For years, I had considered purchasing the Profoto B2s but hesitated because of the bulk they added to my setup. With four to six shoots a week, every piece of gear adds complexity. Each item requires charging, maintenance, and packing. When the Profoto A1 came out, it immediately caught my attention. Its compact size, light weight, and ease of use made it a perfect fit for my on-the-go workflow.
I primarily use the Profoto A1 during on-location restaurant shoots where speed and minimalism are key. For bigger commercial assignments, I usually rent the B2s or, recently, the B10. These are better suited when there are extra hands available and more space for gear setup.
First Impressions and Getting Started with the Profoto A1
I rarely enjoy reading manuals, but the one included with the Profoto A1 was surprisingly intuitive and well-designed. Even if you prefer to dive straight into your gear like I do, it's worth giving the manual a brief skim. That said, getting the A1 up and running takes only a few minutes. Turning it on is simple. Press and hold the test button while rotating the center dial to the right. Ignore any flickering you may see in demo videos—that's usually a camera frame rate issue and doesn’t happen in real life.
Switching Between Manual and TTL Modes
While I mostly shoot in manual mode, the A1 makes it easy to switch to automatic strength with a quick flick of a side switch. This flexibility is helpful when you're in a rush or need a faster workflow without compromising the overall lighting control.
Essential Accessories for the Profoto A1
The Profoto A1 comes with useful accessories, including a small stand, a dome diffuser, and a wide lens adapter that snaps into place easily. I also purchased a soft bounce, which has been especially helpful for night events and dim indoor spaces.
Portability and Workflow Benefits
What I love most about the Profoto A1 is that it’s so compact and light, I never hesitate to bring it along. There have been times when I’ve left behind heavier gear like my laptop or Manfrotto tripod to reduce the load, but the A1 almost always comes with me. I only leave it out when I am sure the venue has enough natural light and the weather forecast is favorable.
Working in Low Light with Bounce Flash
When time or space is limited and I’m shooting in a dim room, I often keep the Profoto A1 mounted on my camera and bounce the flash off a nearby wall or ceiling. This setup gives a clean, even light without much hassle. While I don’t usually favor direct flash for food photography, I acknowledge that it works for some photographers. Over time, I’ve started experimenting more with direct flash, and using it at high apertures has produced surprisingly good results. Still, bounce flash remains my preferred style.
One thing to remember when using bounce flash is that the wall color can significantly influence your final image. I once worked in a basement restaurant with red-painted walls, and the light bounced off with an unwanted pink hue. While color correction is possible in post-processing, it’s often tricky to get it perfect.
A Quick Shoot at the Game Room
I recently had a tight window to capture a cocktail shot at the Game Room in the Chicago Athletic Association. I brought only my camera and the Profoto A1. One of the photos used a mirror to bounce the light, while another used a nearby wall. Despite the minimal setup, the result didn’t feel lacking in quality. Traveling light helped me stay agile for an event I had scheduled just an hour later.
Using a Diffuser for Direct Flash
When there’s no suitable surface for bounce and I’ve forgotten my remote trigger, I sometimes aim the flash directly at the subject and attach a diffuser to soften the light. Managing this solo can be a bit of a juggling act. You either need an assistant, a C-stand with a clamp, or enough flexibility to position the diffuser while shooting.
Lessons Learned from a Shoot at Paulie Gee’s
I had a challenging day shooting at Paulie Gee’s because I forgot to pack my remote trigger. Initially, I thought I could bounce light off the ceiling, but the space was too large and filled with brown accents. The light ended up reflecting awkward beige tones. Eventually, I switched to using direct flash with a diffuser, which gave me usable results and reminded me to always double-check my gear list.
Shooting Off-Camera with a Trigger
Using the Profoto A1 off-camera with a trigger is by far the easiest and most effective setup. However, it requires purchasing a remote trigger, which isn’t cheap. The model you choose also depends on your camera brand. Shooting with one light means you need to be creative with bounce techniques or accept a few compromises in shadow control. I recently added a small light stand and a second reflector to my kit, which has significantly improved my ability to manage shadows.
