Loaded with features I need and love, the new Profoto A10 blows my mind. I can shoot with the A10 flash using virtually any device and that is incredible! I carry my camera around with me a good majority of the time, but there are moments when it’s just not feasible to have with me, especially when I’m chasing after four little children. I can use the new Bluetooth connectivity with AirX to control settings and shoot with my phone. That is huge because I’m able to create gorgeous, natural light shooting with any device I have handy.
I love that I can use the Profoto A10 with any camera (even my phone).
I love that I’m able to create natural-looking light seamlessly using the Profoto A10 together with any device. Whether it’s my camera or iPhone, I can synch to the A10 using the new Bluetooth connectivity with AirX. I’m able to easily control settings without having to disrupt the flow of the shoot. This is especially important when working with little ones like my daughter where moments are incredibly fleeting.
Behind shot 1: Creating smooth and gradual fall-off
This idea for this photo was inspired by the painting “Sweet Dreams” by Sophie Anderson. The idea was to mimic the soft lamplight, similar to the lighting in the painting. It was a quick and easy setup that only took a couple minutes to achieve. In this image, I placed the Profoto A10 off camera on a chair. To soften the light, I used a dome diffuser and shot through the white sheets. My camera was placed on a tripod with the interval timer set. To focus, I placed an object where I would be sitting before getting into the frame.
The strength of the light was set fairly high to 8.1 for more dramatic lighting, and the white sheets surrounding us softened the shadows for a smoother, gradual light fall-off.
One thing I absolutely love is the ability to control the strength of the light from my phone, so I don’t need to interrupt the moment by getting up to change my settings.
Behind shot 2: Easily natural
It’s important for me to be able to create natural light easily and efficiently in my everyday life, and this self-portrait is a perfect example of that. I created this growth chart from an old board taken from a fort my husband played in as a child. It’s now full of marks and etches that each hold a little of my family’s history. Every year on their birthdays, my children look forward to seeing how much they’ve grown. It’s an important part of our story that I want to document.
To create this image, I placed the Profoto A10 on a light stand at a 90-degree angle from us. I used the dome diffuser attachment to soften the light, and then placed a Profoto large Umbrella Deep White L on the stand to bounce and further soften the light.
I also hung a white sheet on the opposite side of the frame to soften the shadows. Then, I placed my camera on a tripod with the interval timer set.
More reasons I love the Profoto A10:
1. It has a round flash head for a natural looking light spread and smooth light fall-off. Plus, the 90-degree tilt and 360-degree rotation options mean I can basically point the light wherever I need it.
2. It’s compatible with tons of other Profoto accessories, like the Clic light shaping tools and Air remotes.
3. I can control it using the Profoto App on my Smartphone (game changer!).
4. The flash recycles super fast (because, little kids are fast), so I never miss a shot.
5. It’s very user friendly and intuitive.
6. The high-capacity, rechargeable battery lasts much longer than regular AA batteries (up to four times longer) with no performance fade when the battery gets low. Plus, it recharges fast.
Compatible versions available for Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm cameras. Price starts at $1,095.
Photos by Meg Loeks
This is a sponsored post, but opinions are those of the author.
I was wondering if you have a class that I could take if I purchase the A10? I bought Alien Bees several years ago and I kind of learned how to use them, but they are so cumbersome to pull out and set up. I am hoping for something that much easier to use on the fly?