See the difference light makes with Chloe Ramirez
Written by: Profoto
How much can one small flash change a portrait? For portrait photographer Chloe Ramirez, the Profoto A2 and Profoto A10 are her go-to lights, always ready in her camera bag. Using the A2 in both the studio to on-location shoots, Chloe shows how compact flashes and thoughtful light shaping can transform a portrait while giving her complete creative control over the final image.
Capturing real connection
Chloe is an award-winning photographer based in California. She specializes in weddings, couples and family portraits, and her work centers on the connections between people. She has a talent for turning ordinary moments into images with real emotional weight, using detail, composition and light to show what’s happening between her subjects.
When she’s not behind the camera, Chloe helps photographers develop their own creative voice through education, mentorship and a supportive photography community.
Lighting starts with the idea
For Chloe, light is never an afterthought. She plans it from the first concept and uses it to guide where the viewer looks, separate her subject from the background and set the mood of the image.
“Lighting is always part of my shoot concept, not something I think about after. With the A2, I can decide exactly where I want someone’s eye to go, create separation, add dimension, or completely change the feeling of a location. That control lets me be much more intentional with the final image.”
Why a small light matters
Chloe never stands still on set. She moves in close, pulls back, changes angles and directs her subject the whole time. Big lighting setups can slow that down. She wanted professional control without changing the way she works. The A2 and A10 give her that flexibility.
“I don’t want my lighting to slow that process down, they’re small enough to bring anywhere but still give me the control I want from professional lighting.”
Balancing flash and ambient light on location
On location, Chloe didn’t try to overpower the available light. She kept it as part of the image and used the A2 to add flash where she wanted more control. The ambient light preserves the atmosphere of the location. The flash lifts her subject away from the background and adds dimension.
“I never want the existing light to dictate what I’m able to create. Having the A2 and A10 with me gives me the freedom to shape the light around the idea I have in my head, instead of having to build the idea around the conditions I’m given.”
Taking full control in the studio
In the studio, Chloe changed her approach. Working in a controlled studio environment with no ambient light to work around, she took full control of the exposure and used the A2 to create a more dramatic, intentional portrait with stronger contrast and mood. Same compact light. A completely different result.
From subtle to striking
Side by side, the shots show the full range. Some images need only a touch of flash to balance the scene. Others change completely once the light is added.
“With the A2 and A10, I can decide exactly where I want someone’s eye to go, create separation, add dimension, or completely change the feeling of a location”
For Chloe, it’s not just about adding more light. It’s about having the freedom to shape the image exactly as she imagined it.
Get the gear Chloe used
Profoto A2
Profoto A10
Clic Softbox 2' Octa
Clic Softbox 2.7' Octa
See more of Chloe’s work on Profoto Share the Light or on her Instagram.