Profoto Academy

The Profoto Academy is an invaluable resource that benefits, helps and inspires photographers of all levels. We take a look at what it offers and why you should consider enrolling.

SPONSORED BY PROFOTO

Profoto is a world leader in studio lighting, with an innovative product portfolio that’s second to none. It’s exactly why Profoto kit is the first choice among discerning photography enthusiasts and professional image creators.

For evidence of Profoto’s innovation, you need look no further than the A1, the world’s smallest studio light, which redefined portable lighting. It might look like a standard speedlight, but the design of the flash head, the choice of light modifiers and its advanced feature set means it can be used on its own, or it meshes seamlessly with other Profoto units. While the A1 has been superseded by the A1X, it is currently available in Canon and Nikon fits (while stocks last) through Profoto’s website and authorised Profoto stockists at a very attractive price.

And then there’s the Profoto B10 and B10 Plus. These battery-powered flashlights offer impressive output – 250Ws and 500Ws respectively – in amazingly compact body forms, comparable in size to a fast aperture camera zoom lens. Their rechargeable Li-ion battery provides great shooting capacity and both units are fully compatible with Profoto’s collection of over 120 light shaping tools. Their size, feature set and flexibility has transformed how photographers work on location and when time’s at a premium.

Profoto products are designed to be easy and fast to use to allow the photographer to concentrate on getting the perfect shot. 

The inspiration behind the Profoto Academy is not just to help Profoto owners get the most from their kit, but also to educate and inspire aspiring photographers of all brand loyalties to appreciate how to use and shape light for the ultimate result. Put simply, the Academy aims to help you become a better photographer through the use and control of light.

Profoto Academy offers online videos lasting up to an hour, focusing on four subject areas: weddings, fashion, portrait and light shaping. They are presented by Profoto teachers, who are expert imaging professionals, world-renowned in their respective fields. The images featured here are from videos featuring the work of leading UK photographer, Hannah Couzens.

When you sign up for the Profoto Academy, in most cases you enrol on a course: a series of three or four structured videos featuring the same photographer. Every video is self-contained and made to the highest production values, featuring real-life shoots with advice offered in a simple, readily digestible, step-by-step format.

After each video course, you can download a PDF guide to keep and refer to when you start applying your new-found skills.

When you have completed all the courses in the series, there’s a set photo challenge for you to put into practice what you’ve learnt over the series. You have complete freedom in the setting up of your assignment, so you choose the subject and location, and all you have to do is apply what you have learnt over the series in your own unique style. Later, you can upload a finished image and get your work assessed and reviewed by the experts at Profoto.

Within two weeks you will receive a detailed review of your work, plus a score out of 100. If you score 60 or more, you become a Certified Image Creator. However, if you score under 60, take on board the feedback you receive and try again.

There is an extensive collection of courses and series on the Profoto Academy, some subject-led (such as Fashion Lighting or Family Portraits), while others are technique-focused, such as How to Mix Flash With Ambient Light or How to Light a Background. There are plenty of inspirational options to consider. From Blur to Bokeh is a series on creative fashion lighting, while Shape Light in Colour is all about how to use filter gels to get stunning results.

Visit the Profoto website and hit the ‘Academy’ tab to learn more about the teachers featured in the Academy videos and which subjects are covered. There is a detailed description about each video course or series, so you can see the level of expertise they are aimed at and what equipment is featured.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the Profoto Academy has a 100% satisfaction guarantee and your money will be refunded in full up to 14 days after purchase if you’re not completely happy.

During the current lockdown, Profoto is open for business, so if you need to know more about its products or the Academy, please visit the Profoto website in the first instance. Customers can contact the UK team via email at [email protected]

Profoto equipment is still available to purchase online from certified dealers’ websites. Use Find a Dealer on the website by visiting the dealers and rental section.

For the Profoto Academy, visit the academy section.