Creating a Portable Studio Feel with the Profoto A1
One of the great things about the Profoto A1 is its versatility in compact spaces. With just a few simple accessories and some thoughtful positioning, it’s possible to mimic a studio environment even in the corner of a restaurant or bar. In one of my shoots, I placed the A1 slightly behind and off to the left of the food. To enhance the contrast and draw out the steam from the dish, I used the black side of a five-sided reflector as the backdrop. This took less than two minutes to set up and didn’t require any extra help or bulky equipment. The resulting image had a moody, focused feel that would usually take much more gear to achieve.
Lighting Strategy for Dark Interiors
Shooting in very dark interiors comes with its own set of lighting challenges. One place I regularly work is a bar with no windows. The space is intentionally kept dim, and I’m asked to preserve that feeling in the final images. The trick is to add just enough light to bring out the food or drinks without ruining the natural ambiance of the venue. I typically place the Profoto A1 off-camera and direct it at the food from the side. This prevents light from spilling too much onto the background, maintaining the dark atmosphere. It takes a bit of adjusting, but once you dial it in, the results strike a great balance between clarity and mood.
How the A1 Influences My Style
Since I started using the Profoto A1, my approach to food photography has become more nimble and efficient. The simplicity of the A1 allows me to experiment with angles and bounce directions in ways I never would have tried with a heavier lighting setup. I’ve become more confident working with minimal gear, which opens up creative possibilities. It’s also forced me to think more about the environment I’m shooting in. Instead of transforming a space into a pseudo-studio, I try to work with what’s already there. That includes wall textures, ambient colors, and how the bounce behaves depending on the ceiling height and surface material.
The Importance of Flexibility On Location
Shooting food in a busy restaurant is rarely predictable. Light changes, table arrangements shift, and staff often need to work around you. In those conditions, a simple setup that can be moved or adjusted in seconds makes a massive difference. The Profoto A1 fits into this workflow beautifully. When I need to adjust the bounce angle or move to another table, I can do it quickly without unplugging anything or reorganizing stands and cables. The battery also lasts long enough to get through multiple shoots without stopping to recharge. This kind of flexibility is invaluable when time is short and the pressure is on to deliver high-quality work quickly.
Mistakes That Taught Me the Most
Forgetting a remote trigger was one of those mistakes that turned out to be a learning experience. It forced me to work within constraints and find creative alternatives, like direct flash with a diffuser. These moments have taught me not only how to troubleshoot but also how to plan smarter. Now, I pack a checklist before every shoot to avoid those same pitfalls. Another time, I relied too heavily on bouncing light off a brown ceiling. The result was warm, muddy tones in every shot that took hours to clean up in post. I learned to evaluate bounce surfaces more carefully and keep backup options like foam boards or reflectors in my trunk.
Shooting with Only One Light
There’s a misconception that you need multiple lights to create dynamic food images. While more lights can give you flexibility, one well-placed light and a bit of strategy can go a long way. With the Profoto A1 off-camera and a reflector to fill shadows, I’ve been able to produce some of my best work using just one light. It makes logistics easier and forces me to be more thoughtful about composition and angle. Shadows become a design element rather than a flaw. Shooting this way also helps me stay fast and mobile, which is essential when working in crowded or active environments.
Choosing Between Bounce, Diffuse, and Direct Light
Each lighting approach serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one depends on the setting and the mood you want. Bounce lighting gives the softest result and works well in clean, white-walled spaces. Diffused light is great for keeping contrast manageable in direct shots and is ideal when there are no reliable bounce surfaces. Direct flash, although traditionally seen as harsh, can create bold and punchy images, especially when paired with a high aperture. I now see all three techniques as tools to achieve different results rather than sticking to just one method. The Profoto A1’s quick adjustments allow for easy switching between these techniques during a shoot.
What I Pack with the A1
When I head out for a food photography shoot with the Profoto A1, my gear bag is lighter than ever. Besides the A1 itself, I usually carry a small reflector, a dome diffuser, and occasionally a compact tripod if I expect tricky angles. If I know I’ll need it, I pack the remote trigger as well. Everything fits into a single backpack, which is a huge win for mobility. If I’m working an event afterward, I appreciate not having to carry separate lighting bags or cases. This setup has made it easier for me to say yes to more gigs and feel confident handling them alone.
