Profoto’s new hard reflectors—the PowerBeam, MaxiZoom, and MiniZoom—are designed to boost output and produce a crisp light with a distinct fall-off. All three were created for use on Profoto’s flat-front flashes and point-source LEDs. In the studio, they can help shape contrast and mood, and at outdoor locations, give photographers the ability to light subjects and overpower the sun at greater distances. The reflectors can zoom out from a focused light with a well-defined fall-off to a wider light spread across the image area.

The PowerBeam Reflector in particular has been designed to maximize power output and long throw with Profoto’s flatfront 100mm lights such as their B30 battery powered monolight, adding up to 3.5 stops of power. It concentrates the light into a tight, focused beam of 20 degrees with minimal spill and smooth edges. The PowerBeam is compatible with Profoto 337mm grids and barndoors for additional light shaping options and comes in a protective reflector case for secure transport and storage.

To test the reflectors, I turned my townhouse into a temporary studio using Foldable V-Flats on either side of my seamless. The flats are black on one side and white on the other so converting the set from moody to high key can be done quickly and easily.

In one of my tests, I used the PowerBeam Reflector on a B30 head as a key light and a MaxiZoom Reflector on a second light on a small stand directly behind my subject to create a graduated background. In its spot position, the MaxiZoom produces a 25-degree beam and boosts light output by up to two f/stops. I went the opposite direction and slid the reflector back on the strobe head to produce a wider, softer beam of light onto the dark gray seamless. The focused key light worked well to create an impactful portrait of wealth advisor/photographer Andrew Jurun by bringing out his facial features while the backlight helped separate his dark hair and black turtleneck from the background. To slightly soften some of the distinct shadows on his face, I placed a Westcott Eyelighter on a low stand in front of him.

I used the same basic setup to do a portrait of a four-legged canine friend. The PowerBeam Reflector proved not only how well it could shape light but how powerful it was. For the portrait of Andrew, I turned the B30’s power to its lowest setting and still was able to get an ISO 100 setting with my Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens set to f/4.5 while syncing at 1/200 second. This means I could have had an extremely fast recycling time if needed. 

This simple two-light setup is designed to create a bit of drama since personality and intensity can more often be found in the shadows. In situations where the goal is to have flawless skin, the Profoto White Softlight Beauty Dish Reflector can be swapped in as the key light.

The most demure of the three new hard reflectors in Profoto’s arsenal is the ultra-compact and lightweight MiniZoom Reflector that, with its optimized reflective pattern, boosts light output by up to 1.2 f/stops. For solo travel and location photographers or those who need to hike into remote areas, this might be the reflector of choice since it’s small enough to remain mounted on a Profoto light even when packed in a bag. With 48 states and more than a hundred countries visited so far during my four-decade career, I’m acutely aware of the balancing act photographers face when packing for travel. As with its larger brethren, the MiniZoom, because of Profoto’s adjustable mount, offers effortless fine-tuning zoom control.

Whether you work in the studio or the great outdoors, light control is the name of the game, especially for those whose work ethic does not sync with a “We’ll fix it in post” attitude. New tools for old school approaches to photography such as Profoto’s hard reflectors are always appreciated.  

Mark Edward Harris is an award-winning photographer and writer based in Los Angeles.