The small pod that sits on the top of a camera is the heart of the whole operation. With it, promises Profoto, working with flash couldn’t be easier. Meet the Profoto Connect.
Profoto has rethought, reimagined and rebuilt the remote trigger from the hot shoe up to create something that is more than an improvement and makes the process of working with flash effortlessly simple. The result is Profoto Connect, a trigger for flash that’s completely button free. The company believes this is just the start of a great adventure with flash. Point-and-shoot in auto mode or fine-tune in manual. Either way, whether you’re experienced with flash or a flash-curious natural light shooter, there’s a world of creative possibilities just waiting to be discovered. How to use flash has never been easier.
A photographer, Audrey Woulard, is quoted as having said this: “Working with the Profoto Connect has actually been a life-changing experience for me, especially as a natural-light photographer. It takes away all the technical aspects of using flash and gives my images the quality and kiss of light that they need.”
A pod to control Profoto AirTTL lights
“Profoto Connect came from a steadfast belief that flash can be every bit as beautiful as ambient light” commented Martina Nillenstedt, Profoto Head of Content and Brand, “What we needed to do was make it more accessible to more image creators – Profoto Connect does that – from today forward, working with flash couldn’t be easier.”
There’s almost nothing to the Profoto Connect – It’s just a small, smooth and discreet pod that sits on top of the camera. Albert Norelius, Profoto Product Manager explains, “When we sat down and talked with photographers, we recognized that all the buttons and menus you find on a typical remote trigger can seem a little complex – so we decided to get rid of them completely.”
Manual or Auto
Instead, Profoto Connect simply has three settings; auto, manual and off. In auto mode, which for those who are familiar with flash is TTL, it’s just point-and-shoot. It’s all very straightforward; the correct flash exposure is calculated automatically when you press the shutter.
Auto is incredibly useful, says the company,, if the subject is moving and the distance between the subject and the flash is changing because Profoto Connect adjusts the flash power to give you a great exposure in every shot – leaving you to think about the most important part – creating great images.
If you’d like a little more control, you can start in auto to establish a starting exposure, and then slide the Profoto Connect to manual mode to creatively fine tune it. That way you can achieve exactly the lighting effect you want.
One app for absolute control
You can adjust the power on the flash unit, or from the palm of your hand. “Profoto Connect links directly to the Profoto app via Bluetooth,” Martina added, “If you can swipe your finger across the screen of your smartphone, then you can adjust the power output on your flash unit – it’s that simple.”
Professionals used to dials and complex calculations will probably not be the public for Profoto Connect (but who knows?) but Profoto created the accessory thinking about photographers who use their line of products. For example, you can combine the Profoto Connect with the Profoto A1. A simple trigger and the world’s smallest studio light working in tandem too give users natural and beautiful light on demand.
Profoto says that Profoto Connect makes things easier. Whether you want to balance your subject with the background, bring just the slightest hint of light to your subject, create beautiful golden-hour portraits or even work in blue hour and overcast conditions – there are no barriers between you and the image you want to capture.
Available for different cameras
“The way we see it, with Profoto Connect we’re all ‘natural light shooters,’ it’s just some of us don’t have to wait for the sun to appear on a cloudy day, or change position when the sun does, or pack up and go home when the sun vanishes beneath the horizon.” Martina concludes, “With the Profoto Connect – you’re free – free to create.”
The Profoto app, presented as “light shaping from the palm of your hand”, is available for iPhone 7 and newer and it is free to download the app from the App Store. The Profoto Connect is available for Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus and Sony. The small and lightweight flash trigger is compatible with all Profoto AirTTL lights. With it Profoto aims to attract more users to its lighting solutions.