darley, she puts Profoto's B2 Off-Camera Flash System to work. She shares a lot of great insight in this video, and you can learn so much watching another photographer at work. ​
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This quote from the video says it all, and sums up why so many photographers love working with their Profoto gear...consistent performance.

In a professional's work, consistency is everything!
Pauline Darley

This video was part of a terrific blog post originally. Click on any of Pauline Darley's images to read the complete story.

If you haven't visited a Profoto dealer, isn't it time to find out what all the buzz is about. Just click on the banner below for information about the complete Profoto line, and while you're visiting their website, stop by "Inspiration" for some of the most dynamic content in imaging.

There's so much incredible content in the Profoto archives on YouTube. Hundreds of videos, each with an ability to help you fine-tune your technique and elevate your skill set. I may have missed sharing this video from Pye Jirsa last year, but that doesn't change it's relevance to the images so many of you are working to capture today.

In eight minutes he's not only packed in ten different ways to shoot the same scene but with each one he's given you all the specs on his setup. Again and again, he shares the "recipe" for the image, and while most of you won't be shooting at the top of a mountain range, it doesn't change how much you can learn from watching a great educator at work.

Check out more of Pye's educational support for photographers with a visit to his teaching website. As one of the co-founders of SLRLounge.com, Pye always walks the talk when it comes to education and working to help photographers better support each other. He never compromises on his gear, the quality of his images or his passion for education and the industry.

Profoto never slows down in their product development or their efforts to help photographers raise the bar on their skill set.

Check out the Profoto B2 and find out what all the buzz is about. 

It's the off-camera flash system that literally goes just about anywhere! Click on the B2 banner to the right for more information and to find a dealer near you.

There's so much outstanding content being shared all year long on Profoto's website. Well, now and then I miss something that deserves to be shared. While it might have been released last fall, this blog post and video featuring Vanessa Joy are loaded with great information that, like Vanessa, is always relevant.

Vanessa shares a lot of "how-to" information in this short video. It's a solid reminder that your success as an artist is dependent on your ability to control the light rather than waiting as the light controls you!

                        "The world is my studio because with the A1 I can  
​                             bring that natural light look wherever I go!"

Enjoy the video and click on any of Vanessa's images in this post to read the entire story on Profoto's "Inspiration."​

Check out Vanessa's video and then check out her website and make sure she's on your radar. She's always doing something cutting edge and linking to her website is just a click away. 

Profoto never slows down in their quest to develop great educational videos with a wide variety of artists and topics. I love this short piece featuring Albert Watson and one of his most iconic images.

There's so much solid content in this 1 1/2 minute video.  Remember, this image was captured in 1973 - forty-five years ago! No digital image to "chimp;" shot on film and all in manual mode on whatever gear Albert was using at the time. 

Most of you probably don't remember the image when it first came out, but it's another iconic portrait and there a few things that I love about it. First, it's black and white. Second, is Albert's concept behind the image and why, which he talks about in the video and third, Alfred Hitchcock was photographed by one of today's most significant contemporary artists.

Albert Watson's work is timeless because he's made it a point always to stay relevant. 
 
"Albert’s visual language follows his own distinctive rules and concepts of quality. With their brilliance, urgency, even grandeur, his photographs stand out so clearly against the world of today’s images. His way of lighting subjects, especially the fetish objects and portraits, creates a nearly meditative atmosphere in the photographs. Without a doubt, Albert Watson is an artist who greatly enriches our perception with his unique photographic view."

Check out more of Albert Watson's backstory with a click on his image above. It's part of an outstanding post by Clare Gillsäter. And, while you're there, you'll find Profoto's Inspiration tab a terrific resource about some of the finest artists in photography today.

Time to find out more about Profoto's extensive product line? Find a Profoto dealer near you with a click on the banner below.

Obviously, I started this mini-podcast series because Profoto is an SCU partner and I love their products, reputation, and support to the professional photographic community. But, there's been a side-benefit - each short podcast, typically 5-10 minutes has given you a chance to meet another photographer. 

We all know the names of the six artists featured on EDU10 so far this year, but listening to their comments about how they shoot, light their subjects and even a few of the challenges gives a blog post a new dimension. Best of all it provides you as a reader a little more insight into the importance of great lighting and creativity.