Shooting Drinks with the Profoto A1
Cocktail photography often needs sharp highlights, glass reflections, and mood lighting. The A1 performs especially well here. One technique I use is bouncing the flash off a nearby wall to create soft side lighting that brings out the texture of the drink. Sometimes I use a handheld mirror to reflect light directly behind the drink to illuminate the glass without creating glare on the surface. These subtle tricks are made possible by the A1’s portability and speed of adjustment. You don’t need to stop and reset a bunch of lights. A few quick tweaks to the flash position and you’re ready for the next shot.
Why I Rarely Use a Laptop on Set
Back when I used heavier lighting setups, I often brought a laptop for tethered shooting and constant previewing. But now, I skip that entirely unless the client requests it. The Profoto A1 allows me to trust the camera preview and my histogram more. This speeds up the entire process and lets me focus more on food styling and camera angles. It also reduces setup time, which is helpful when a restaurant has limited space or time windows. Leaving the laptop behind makes my shoot day less stressful and keeps my bag lighter.
Learning to Adapt to Every Shooting Environment
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned using the Profoto A1 is how to adapt quickly to different lighting conditions. Each restaurant or bar I walk into presents a new challenge. Some have open windows with harsh sunlight, while others are tucked in basements with dim bulbs and red-painted walls. The A1 allows me to work with these settings rather than against them. I no longer feel the need to eliminate every trace of ambient light. Instead, I find ways to blend the flash in so that it complements the space. This approach creates a more natural result and also makes editing simpler.
Building Trust with Minimal Gear
Clients and restaurant owners often appreciate that I don’t show up with a massive lighting rig. It puts them at ease when I’m not taking up an entire corner of the room with gear. The Profoto A1 lets me stay compact while still delivering professional results. I can complete shoots faster, minimize disruptions, and still produce high-end food photography. Over time, this consistent, low-impact approach has built trust with my clients. They know I can show up, work quickly, and still give them the high-quality images they need for menus, marketing, or social media.
Timing and Lighting Synergy
Food photography is all about timing. Whether it’s capturing steam from a hot dish or ice that hasn’t melted yet, every second matters. Having lighting that turns on instantly, adjusts easily, and doesn’t need to be calibrated constantly is a huge advantage. The Profoto A1’s fast recycling time means I can shoot multiple frames quickly without waiting between flashes. This becomes especially important when I’m photographing drinks or anything delicate. Timing and lighting have to work together, and with the A1, they finally do.
Overcoming Color Casts in Reflective Spaces
One of the biggest lighting hurdles in restaurant photography is color cast. Walls, ceilings, and furniture reflect light, and when those surfaces are painted in saturated tones, it shows in the photos. I’ve learned to be more aware of my surroundings and make real-time adjustments. If I’m working in a room with dark wood or bold colors, I avoid bounce techniques and instead switch to direct flash with diffusion. It’s not always ideal, but it helps maintain color accuracy. Understanding how the A1 interacts with different surfaces has improved my control over final image tone and mood.
Efficiency on Solo Assignments
I often work alone, without assistants or stylists. The Profoto A1 makes that possible without sacrificing quality. When you’re solo, every gear decision matters. You need to be able to carry everything, set it up in minutes, and still have your hands free to handle the camera, position plates, or adjust props. The A1 allows me to do that with ease. Its simplicity is what makes it powerful. I can move from table to table without repacking anything. In tight restaurant kitchens or crowded dining rooms, being fast and efficient matters just as much as being creative.
How I Approach Night Events
Nighttime shoots bring different challenges. The light is usually dim, and artificial sources can introduce unpleasant hues or flickering. The Profoto A1 helps neutralize those distractions. I often use a soft bounce to create a smooth and natural light during night events. It’s small enough to fit in my bag but powerful enough to create a pleasing result, especially for candid or lifestyle shots of people enjoying food. I rarely need to set up more than one light, which lets me blend into the background and capture moments without becoming a visual distraction to the guests.
