If any of you used to follow me way back in the day, you will know that I used to blog a LOT! I’m excited to get back in the swing of blogging.

A few months ago, I was lucky to try out the new Westcott FJ100 touchscreen strobe with the Octa 15. It is such a tiny little light that I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Normally, when I am photographing outside, I want a bit more power. I guess you can say that is because you never know what you may need, right? But if you’re anything like me, you do not like to carry a lot of gear. I have been a full-time photographer for quite a while, and I have yet to take a wagon of gear on a shoot! haha! Even when I am flying to different states, I travel with a single backpack that fits nicely under the seat in front of me. That contains my cameras, lenses, and my lighting. So that made the FJ100 really intriguing.

Chicago has been hit with a lot of storms lately. I mean lots! The Chicagoland area has had 70 recorded tornadoes so far this year! That is a new record. Our weather has been crazy. So I’ve been photographing in darker conditions more often than not. My goal with the images I created was a moody look. I didn’t want to overpower the ambient. Instead, I wanted to balance what I saw, but give it a slight kick. So when I pulled out the FJ100, I didn’t think it would give me the light that I wanted. So I immediately powered that thing high, and WOW! It blasted my client with a ton of light that I wasn’t expecting. So of course I had to bring it down and balance it.

I chose to feather the light with the Octa 15. It is such a compact modifier, guys. Gorgeous lighting that illuminates from top to bottom. Great stuff! Here are some close ups. The entire kit is perfect if you’re really looking for something compact! So you have nice power for outdoor portraits in a cool compact set up. I have an affiliate link for this light, and you can check out the complete kit I used here – FJ100 Strobe 1-Light Backpack Kit with FJ-T1 Wireless Trigger Until Next Time, AW