I'm betting most of you haven't taken the time to visit Profoto's site and learn about all of the various light-shaping tools they've created for their off-camera flash systems. It's pretty remarkable, because with each accessory you can see the "without" and then the "with" comparisons of each unique image.  Here's a prime example with something as simple as their OCF Grid Kit...

The OCF Grid Kit is a small and super portable kit consisting of a holder and three different honeycomb grids.

Attach any of the three grids in front of the off-camera flash to reduce its light spread to either 10°, 20° or 30°. This gives you a direct, circular shape of light that can be used for many applications, such as accent or hair light, intriguing background effects or simply for controlling stray light.

The grids are easily attached to off-camera flash in a matter of seconds. Each grid can also be used together with the OCF Snoot and the OCF Barndoor, thanks to a unique stacking system.   

The B1 and B2 are complete off-camera flash systems and the key word is "systems".    

Check out the entire family of Light Shaping Tools that have made Profoto the leader in professional photography. There are more than 150 tools available - soft light, hard light, flattering light, dramatic light and the list goes on and on. And, it's easier than you think. Just snap the tool directly to the front of your flash and you're ready to go!                 

Even if you've never actually met Dixie Dixon, there's enough material out there for you to have learned at least one thing about her...she never compromises on quality, in anything she does. That includes her choice of lighting gear and in this recent video below, published last month, she's using Profoto's B1 Off Camera Flash System in a cold and drafty warehouse.  

Right out of the gate she talks about the advantage of no cords and portability. She's working in a warehouse as if she were in a studio environment. Over and over again, every photographer who's used the B1s or B2s comes back with the same "it's a game changer" attitude.  The portability and quality of these lights allows them to do things that previously would have required a monumental effort.

One of the things I've loved about every one of these Profoto videos is the quality of the content. You can actually learn a lot in three minutes as Dixie orchestrates one set up after another, giving her bridal images her signature touch of fashion.

Dixie should be on your radar. Check out her website along with more of her videos. You need to keep track of Profoto too. There's a lot of terrific content on their blog every week, along with workshops, webinars and videos.  

And, if you were at ShutterFest last week, you hopefully had a chance to see a lot of their gear in action for yourself. Profoto plays an important role in photographic education today and is working hard to help photographers raise the bar on the quality of their images.

                               Just click the tab below to check out Profoto's complete Off Camera Flash System.

Images copyright Dixie Dixon. All rights reserved.

J.P. Elario's video with the B2 system was the very first one I shared, but I feel like it got lost in the excitement of Profoto's B2 launch at WPPI. So, for a number of reasons I want to bring it back and give you a chance to really savor J.P.'s technique as he takes you through a whole series of different lighting set ups.

Plus, it's Spring and as the snow and ugliness of this past winter slowly disappears, it's important to remember to never let the weather hold back your creativity!

Profoto has knocked it out of the park with the new B2 Off Camera Flash System. Put it together with the B1 and you've got two major "game changers".  Now think about what you've got the potential to do with a skill set like J.P.'s.

For me, there's a really fun sidebar I want to share. I've pretty much watched J.P. grow up in this industry. He was a teenager when my good buddy Joe Elario, his Dad, brought him to PPE in New York for the first time. Over the years I've watched him grow as an artist and a business man. He's made it a point to stay cutting edge, but one of his secrets has nothing to do with his skill set.

J.P.'s style of working with his clients simply makes him habit-forming. While he's primarily a wedding photographer, there's really nothing he can't shoot. However, whatever the subject you can count on there being no shortage of passion in his creativity! His clients love working with him and as you watch the video you'll understand more about why.

J.P. needs to be on your radar. Check out the Elario site, follow his blog and make it a point to catch up to him the next time you see him on the convention schedule as a speaker. You'll never be disappointed.

Images copyright J.P. Elario. All rights reserved.