Keeping Setup and Breakdown Time Low
One of the biggest advantages of working with the Profoto A1 is how quickly I can get in and out of a location. Clients often give me limited windows to work, and being able to set up within minutes and tear down just as fast is essential. There’s no mess of cables, no stands blocking servers, and no complicated configuration. I keep everything packed in a small bag, and when the job is done, I can be packed and ready to leave in under five minutes. This keeps the day moving and helps me take on more jobs in a single week.
How the Profoto A1 Improved My Editing Workflow
Because the light from the A1 is consistent and clean, my post-processing has become easier. I spend less time correcting exposure and white balance. My images come out with better contrast and fewer blown highlights. I no longer have to rely on heavy editing to rescue a shot. Instead, the photos are strong right out of the camera. This has significantly cut down on my editing time, giving me more space in my schedule to take on new clients, pitch new ideas, or simply rest. Better lighting in the field leads to faster, more effective work on the computer.
Reliability When It Counts
There are moments when you only get one chance to capture the perfect shot. A chef brings out a dish, and it’s at its best for maybe two minutes. The lighting has to be ready. With the Profoto A1, I don’t worry about misfires, delays, or technical issues. The battery lasts through several shoots. The controls are intuitive and require no second-guessing. The gear just works. That level of reliability allows me to focus on creative decisions instead of constantly thinking about technical logistics. It’s one less variable to worry about in high-pressure situations.
Confidence and Creativity Combined
The biggest shift I’ve experienced since using the Profoto A1 is in my confidence. When your lighting setup is dependable, lightweight, and effective, it frees up your mind to focus on the creative process. I experiment more. I try new angles, mess with reflections, layer backgrounds, and play with color more than I ever did before. The A1 has become more than just a tool—it’s a creative partner that encourages me to take risks because I know it will keep up with my ideas. That feeling is what keeps my work evolving and exciting.
Why Portability Matters More Than Ever
In today’s fast-paced shooting environments, portability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether I’m hopping between restaurants on the same day or squeezing into a tight kitchen space, having gear that can move with me makes all the difference. The Profoto A1’s small form factor allows me to fit everything into one lightweight bag. I can go from shooting plated entrees at a fine dining restaurant to handheld cocktail shots at a busy bar without having to change out lights or haul anything extra. It has changed the way I think about gear and shifted my priorities toward simplicity and adaptability.
Combining Natural Light with Flash
There are times when natural light is available but not quite enough. In these cases, I often use the Profoto A1 to supplement rather than replace the light already in the scene. By adjusting the flash power just slightly and placing it to the side, I can fill in shadows and add definition without overpowering the ambient mood. This blend creates a more dimensional photo that still feels authentic. It’s a subtle technique, but one that adds a level of polish to the final image. Without the hassle of large softboxes or big light modifiers, I can make these adjustments on the fly and keep the rhythm of the shoot going.
Creating Consistency Across Multiple Locations
One challenge I often face is maintaining visual consistency across a brand’s different restaurant locations. Lighting varies greatly from place to place, and the Profoto A1 helps standardize my setup. By using the same light and similar modifiers each time, I can achieve a familiar style regardless of the surroundings. This helps maintain branding and keeps the client happy. Even if one restaurant has skylights and another is lit by chandeliers, I can get the same lighting quality with some quick tweaks using the A1. Consistency becomes easier to manage, which is essential when working with repeat clients.
Photographing Food with Movement
Some of my favorite images involve motion—pouring drinks, melting cheese, rising steam. These shots are tricky to capture without the right lighting. The Profoto A1’s quick recycle time and high-speed sync capabilities make it easier to freeze motion while keeping everything well lit. I can shoot multiple frames in a row and still get reliable flash output. Whether I’m photographing a cocktail pour or steam rising from a ramen bowl, I don’t have to worry about missing the moment. These action-based images add variety to my portfolio and help tell a fuller story of the dish or experience.
