Mobile street photographers all over the world have one thing in common: they are chasing perfect light in order to capture the perfect image.
And now there is a solution that will help them – regardless of time and place. Profoto has just released its latest studio lights: The Profoto C1 and the Profoto C1 Plus. Both units are intended for use with your smartphone and work to produce beautiful light, whenever and wherever you need.

“But what has changed,” says Anders Hedebark CEO of Profoto, “is that from today forward, Profoto is committed to supporting all image creators, regardless of what camera they are using, smartphone or other cameras. Great light is the key to creating great images”.

“We recognized that there are many people out there who might not see themselves as professional photographers, but they are great image creators and dependent on professional-looking images in order to build their business and brand. People like bloggers and influencers. That is why we developed the Profoto C1 product range and the new and intuitive Profoto Camera, an app for smartphones”, continues Anders Hedebark.

The light the C1 product range delivers is natural-looking and beautiful with a soft, gentle fall off, and that’s partly because of the shape – each light is round, like the sun. The best news, however, is the Profoto C1 Plus and C1 are incredibly easy to use.

Anders Hedebark, “ultimately they needed to be as intuitive to use as a smartphone. You connect them to the Profoto Camera, and then in auto mode, it’s point-and-shoot. Because the intelligent Profoto Camera will calculate the exposure and flash power for you, based upon the surrounding light conditions.”

The two lights, which vary in lumen power, number of LEDs, and running time, allow the user to point-and-shoot using automatic exposure and flash or can be switched into manual for full control, helping to shape the tone and angles of an image with just the positioning of the light.
Interestingly, magnetic modifying accessories for the Profoto A1 can also be used on the Profoto C1 and C1 Plus. This includes a set of color gels and a dome diffuser.

Profoto C1

The palm-sized unit is designed to be portable, bringing the power of flash to all of your mobile photography. By employing manual mode, you can easily adjust the color temperature, power, and exposure, with a wide color range that can adjust to the color conditions you need. The round shape of the C1 means you get a smooth fall-off, and simple adjustments of the position allow you to switch up the natural or dramatic effect of the image.

Key Features:

• Color rendering index >90 for daylight color
• 4 warm, plus 3 cool LEDs (color temperature of 3000-6500K)
• Automatic and manual options
• Maximum 1600 lumens, with adjustable power
• Built-in capture button
• Flash and flicker-free options
• Built-in rechargeable battery for more than 2000 full-power flashes or 30 minutes of continuous light at full power
• One full charge (via USB-C) takes 2 hours
• Compatible with iPhone 7 and newer

Profoto C1 Plus

The Profoto C1 Plus takes the system to the next step and includes the features of the C1, plus more. The C1 Plus is also compatible with color gels, grids, and domes, and expands the possibilities of your entire lighting system. The tools are all attachable via the C1 Plus’ magnetic mount and the entire unit can be added onto a stand or arm with the built-in thread mount. The C1 Plus also works with the Profoto AirTTL Remote, further expanding your system.

Key Features:

• Color rendering index >90 for daylight color
• 10 warm, plus 10 cool LEDs (color temperature of 3000-6500K)Click-on magnetic mount for tools
• Automatic and manual options
• Maximum 4300 lumens, with adjustable power
• Built-in capture button
• Flash and flicker-free options
• Built-in rechargeable battery for more than 2000 full-power flashes or 40 minutes of continuous light at full power
• 1/4″-20 thread built-in
• One full charge (via USB-C) takes 2 hours
• Compatible with iPhone 7 and newer
• Compatible with Profoto AirTTL Remotes

Bottom line, the Profoto C1 product range is about giving all image creators the freedom and ability to realize their creative potential, create professional images and build their brand. Profoto wants to let all ambitious image creators into the world of professional photography; a place where you get to play with light, explore and be as creative as you can be.

Anders concludes, “Today, smartphone photography changes forever, because with the Profoto C1 product range, you will have natural-looking and beautiful light in the palm of your hand; and this is the secret to fully realizing your creative vision. This is true photography – this is the light that changes everything.”

Profoto C1 and Profoto C1 Plus are both in pre-order and will be sold at $299 and $499 respectively.
More info on Profoto’s website.