Click on any of the featured images below to listen to some of the most respected artists and educators in professional photography today. You just might be surprised at some of their stories and how Profoto is changing the way they capture some of their most favorite images.

Profoto has changed the way photographers work today, removing virtually all of the normal limitations on lighting. They've given photographers the ability to control the light - anywhere - and at the same time expand their creativity and capture some of the finest photographs in the world.

Find out what all the buzz about with a visit to your Profoto dealer, starting with their website - it's all just a click away.

I've often said the fun of this industry has little to do with photography but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. Well, it's time to meet one of the nicest guys in photography, John Cornicello. Although John and I had known of each other and shared a number of good friends for many years, it wasn't until my two-day marketing program on CreativeLive in 2012 we actually had a chance to meet. 

Recently I discovered his book on Amazon, Anatomy of a Studio Portrait. Usually a title like that means the basics - exposure, composition and lighting. Well, John never does anything halfway and this book is one of the most thorough I've ever read.

There are thirteen chapters covering all the ingredients to consider when creating a stunning portrait, even the backdrop, aspect ratio and depth of field.

However, the most fun for me when it comes to friends in this industry is digging back to their roots.  From 1985 to 1991, ABC, A&E, and The Travel Channel aired a weekly half-hour TV show for photographers called “World of Photography.”  I went and did a little digging and found the video of John below from thirty years ago.

Technology has changed a lot over the last three decades, but not John's demeanor, passion for the craft or his dedication to quality and education. ​Check out the book with a click on any of the images in this post and you'll also find John as a regular on many past episodes of CreativeLive along with his own channel of 39 videos. Just wander over to YouTube.

In this new episode, Tony shares a recent experience of an on-location shoot and some remarkable results relying on Profoto TTL.

He's shooting with the Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System and the B1X. For more information on the B1X, just click the thumbnail to the left.  See more of Tony's work and check out his workshop schedule with a click on any of his images in today's post.

Profoto never slows down on their focus on education, and this recently shared video and blog post with John Russo is jam-packed with examples of great lighting technique.  Watch the video below and then click on the images above to link to the article in Inspiration.

With the above image..."of actor Kate Beckinsale, John picked a short lighting pattern because he found it to be more flattering to the shape of her face." The article goes on to share classic lighting patterns, one after another of broad light, split light, loop light, Rembrandt light and butterfly light. 

Visiting John's website and seeing more of his work is just a click away!

Inspiration needs to be on your radar. Every article is filled with good solid content to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images and expand your skill set, especially in lighting. And, check out more about the D2 together with the rest of the amazing Profoto product line.

I've said this numerous times before - Profoto doesn't just building outstanding lighting gear, they're helping to "build" some of the finest artists!

Skip Cohen

If you haven't visited Inspiration on the Profoto blog, you're missing a terrific opportunity to spend a little time getting to know some wonderfully talented artists. 

Meet Meg Loeks, a Michigan based photographer primarily specializing in children and family. She's an artist, author, educator, a Clickin Moms Mentor and gets a lot of her inspiration from her children and the outdoors. "Meg is drawn to environmental portraiture, lifestyle photography, landscapes, low light and color."

And, like so many of you she's a natural light photographer and wrote:

So, Meg went to work learning how to better control her environment and began working with Profoto's A1.

Check out the rest of Meg's story on the Profoto website and then put her blog and website on your radar. There are also two more videos  in addition to the one below and they're just a click away.

You can enjoy more of Meg's work and also check out her workshop schedule with a visit to her website. 

And, find out more of what all the buzz is about with the A1, the world's smallest studio light.

​Profoto never slows down in manufacturing the very best in lighting equipment or in their educational efforts to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. Click on the A1 to the right for more information.

Repeatedly photographers, when talking about Profoto lighting, have used the words "game changers," but those words apply just as much to the staff as they do to their Off-Camera Flash System. The members of the Profoto team set the standard for support. So, I thought it would be fun to start a series of very short podcasts to introduce you to some outstanding artists and share how Profoto's changed the way they capture their images.

Sponsored by ProfotoUSA, EDU10 is one more example of how Profoto never slows down on their focus to help photographers raise the bar on the quality of their images. Thanks to support from some incredible artists and educators, we're sharing more ideas to help you expand your mind's eye visions on all the possibilities in lighting.

