Photo session with the Profoto B10 flash / video light
The real appeal of the Profoto B10 flash (B&H / Amazon), isn’t just that you have a powerful (yet compact) flash – the extra appeal is that you have a powerful video light as well. This makes it easier to change it up during a photo session. As light levels fall, you could go from using the flash to using the video light … without having to change your light source.
Let’s have a look at some examples from a recent photo session – which took place after a surprise proposal! I had arranged with Rachit that I would be ready at a specific place with a nice view of the Manhattan skyline, where he would slowly lead his girlfriend, Diti, and then propose to her.
To not give the game away, I sat nearby with my Sony A9 (B&H / Amazon), and the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G lens (B&H / Amazon). With the Sony A9 the silent shutter would be invaluable, along with being able to tilt the screen so that I didn’t have to lift the camera to my face. This way I could work surreptitiously for the first few minutes.
- All the preceding images were shot at:
1/400 @ f/4 @ 800 ISO — available light - Sony A9 (B&H / Amazon)
- Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G lens (B&H / Amazon)
The initial sequence of photos were shot with the Sony A9 … and then for the photo session itself, I switched to the Nikon D5 which I am more familiar with. And I added the Profoto B10 flash (B&H), diffused with the Profoto OCF Beauty Dish (24″) (B&H / Amazon). With the off-camera flash, I could bring down the ambient exposure, and punch up the sky somewhat for dramatic effect. Compare these two photos to see the difference between using only the ambient light, and controlling the exposure with flash. Both images work … but they especially liked the image with the more dramatic sky.
- 1/250 @ f/5.6 @ 100 ISO – with the profoto B10 as flash
- Nikon D5 (B&H / Amazon)
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E VR (B&H / Amazon)
- Profoto B10 flash (B&H / Amazon)
- Profoto OCF Beauty Dish (24″) (B&H / Amazon)
- 1/250 @ f/5.6 @ 200 ISO – with the profoto B10 as flash
- Nikon D5 (B&H / Amazon)
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E VR (B&H / Amazon)
- Profoto B10 flash (B&H / Amazon)
- Profoto OCF Beauty Dish (24″) (B&H / Amazon)
Then as the light levels dropped into the evening, I didn’t need as strong a light. I removed the diffuser from the front of the OCF Beauty Dish, and used the video light option of the Profoto B10. I kept the OCF Beauty Dish on to help spread the light, and also because it was easier to carry it around, still attached to the flash.
- 1/100 @ f/2.8 @ 3200 ISO – with the Profoto B10 as video light
- Nikon D5 (B&H / Amazon)
- Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 AF-S VR II (B&H / Amazon)
- Profoto B10 flash (B&H / Amazon)
- Profoto OCF Beauty Dish (24″) (B&H / Amazon) – with the diffuser removed
Not quite a pull-back shot, but in this photo below, you can see the edge of the OCF Beauty Dish – this will give you an idea of where it was positioned.
- 1/100 @ f/2.8 @ 3200 ISO – with the Profoto B10 as video light
- Nikon D5 (B&H / Amazon)
- Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 AF-S VR II (B&H / Amazon)
- Profoto B10 flash (B&H / Amazon)
- Profoto OCF Beauty Dish (24″) (B&H / Amazon) – with the diffuser removed
The beauty of Profoto B10 flash (B&H) is that it works as both a flash and a video light – and you can even switch it off too, and only use the available light! So many options open to you as the photographer. How cool is that?
Summary
As mentioned, the The Profoto B10 (B&H) is a remarkably versatile flash in a really compact form – you get a powerful flash, and a powerful video light (with variable WB). If you photograph weddings and events, you’re going to love this!
You can order the Profoto B10 via these affiliate links
The Profoto B10 basic kit also includes:
Related articles
- video review: Profoto B10 flash
- Profoto B10 flash – a first look
- Comparing the power of the Profoto B10
- Profoto B10 flash – Creativity Unleashed
- review: Profoto A1 flash – video review
Lovely set of images Neil.
Particularly like the use of flash to add more drama to the sky.
The B10 looks like a fine piece of kit.
Curious to see how long you’ll be using 2 systems in parallel….
For the time beng, I’ll run the Sony system parallel to my Nikon system – especially because I have a huge Nikon system, and I’m happy with it.
Also, I’m not sure yet of the ruggedness of the Sony A9 /A7iii cameras yet. Alive seen too many stories about hotshoe problems with the A9. We’ll see.
The A9 hotshoe issue was a manufacturing defect that was fixed under a free recall. My two A9’s had this issue. Not to say the build quality is perfect but this should no longer be a problem.
I already preordered it. I use the B1 now and will probably continue that to overpower the sun and I usually have an assistant. I’m thinking this smaller and lighter unit will be perfect for engagement sessions where I’m by myself and weddings where I don’t need to overpower the sun. Is it really only the size of a 70-200 lens? I can’t imagine too many people ordering a B2 after this is released.
It really is shorter than a 70-200mm f/2.8 but it is a little bit more chunky.
Neil, I’m wondering how the A1 would have worked in this situation?. It would have been interesting to have been able to compare the A1 and the B10. I understand the A1 would not have helped as a video light.
I haven’t done any direct testing between the Profoto A1 and B10,
but if I interpolate from this previous article comparing the power of a 500W/s studio light with that of a speedlight, I found that studio flash to be nearly the same power as 8 speedlights.
In the same way, with the Profoto B10 being half a stop less powerful than the Profoto B1, I would say the Profoto B10 is probably going to deliver the same juice as 5 or 6 speedlights. But someone would have to properly confirm this.
How to removed the diffuser from the front of the OCF octa ?
Hi there … I made a mistake in listing the gear. It wasn’t the OCF Octa (which has a fixed diffuser) – it was the OCF Beauty Dish (24″) which has a removable cover. I have fixed the text now to reflect that. Sorry about any confusion.
The shot of his cheek hidden behind hers is just wonderful. It’s so real and warm. Love it.