Profoto’s lights are top-notch and the industry standard. However, to me, they have always been the light-shaping company. For over 20 years, I have worked with Profoto, not just because of the clean light but because of the light shapers. Over the last couple of months, Profoto has released some new, exciting light shapers. First in July with a series of hard reflectors with a soft white interior, and now with two new quick-to-set-up softboxes. Let’s take a look at these new light shapers.
New Light Shapers From Profoto
- Profoto Softbox 4’ Octa Silver
- Profoto Softbox 3×4’ Silver
- Profoto Magnum Reflector White
- Profoto TeleZoom Reflector White
- Profoto Zoom Reflector White
What’s Cool About the Softboxes?
- Creates a soft and flattering light.
- All-in-one mount for quick fold/unfold solution.
- Removable diffuser.
- For all 100mm light heads and Profoto A-Series flashes (with OCF Adapter.)
- Use with a range of accessories
Profoto Softbox 4’ Octa Silver
With an intergraded speedring, the Profoto Softbox Octa 4’ Octa Silver is fast to set up. This makes the Octa great for location work and time-sensitive shoots like corporate portraits. I’ve often said that if working with a single light shaper, it would be an Octa softbox. This one from Profoto checks all the boxes. The 4′ size is ideal for super soft light while creating head and shoulder portraits and ¾ length. On top of that, 4′ gives us enough size to take on a quick full-length shot if we are in a pinch.
Profoto Softbox 3×4’ Silver
The rectangular softbox is a classic light shaper. It gives us more shadow edge control, ideal for more sculpted portraits. When creating 3-point light setups or product photography, a rectangle like the Profoto 3×4’ Silver softbox is the perfect light shaper. Like the Octa, this box has an all-in-one design for quick set-up.
Accessories
Profoto makes several accessories for these light shapers, including soft grids, additional diffusion, and edge masks.
Hard Reflectors, White
Profoto TeleZoom Reflector White
The TeleZoom has traditionally been a tool for sports shooters. Recently, though, more and more beauty photographers have been working with this light shaper, and Profoto has noticed. Much like the Magnum above, the white interior version tones the light down a bit contrast-wise but keeps the overall vibe of the TeleZoom. If you have been shooting beauty portraits with the classic, definitely check out the new white interior.
Profoto Magnum Reflector White
The Profoto Magnum Reflector holds a special place in my heart and my work. The Magnum produces, for me, a beauty light, unlike any other light shaper, from Profoto or otherwise. I had the chance to try this white interior version, and it creates a similar look but with the highlights toned down a bit, and the shadows opened up. This is a tool I will use for years and years to come. A unique shaper but not a gimmick.
Profoto Zoom Reflector White
The classic Profoto Zoom is one of those tools you keep around for light shaping but rarely think of as a key. This shaper, of the three, surprised me the most. The white in the Magnum and TeleZoom gave me more options with those shapers. The Profoto Zoom Reflector White made me completely rethink the Profoto Zoom. I could see this now being used as a punchy key light or accent. Like the others, the highlights are more subtle, and the shadows open up nicely.
Who Should Use Profoto Light Shapers
Anyone in the Profoto system will find at least one of these light shapers useful. The Profoto Softbox 4’ Octa Silver is excellent for single-light portrait shooters and fashion and beauty portraits. The Profoto Softbox 3×4’ Silver is useful for anyone as it is a classic, but I would say traditional portraiture shines. For a beauty photographer, the perfect tool is the Profoto Magnum Reflector White. Likewise, the Profoto TeleZoom Reflector White. Finally, the Profoto Zoom Reflector White is great as an accent or used to control spill.
Final Thoughts on these Profoto Light Shapers
As stated, there are many reasons to shoot with Profoto lights. For me, the light shapers Profoto offers have always been the main draw. From this new batch, I’ll be picking up either Magnum or TeleZoom and the Profoto 4’ Octa Silver.
