Pushing the Creative Envelope - Two Artists: Finn Beales and Christian van Hanja

Intro by Skip Cohen

Profoto's YouTube channel, just like their blog, is loaded with some incredible artists and a level of creativity that simply becomes jaw-dropping. I've gotten in the habit several times a week of just wandering into their YouTube channel and watching at least 2-3 videos.

What I enjoy the most is the back story on each project. I love seeing the detail that goes into each shoot as the photographers often share with you how they created the image; built the set or just pushed the envelope until they got what they wanted.

For this first one, I was intrigued by the idea of a chocolate cannon. With the video was the following statement:

To put a delicious piece of chocolate in your mouth is to experience a flavor explosion. That’s what it tastes like. But what does it look like? If you were to photograph it, how would you do it? Here’s how photographer Finn Beales did it, with the help of two Profoto B1 Off-Camera Flashes.

Finn Beales has some remarkable work in his galleries. Visit his site and then check out his blog as well. 

Image copyright Finn Beales

The second video is with Christian van Hanja, and he's photographing BMX Bikers in the air. Again, there's a lot of great content packed into just a three minute video. You can also take advantage of YouTube's closed caption feature. Just hit the "CC" button on the bottom right of the frame.

From YouTube:

When you're constantly shifting between different kinds of photography, you need to have lighting equipment you can rely on. Fashion and action photographer Christian van Hanja knows this first hand. Watch him shoot one of the most famous extreme sports events in Europe, coming straight from the studio, with the exact same gear.

Check out more of Christian's work with a visit to his website. His presentation starts out with a spectacular video with time lapse, different videos and still images all put to music. It's a dramatic way to tell his story and includes samples of published work in various magazines.

When Profoto introduced their Off-Camera Flash System, I first heard Bobbi Lane talk about it being a "game-changer". Look at the finished images from both of these outstanding artists. Then, wander into Profoto's YouTube channel and enjoy a few more videos. Each time you'll see incredible results bringing the creativity of talented artists together with Profoto technology!

Visit Profoto's YouTube Channel

Image copyright Christian van Hanja

Image copyright Christian van Hanja