Profoto didn't just introduce a new off camera lighting system a few weeks ago, they introduced a "game-changer" in both technology and photographic education. This video with Charles and Jennifer Maring is the ninth one in the series I've shared here on the SCU site. Each photographer has shared a different aspect of their creativity.  

I've been friends with Charles and Jennifer for a lot of years, going back to Hasselblad and then to my WPPI days. I love the way they've captured the story of three friends on a walk through NYC. As with everything Charles and Jennifer do, there's never room for compromise, not on their lighting, their camera gear or their images. As you watch the video, you'll understand why I had such a hard time picking a few frames to share in this post.

The B2 Off Camera Flash system has given photographers so many new creative tools for so many different applications. Charles talks about how much fun and easy it was to take a B2 system out on the streets of NYC for the day:
 
"One cool thing about the Profoto B2 is that we can be in and out of the location in no time at all...quick, easy, fast!"

Although, Charles does most of the shooting in this video, they're an amazing couple. Having worked with them so many times over the years, I love the way they exchange creative ideas. In the end, it's their joint effort that comes shining through. It's creativity at its very best!
 
Charles and Jennifer need to be on your radar. They have one of the most diverse businesses in professional photography andyou can find out more with a visit to their website. Check out Together in Style, their own talk show, celebrating life and style. Their tag line says it all...

We believe in love and chasing your dreams with passion!

Images copyright Charles and Jennifer Maring. All rights reserved.

Over the last week or two I've done a series of posts all about Profoto's new B2 system, but there are two people who's B2 video I haven't shared yet, my good friends, Justin and Mary Marantz. Last year I shared their entire series, "Walk Through a Wedding" here on the SCU site and then we added, "Walking the Talk" with images from real weddings.

The B2 Off Camera Flash system is a game-changer for so many different applications.  Each of the eighteen photographers involved in the initial launch are sharing a different aspect of what they love the most about this new addition to the Profoto lineup.

In this short video Justin and Mary are working with a couple on an ugly winter evening and the weather couldn't be more of a challenge. It's cold, snowing, wet and they've got minimal time to get the job done before they lose the client altogether!

Besides the usual advantages of portability, ease of use and light quality, Justin made a great comment about TTL in the video...

"TTL really makes our life a lot easier in this situation as distances are changing, the couple is moving...it’s one less thing we have to think about."

That means that he and Mary had more time to just relax and be artists. They've got time to create images from their minds' eye and not be interrupted by thinking through technical issues.
 
Check out Justin and Mary's new site for more great images along with their workshop schedule. I can promise you'll never be disappointed in anything they bring to the "party."

It's only been three weeks since Profoto launched its new lighting system, the B2 Off Camera Flash and it's become one of the most talked about new products in the industry.  It's another game-changer for so many different challenges in photography.

There were eighteen photographers involved in the initial launch, representing some of the finest artists in the world, Jared Platt being one of them. Jared's based in Arizona and as you're about to see, loves to shoot on location. For Jared, the definition of location is literally any place on the planet! In this video he made a comment that really hits home about the B2 system.

"Because I'm an on location photographer, I don't always shoot in the easiest locations. That's why I use the B2 Off Camera Flash, because it's powerful and portable....It's incredibly rewarding to show up in a location where everything seems to be beyond your control and to tame the location and to own the light and create something beautiful."

Jared's an incredible artist and in this video you'll see one example of his definition of a remote location! He's got to have power and portability. In fact, he even mentions the new light modifiers for the B2 and their ability to fit in a backpack, complete with the B2's themselves.

Jared needs to be on your radar. Check out his site to see more of his work and keep an eye on his speaking schedule. He's one of the industry's leading educators, always filling each workshop with the information you need to raise the bar on your images. 

Image copyright Jared Platt. All rights reserved.

It's funny how I consider Mike Allebach a buddy, and yet we've barely had time to ever have a conversation. It started with a guest post from Mike early last year and since then our paths have crossed at conventions and through a few mutual friends. That's the fun of this industry, because I can be president of his fan club, even if I've barely had direct time with him.

