How to shape hard light with the Profoto Hard Reflectors White
Written by: Profoto
Three photographers. Three reflectors. A softer way to shape hard light.
Hard light is powerful creative tool, capable of defining shape, adding depth, and enhancing texture. But it can also be challenging to control. The Profoto Hard Reflectors White offer the precision and direction of hard light, while softening transitions and reducing harshness for smoother, more balanced results.
Alessandro Biehl, Dana Cole and Antonio Garci each tested the White Reflectors in very different settings – showing how the TeleZoom Reflector White, Magnum Reflector White, and Zoom Reflector White with the Grid 180mm White can transform everything from desert portraits to fashion and beauty work.
Photos: Michael Dunn, Alessandro Biehl, Kai Chen, Photo: Dana Cole, Rodrigo Ravas, Photo: Antonio Garci
Concentrated light with refined control
TeleZoom Reflector White
In the bright desert sun, Alessandro Biehl used the TeleZoom Reflector White to create striking portraits with depth and definition. The reflector’s deep shape produced a focused, directional beam, while the white interior smoothed contrast and kept the skin tones and textures looking natural.
BTS: Michael Dunn, Photo: Alessandro Biehl
How to try it:
Position the TeleZoom Reflector White at a distance to evenly cover your subject, then adjust the zoom position to control spread and intensity. It’s ideal when you need reach and precision, without the overly harsh shadows.
Balanced contrast and smooth diffusion
Magnum Reflector White
Fashion and beauty photographer, Dana Cole, turned to the Magnum Reflector White for vibrant, high impact light that still feels natural. Its broad, even beam enhances highlights while maintaining soft shadow transitions, ideal for capturing color, texture, and dimension in portraits or fashion editorials.
BTS: Kai Chen, Photo: Dana Cole
How to try it:
Use the Magnum White as your key light. Angle it slightly off-center to shape facial features and fabrics. Adjust the zoom setting to fine-tune coverage and output depending on your working distance.
Directional light with subtle shadow defection
Zoom Reflector White with Grid 180mm White
For Antonio Garci, the pairing of the Zoom Reflector White with the Grid 180 mm White delivered exceptional control. The white interior maintained a low-contrast quality, while the grid narrowed the beam to define facial features and textures with precision – perfect for detailed close-ups. 
BTS: Rodrigo Ravas, Photo: Antonio Garci
How to try it:
Attach the Grid 180 mm White to focus your beam and prevent unwanted light spill. Use it to emphasize cheekbones, hair highlights, or clothing details while still keeping transitions between light and shadow smooth and flattering.
Hard light, redefined
The Profoto Hard Reflectors White expand what’s possible with hard light. Whether you need the reach of the TeleZoom, the balance of the Magnum, or the precision of the Zoom with a White Grid, these light modifiers give you full control over contrast, spread, and texture – delivering hard light that’s powerful, yet refined.
Photo: Kai Chen, Rodrigo Ravas, Rodrigo Ravas
To learn more about Alessandro Biehl, Dana Cole, and Antonio Garci's works, visit their Share the Light profiles.