What a kick to have Sue Bryce join me on this new episode. She's an incredibly talented artist, educator, business owner and inspiration to so many of us in the industry. And, through Sue Bryce Education she's helping thousands of photographers not only develop a stronger skill set but a business model that's designed to help them be more successful, profitable and efficient.

Check out SueBryce Education with a click on any portrait above, and if you're looking for a remarkable educational opportunity, there are a handful of tickets left for The Portrait Masters 2018 conference in Phoenix.

Isn't it time you visited a Profoto dealer and found out what all the buzz is about? The worldwide dealer locator is just a click away on the B1X banner below. Profoto's not only a leader in education, but the leader in lighting technology offering photographers some of the most creative tools in the history of photography.

Profoto manufactures some of the finest lighting equipment in the world, but they also stay focused on excellent education and creative ways to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. This short video is part of their "Master Series" on YouTube. It's an interview with Albert Watson, and I've shared a couple of their previously released background stories here at SCU.

While we all know and recognize so many of his images, there's something remarkable about hearing the story directly from Albert. And, there's a sidebar to every story which further emphasizes the importance of knowing your gear and the craft. The final image of "Golden Boy" was the result of two Polaroids and only four frames. That's all Albert Watson had to work with when the subject didn't want to be photographed any longer. (Remember, this image was captured in 1990. There was no digital photography and the Polaroids were the only way to get a proof shot before the final image.)

To read the complete article that goes with the video below, click on "Golden Boy" to the right.

If you haven't visited Profoto's YouTube channels, it's time to wander over. There are 147 videos in the ProfotoUS channel and 216 in the Profoto Global channel. While there's some overlap, you'll find a wealth of unique content and information on both channels to help you become a better photographer! Hit the subscribe button to stay on top of every new release!

And, if you haven't checked out all the inspirational stories on the Profoto website, what are you waiting for? Every week there's new content being added giving you a chance to be inspired at your own pace from some of the finest photographers and educators around the world.

It's pretty amazing how much great educational material is on the Internet, and Profoto leads the way in content rich short videos to help you raise the bar on your skill set. They also lead the way in adding to the creative tools photographers have available today, especially in controlling light.

I love sharing these short Profoto videos because each one allows you to meet another artist. In just two minutes it's packed with good content, and if you're results oriented, each image gives you another perspective in on-location portraiture.

"Hong Kong based photographer Chan Kit creates passionate couple portraits in four different lighting conditions, eternalizing each moment from dawn to dusk." 

Pay close attention to Chan's style in the video below. He's working with the B2, OCF Beauty Dish, and AirTTL under four completely different conditions. Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System not only allows artists the ability to control lighting no matter where they go but also to fulfill each mind's eye vision with maximum creativity and success.

Over the last few years, Profoto's technology has consistently been a "game changer." So, I wanted to have some fun with a series of very short podcasts to not only introduce you to some outstanding artists but to share how Profoto's changed the way photographers light their subjects.

EDU10 is sponsored by ProfotoUSA, who never slows down on their focus to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. Today you've got the best and most number of creative tools in the history of photography. With the help of some incredible artists and educators, we're sharing more ideas to help you expand your mind's eye visions on all the possibilities in lighting.

Michael Anthony joins me on this new episode. He's an award-winning wedding artist, educator, business owner, and writer. Profoto's Off-Flash System has created an environment for him with virtually no limitations on any event or portrait he photographs.

While I don't usually share video's with EDU10 podcasts, check out this short video with Michael talking about three different sessions with a bridal client. I shared it recently as a stand-alone post, but there's so much solid content here, and if you haven't seen it, you can learn a lot watching another artist in action.  ​

There's an outstanding contest going on right now as well. Here's your chance to win $10,000 of Michael's Profoto gear and registration at his two-day workshop!  And, check out more of Michael's work with a click on his image above. ​

Last year Profoto launched a fantastic series of short videos, Tiny Talks. I've shared a lot of them but recently discovered a few I missed.  One of them is this four-minute piece with editorial and advertising photographer, Clay Cook.

Clay's based out of Louisville, KY, but he spends a good portion of his life traveling all over the world. Together with Profoto, Clay packs a lot of good content into this short video.