Just before WPPI I shared a post and video he did about Jaleel King. It was so well done and gave me a chance to connect you to both artist's websites and more of their work.

At WPPI, Mike was part of the team of 18 artists to help Profoto launch its new lighting system, the B2 Off Camera Flash.  This group represents some of the finest photographers in the world and I want to kick off this week with Mike's video.

Typical of Mike, his video takes the photographic experience one step beyond the incredible technology that went into the development of the B2 system. Mike not only demonstrated why he loves the B2 and its capabilities, but tied in an important aspect of being a photographer...

"I believe that photos have the power to heal. I've personally experienced how photo shoots with cancer survivors can change their outlook."

Mike needs to be on your radar. Check out his website , his blog and his business site, Brandsmash. He's not only a great photographer/artist, but the guy can write and Brandsmash offers some outstanding help for photographers to build a stronger business and you guessed it, brand!

Images copyright Mike Allebach. All rights reserved.

AT WPPI, Profoto launched its new lighting system, the B2 Off Camera Flash.  There were eighteen photographers involved in the initial launch, representing some of the finest artists in the world. 

I'm a huge fan of Vanessa Joy's and she's been an active contributor here at SCU. Having lived in New Jersey for a huge part of my life I'm also a big fan of anybody who can deal with winter weather! 

I love Vanessa's comments about portability and the challenges of working with a bride this time of year and yet still being able to maintain her signature style. She's one of the best wedding photographers in the world and in this short video, if you don't know her already, you'll start to understand why.

"The Profoto b2's have solved all of my problems when it comes to portablility and ease of use. No stands, smaller light modifiers and portability you just can't beat."

When you watch the video you'll see what Vanessa's talking about as her assistant fights the wind on a winter day at a bridal shoot! Vanessa needs to be on your radar. You'll find more of her work on her website. And, if you see she's speaking at a workshop or program near you, run don't walk to get a seat.

This week I'm having a blast sharing the videos related to Profoto's launch of the new B2 Off Camera Flash system. Jaleel King, featured in a post just a couple of weeks ago, is the third photographer in the team of eighteen whose work I want to share with you.

It's another perfect example of the B2's ease of use, portability and functionality, even in the coldest of weather. That shot of Jaleel, in his warmest hat, isn't blurry, that's his breath on a freezing day in NYC! He wanted to be able to work quickly and without any more stress than the cold weather was already causing. He said something really interesting...

"Thanks to the B2 being so light I was actually able to hand-hold one light while shooting with one hand, with little to no problem.  This is not something that's afforded with every system, especially when you're talking about high speed sync and TTL...again one less thing I have to deal with."

Check out more of Jaleel's work with a visit to his website.

Images copyright Jaleel King. All rights reserved.

In yesterday's post, featuring Sal Cincotta in China, I mentioned "a phenomenal announcement and introduction made about a completely new lighting system, Profoto's B2 family."  Well, Tamara Lackey is the second photographer in the team of eighteen whose work I want to share with you here at SCU. 

It's a short video, so take the time to appreciate some of the quick tips Tamara is sharing about on location work.  As always, Profoto has packed a lot into this video to help you raise the bar on the quality of your own work.  

This is such a great example of true "on location" photography and why Profoto's B1 and new B2 systems are being called "game-changers".  It's cold, it's winter and Tamara's standing in the middle of the river. Of course, it's also a great example of Tamara's skill set, her gear and knowing which lenses she wants for the shoot!

Last week there was a phenomenal announcement and introduction made of a complete new lighting system, Profoto's B2 family.  There are eighteen of the best photographers in the world kicking off the introduction and I want to share one outstanding video in each post.

They're short videos, so please take the time to watch them.  As always, Profoto doesn't just produce an infomercial, but a content piece to help you raise the bar on the quality of your own work. The first video I want to share is thanks to Sal Cincotta and he said something that really says it all...

I travel all over the world shooting weddings and portraits. 
I need something that's portable, the smaller the footprint the better...
Sal Cincotta