Flash Photography fun with Profoto B10 and Canon R5
Hey there! I'm Vanessa Joy, and today, we're diving into some flash photography fun using the Profoto B10 and Canon R5. While we initially planned to play in the rain, Mother Nature had other ideas, so we decided to create our own rain. Let me walk you through the shoot and share some tips on how you can get creative with flash, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Creating a Rain Effect Without Rain
So, here's the scenario: no rain, no problem! We decided to use a hose to simulate rain. Why? Because sometimes you just have to make your own magic! We handed the hose over to our model and asked her to spray it around while dancing, creating this dynamic, fun "rain" effect. The Profoto B10 was the perfect companion for this shoot, allowing me to capture every droplet in stunning detail.
When you're trying this at home, the key is to direct the "rain" just right. You want to keep the water in the background but not so close that it drenches your subject (or your camera!). As we worked, I instructed the model to kick her foot up and throw the water over her shoulder, creating that perfect splash. It took a few tries, but once we got the pressure right, the results were spectacular.
The Power of Profoto B10 and Canon R5
For this shoot, I used the Canon R5 paired with the Profoto B10, which is an absolute beast when it comes to handling challenging lighting scenarios. The B10’s versatility allowed me to freeze the motion of the water while still keeping the background beautifully illuminated. The key is to balance your light so that it highlights your subject without washing out the water droplets. A slow shutter speed also added a creative blur to the movement, making the shots even more dynamic.
Pro Tip: Experiment with your light placements. For this shoot, I positioned one light behind the model to backlight the water, giving it that magical glow.
Editing the Final Images
After the shoot, I jumped into editing, and let me tell you, it was all about refining those details. I used Evoto for some quick AI-assisted color grading and my go-to presets to smooth out skin and enhance the overall look. My "Perfect Portrait" preset worked wonders here, giving the image a polished finish without losing that natural feel.
One of the challenges was dealing with stray hairs and those small imperfections that can distract from the final image. With just a few tweaks, like reducing the highlights and adjusting the clarity, I was able to get that clean, crisp look I love. Oh, and don’t forget to play around with black and white edits! Sometimes, they can transform a good photo into a great one.
Final Thoughts and a Little Secret
This shoot was just pure fun—getting creative with water, playing with light, and pushing the limits of what you can do with a flash in an unconventional setup. If you're curious about more behind-the-scenes content like this, or if you want to dive deeper into mastering your photography skills, I have something special for you.
I run a master educational community called Photo Insiders. It’s where I share exclusive content, including in-depth tutorials on lighting, posing, and real-life client shoots. It's a place where you can ask questions, join live group coaching calls, and learn alongside other passionate photographers. Trust me, it's the resource I wish I had when I started 20 years ago.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your photography game, join me and the amazing community at Photo Insiders. You'll not only improve your craft but also connect with like-minded creatives who will help you grow your business.
Thanks for joining me on this creative journey today. I can’t wait to see what you create with the Profoto B10 and Canon R5. See you next time!
