The 3 best modifiers for on-location photography
On-location photography is all about adapting to your environment and shaping light that works with it, not against it. Whether you’re working under the midday sun, chasing golden hour, or pushing through unpredictable conditions, having the right light and the right tools to shape it –makes all the difference.
In this episode of Geared Up, Profoto’s Chris Fain walks through the three light shaping tools he always brings on-location. Filmed with the Profoto B20 and B30, this setup shows how the right modifiers can help you control, shape, and balance light in any outdoor scenario.
Umbrella Deep
Fast, flattering, and flexible
When time is tight and the light is unpredictable, Profoto Umbrellas offer an ideal balance of speed and quality. Lightweight, portable, and fast to set up, they deliver a broad, soft light that works well across portrait, lifestyle, and fashion shoots.
“In this setup, the sun was already creating a beautiful rim light. I used the umbrella to wrap the flash around Kate and fill in the shadows – it kept the image natural, but with more dimension.”
The Umbrella Deep White design allows photographers to push or pull the umbrella along the shaft to adjust softness and spread, giving more creative control without slowing the workflow.
Without flash | With B20 & Umbrella Deep White XL
Profoto Softboxes
Soft controlled light, on your terms
When you need more precision and stability on location, Profoto Softboxes delivers. Its integrated speedring design means fast setup without extra parts and it offers clean, directional light with minimal spill.
“Profoto Softboxes are great when you're shooting in the wind or need more stability*. And when you're shaping light around a face or contouring highlights, they give you that clean, soft directional look without hotspots.”
In this shoot, Chris used the Profoto Softbox Octa to add fill on the shadow side of Kate, creating a cross-lit look using flash and ambient light together (middle image) – accentuating facial features while maintaining a natural feel.
Without flash | With B20 & Profoto Softbox 3’ Octa
Magnum Reflector
When you need power and reach
When shooting in bright sun or needing to work at a distance, the Magnum Reflector is all about reach and efficiency. It provides crisp, high-output light with a long throw – perfect for dramatic looks or controlling exposure in challenging environments.
“I backed the Magnum up almost 20 feet to throw light across the scene without a spotlight effect. It gave me the power I needed while letting me dial down the light and save battery.”
Using a reflector like the Magnum lets you get more from your light – whether you're extending battery life on a B20 or compressing distance for a cleaner wide shot.
B20 with Magnum Reflector
Shape the light, own the scene
From portraits at high noon to commercial work at golden hour, every outdoor shoot brings unique challenges. That’s why the right modifiers and the ability to shape light quickly and intentionally are key to getting the shot.
Whether you’re using the Profoto B20 and B30 or any flash in the Profoto ecosystem, Profoto’s system of light shaping tools help you move fast, stay in control, and deliver consistently beautiful results.
Tip
*Always use proper light stand safety, especially in windy or uneven outdoor conditions.
Want to see these tools in action? Watch Chris Fain’s full video and take your lighting game to the next level!
Written by: Profoto