Managing Light Spill and Background Control
In restaurants with open layouts or reflective surfaces, managing light spill becomes a crucial part of the setup. I often use flags or black reflectors to control where the light goes, but the Profoto A1 makes this easier by offering a more directional beam compared to traditional speedlights. By positioning the flash carefully and using diffusion where needed, I can highlight the subject without brightening the entire room. This helps me keep backgrounds clean and emphasizes the textures and colors of the food. It’s all about making the viewer’s eye land exactly where you want it.
Using Flash to Emphasize Texture
Texture plays a huge role in food photography. Whether it’s the crisp skin on a roasted chicken or the bubbles in a fizzy cocktail, lighting needs to bring those details to life. The Profoto A1 does this well by delivering a crisp yet controlled flash. When used from the side or slightly behind the dish, it casts soft shadows that help define the surface details. I’ve found that a shallow angle and just the right flash intensity can make food look more appetizing and true to how it appears in real life. These small touches go a long way in elevating the visual appeal of each shot.
Working with Reflective Plates and Glassware
Some of the trickiest surfaces to shoot are glass and high-gloss ceramic plates. These can reflect light in unpredictable ways, creating hot spots or strange shadows. The Profoto A1’s ability to use modifiers like diffusers and domes allows me to soften the light and minimize unwanted reflections. When needed, I angle the flash off to the side and use a white card or soft bounce to redirect it. This takes practice and patience, but the flexibility of the A1 makes it achievable. It has allowed me to confidently take on shoots with complex plating and delicate drinkware without compromising the final image.
Getting the Most Out of Small Spaces
Shooting in tight corners or small kitchens is a regular part of my workflow. The Profoto A1 thrives in these spaces. Because it doesn’t require a massive stand or external battery pack, I can fit it almost anywhere. Whether I’m squeezing into a booth or setting up in a prep station between service hours, the A1 helps me stay discreet while still getting the job done. I’ve found creative ways to position it—on countertops, using clamps, or even balancing it against a wall when needed. Its design allows me to adapt quickly and avoid becoming an obstacle in busy environments.
Taking the Pressure Off When Time is Short
When you’re hired to shoot during open hours or just before a restaurant opens, time is usually tight. Having a lighting tool that sets up fast, works reliably, and doesn't require troubleshooting under pressure is invaluable. The Profoto A1 gives me that freedom. I can walk in, assess the light, decide whether to use it on-camera or off-camera, and get to work almost immediately. There’s no stress about getting it to sync or charging batteries on site. This speed not only helps me hit deadlines but also makes me a better collaborator with chefs and staff who are juggling their time constraints.
Why I Keep the Profoto A1 in My Bag
Out of all the gear I use, the Profoto A1 is the one item that rarely leaves my bag. Even when I don’t plan to use flash, I take it with me just in case. It has saved more shots than I can count, whether due to unexpected cloud cover, awkward interior lighting, or last-minute changes. It has become a core part of my workflow not because it’s flashy or complicated but because it just works. It’s reliable, easy to carry, and capable of producing professional-level images under a wide range of conditions. It’s the kind of tool that lets me focus on the creative process without worrying about technical failure.
Conclusion
The Profoto A1 has earned its place as an essential tool in my food photography kit. It strikes the perfect balance between portability, ease of use, and professional output. Its ability to adapt to small spaces, support creative lighting techniques, and deliver consistent results has completely transformed the way I approach on-location shoots. Whether I’m bouncing light in a cramped bar, capturing delicate textures on a plated dish, or working against the clock at a night event, the A1 supports my workflow with speed and reliability.
For photographers who often shoot on the go, particularly in restaurants, cafes, or events, this compact flash opens up a world of possibilities. It encourages experimentation, supports efficiency, and simplifies complex lighting setups without compromising on quality. While it may not replace larger lighting systems for expansive studio work, it excels in its niche—providing beautiful light quickly, flexibly, and without the bulk.
Choosing the right gear is never just about specs or features; it’s about finding tools that fit seamlessly into your rhythm and elevate your work. The Profoto A1 has done exactly that for me. It doesn’t get in the way. It keeps up with demanding conditions. And most importantly, it helps me create better images, faster. If food photography is your craft and flexibility is your priority, the Profoto A1 might be exactly what your workflow needs.