Bobbi Lane, when the B1 first came out, referred to the system as "The Game Changer." Well, here we are a few years later, and Clay's making the same point.

​He shares some terrific insight into the ease of traveling with a B2 Off-Camera Flash everywhere. Clay couldn't do a better job in explaining the beauty of the simplicity of his lighting setup as well as how he likes to enhance the ambient light. 

Check out more of Clay's work with a visit to his website. Just click on either of the images above.

Profoto never slows down in developing new products to help photographers build a stronger skill set and raise the bar on their creativity and quality of their images. They also never slow down on education and you'll find an incredible resource of information on their YouTube channel.
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​Isn't time you checked out the lighting gear that sets the standard for quality and performance? Click on any thumbnail below for more information!

Last Fall I started working with a pretty remarkable startup company, Illuminati Instruments. Like so many companies, projects and events in our industry we often get involved because we know the players, believe in the technology or there's just something that draws us in. 

Well, for me it's a little of everything. First, I've known the "players" for years, and in fact, Rudy Guttosch and I worked together back in my Hasselblad days. Second, I have incredible respect for the technology, and third, this is a product designed for efficiency and affordability!

Most of you know I don't make a living as a photographer - my love for this industry is helping you with the business and marketing side of life. Yet, here I am passionate about a product that can help you become better at your craft with an investment that isn't going to break the bank.

Check out the two very short videos below, and remember, when Tony Corbell, the "King of Lighting" steps up to the plate to support anything in our industry it's based on his passion for the craft and integrity. You'll find more great information and have the ability to order your own Illuminati Meter with a click on the banner above. 

And a BIG congrats to the Illuminati team. I couldn't be more proud to be hanging out with you guys!

We've all seen the impact of the Internet and the way it's changed the way we share images, exchange information, build friendships and expand our reach to a global audience. But, I'm still surprised at the number of photographers who don't take full advantage of the Internet's educational potential. 

Understanding lighting is one of the creative skills that genuinely separates the amateur from the true professional. It's a dead giveaway when an artist refers to themselves as a "natural light specialist." In other words, they've chosen to not learn more about lighting.

Profoto has never slowed down in their efforts to help photographers raise the bar on their skill set and capture stunning images. At the top of great artists who understand lighting is California based wedding photographer, Michael Anthony. He doesn't compromise on the quality of anything in his life, including his images and relationships with clients.

I hope you'll take the next five minutes and kick back and enjoy this short video. Just like this video, Michael and Jennifer exceed the expectations of their clients.  And, keep in mind they both changed careers from law enforcement and nursing to start a career in professional photography. They've made sure they understand every aspect needed to capture incredible images and build a successful business.

"Light is the essential component in storytelling."
Michael Anthony

This video is part of Profoto's Inspiration Series and one small part of the company's support of Internet education.. Click on the image at the top to link to the complete blog post about the shoot and then make sure Profoto's blog and their YouTube channel are both on your radar. And check out Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System full collection of light-shaping products with a trip to your Profoto retailer or rental house!

I started this series of short podcasts to not only introduce you to some outstanding artists but to share how Profoto's technology has continued to change the way photographers light their subjects.

​There are more creative tools for photographers today than at any time in the 175+ year history of photography, and Profoto has certainly contributed to those tools.  Edu10 is sponsored by ProfotoUSA, who never slows down on their focus to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images.

Ana Brandt joins me on this new episode. As one of the industry's leading maternity and newborn artists, she sets the standard for everything from her images to the relationships she builds with her clients...and more. It's not just her images that capture the personalities of her subjects, but her role as an educator, business owner, and innovator who sets the standard for an industry she loves dearly both as a photographer and a designer.

"Ana Brandt was the first photographer in the world to design, create and market Maternity gowns to the Photography Industry 13 years ago. She revolutionized the Maternity Photographer industry by setting the design standard for Maternity gowns and use of fabrics for client sessions. Her store www.shopanabrandt.com has shipped her gowns to over 100 countries worldwide."

Earlier this year I shared an outstanding Profoto video of Ana working with her clients. It's just a click away. In less than five minutes Profoto and Ana share a lot of excellent content, along with an opportunity to watch the B1X Off-Camera Flash System and Ana in action.

​Ana's also responsible for one of my favorite quotes: