Light is more than just its intensity: it’s its shape that defines the atmosphere of an image. Thanks to the Profoto B20 and its compatibility with a wide range of modelers, photographers have a veritable field of experimentation at their disposal.
Discover three simple and effective ways to shape light, to adapt your setups to every shooting situation.
Table of contents
1. Profoto OCF Magnum Reflector: Maximum power and versatility
The OCF Magnum Reflector stands out for its ability to boost flash power while maintaining precise control over light direction. Depending on the setting chosen, it can offer up to two additional f-stops of light, making it an effective ally for outdoor shots or large spaces.
Thanks to its integrated zoom system, it’s easy to adjust the beam spread. By moving the flash forward or back in the reflector, you can obtain a more concentrated, directional light, or on the contrary, a wider, more enveloping light.
Hard light is often dreaded because of the shadows it creates, yet when properly mastered, it brings relief, intensity and texture to the image. Used with precision, OCF Magnum Reflector becomes an excellent choice for high-contrast portraits and images with strong character.
Why choose the Magnum OCF reflector?
- Increases light output by up to 2 f-stops
- Zoom function to adjust light distribution: narrow or wide beam
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for outdoor work
- Perfect for high-contrast, high-impact lighting
When should I use this Profoto modeler?
The OCF Magnum Reflector is particularly useful:
- for outdoor shots, when you need more power
- for high-contrast images with strong shadows
- when you’re working with a single light source and need a strong, precise beam
2. Profoto Softbox Octa 3′: The ideal balance of soft, controlled light
The Profoto Softbox 3′ Octa Silver (90 cm) is easy to install thanks to its integrated speedring and produces soft, even light.
Its circular shape creates natural reflections in the subject’s eyes, making it an excellent choice for portrait photography. Its design guarantees even light edges, whether soft or more pronounced, making it particularly suitable for portraits, fashion and beauty.
Why choose the Octa 3′ Softbox?
With its 90 cm diameter, the Profoto Softbox 3′ Octa offers an excellent balance between portability and light quality. Larger, it would be difficult to handle outdoors; smaller, it would lack coverage.
This intermediate format provides soft, natural, well-directed light, while remaining easy to transport and quick to install thanks to its integrated speed ring. Its reinforced construction also makes it suitable for outdoor use, even in demanding conditions.
When should I use this Profoto modeler?
The Octa 3′ Softbox is ideal:
- for portraits, close-ups and beauty shots
- when you need soft but directional light
- in confined spaces, where a larger softbox would be difficult to use
3. Profoto Deep Silver Umbrella: Versatile, fast and flexible
The Profoto Deep Silver Umbrella is a safe choice, even outdoors, thanks to its versatility and quick set-up. Its deep shape allows you to control the spread of light: by adjusting the distance between the umbrella and the source, you can achieve anything from a hard, high-contrast light to a softer, more diffused one.
The silver interior enhances contrast, sharpens shadows and improves light efficiency compared to a white model. By adding a diffuser fabric, it becomes a soft source, similar to a softbox, but even quicker to install.
Why choose Silver Umbrella?
The Silver Umbrella is the quickest-to-install light modifier, perfect for fast-paced photo shoots. It offers great versatility: simply adjust its position in relation to the source to modify light diffusion and intensity.
Its silver interior enhances luminous efficiency and contrast, while it can be used with a diffusion cloth to obtain a softer, more even light.
When to use it
Use the Silver Umbrella:
- for quick shoots, where set-up and stowage must be done in an instant
- for group portraits, where wide, even light is needed
- in a single-source setup, when you need a versatile lighting accessory
