KillerKelly in the Ring with the Profoto B10 By Joao Carlos

A Pro wrestler was in town

One of the things I love the most about photography is that it has given me the opportunity to meet some extraordinary people. I’m excited to share my latest series of Portraits of the awesome kick ass WWE wrestler Killer Kelly @kellywrestling.
She is currently signed to WWE performing in the United Kingdom division NXT UK. She is well known for her appearances in Westside Xtreme Wrestling as well Pro-Wrestling EVE. I noticed she was in town and reached out to her, sometimes you just have to take chances like that.

KillerKelly in the Ring with the ProfotoB10 By Joao Carlos from JOAOCARLOSPHOTO on Vimeo.

Testing Profoto demo gear

A couple of days earlier I had a visit from Rafa from Innovafoto who are the Profoto Iberian Representatives. I was given the opportunity to photograph using Profoto‘s brand new demo model, that just launched. Small but very compact and powerful new OCF PROFOTO B10.

In this behind the scenes, you can see the B10 work seamlessly with an older Profoto B1. Photo Credit: <em>Marlena Elise</em>. — In this behind the scenes, you can see the ***B10*** work seamlessly with an older Profoto B1. Photo Credit: *Marlena Elise*.

In this picture along the Profoto B10, we added a red color gel on a B1 head. — In this picture along the ***Profoto B10***, we added an OCF red color gel on a B1 head.

Searching for the perfect location

I didn’t want to shoot Killer Kelly in the studio, I wanted to find a classic boxing gym. For that, I did a quick google search and found maybe four or five options but in general, they all had a modern feel and vibe. Until I found the perfect space, it had all the making of the perfect location, with old vintage fotos on the walls and the smell of sweat in the air. I have to give a Bigs thanks to Paulo Seco Boxing for letting me and my team shoot there.

Killer Kelly in a one light portrait with the Profoto B10

Behind the scenes of Killer Kelly's portraits. Using the B10 inside a Profoto Octabox as the main light and a B1 to bring in some filling. — Behind the scenes of Killer Kelly’s portraits. Using the B10 inside a Profoto Octabox as the main light and a B1 to bring in some fill.

More behind the scenes of the same shot. I'm shooting with the Fujifilm GFX 50s — More behind the scenes of the same shot. Im shooting with the Fujifilm GFX 50s

One of the first portraits I took of Killer Kelly

Killer Kelly reacting to the portraits we took. I'm using the Profoto Air Remote with TTL for Fujifilm, with it I can control remotely each of my Profoto lights. — Killer Kelly reacting to the portraits we took. I’m using the Profoto Air Remote with TTL for Fujifilm, with it I can control remotely each of my Profoto lights.

The B10 and the rest of the lights

I only had access to one pre-production B10, so this was the perfect opportunity to test it along with my classic Profoto B1 and my A1 on and off camera flash. I also use the Profoto air remote for Fuji to be able to have HSS and TTL control. I’m taking stills using my Fuji film GFX 50 S with 32-64 f4 Fujinon Lens.

The B10 with a Profoto OCF 2' Octabox, provided by Innovafoto — The B10 with a Profoto OCF 2′ Octabox, provided by Innovafoto

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to photograph and really test the new Profoto mini powerhouse.
The Profoto B10 is a big light in a small package. The B10 is the shape and size of a medium size lens or size of a boxing glove, it fits into any regular size camera bag, it’s cordless, and lightweight, weighing in at 1.5kg. Also, it is compatible with all OCF accessories.
Although the B10 is small and compact, it really packs a punch, the B10 has the power of 5 speed Lights, so they say, which should be enough to overcome almost any working conditions, and or Killer Kelly.

One light portrait of Killer Kelly — One light portrait without modifiers of Killer Kelly

Here I used the B10 as the main light and then the B1 and the A1 as separation light from each side, each with red color gels. — Here I used the B10 with barn doors as the main light and then two B1s as separation light from each side, each with red color gels.

The same lighting set up as the previous photo, just here we are capturing Killer Kelly's lighting fast kick — The same lighting set up as the previous photo, just here we are capturing Killer Kelly’s lighting fast kick

BTS of the two pictures above. Here you can see the placement of the lights. The Barndoors on the B10 helped direct the light and avoid spilling on placed I don’t want it to be.

B10 is even great for video

The B10 is more than just a flash that I use to create dramatic stills with. It’s also a continues light, that can be used to light both stills and video. It’s flicker-free and dimmable. Adjustable color temperature makes it easier to blend with ambient light.

With all this said the B10 at first look is perfect for the modern filmmaker like me, who shoots both videos and stills.

More portraits of Killer Kelly

A three-light portrait with the B10 coming from the right side, a B1 filling from the left and a compact A1 hidden behind the big tire in the background.

In this behind the scenes, you can see the same lighting set up like the previous two pictures. The B10 and the rest of the light are used without any modifiers, to give more contrast and rough edges.

BTS of the picture right down this one. The B10 with the small Octabox as the main light and a B1 as the side as separation. A cool feature of the B10 is that it can be used as dedicated studio light since it can be plugged in the wall while being used and it doesn’t damage the battery.

Killer Kelly in the ring with the Profoto B10

For those of you who want to know more about Profoto B10’s tech specs here is some info:

Gear List

Fujifilm GFX 50S with grip;
FUJINON LENS GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR;
Profoto B10, B1, and A1;
Profoto OCF Softbox 2′ Octa and OCF color gels;
AirRemote TTL for Fujifilm;
BlackRapid Cross shot;
Sandisk SD Cards;
Lightstands;
ThinkTank Naked Shapeshifter 17 V2.0.
3Legged Thing Tripod

Credits

Big thanks Pedro Davim for the behind the scenes video and my friend and talented photographer Marlena Elise for help on the shoot day the great behind the scenes stills you will see in the post.

There is always time for a group picture at the end.

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