Lighting the Story: Creative Control with ProMaster’s Portable Lighting
Lighting Your Creativity
Over the past few months, a lot of my work has focused on scenes with natural light, waiting for those brief windows where everything comes together. But as much as I enjoy working with what’s there, there are times when utilising your own light opens up a completely different level of creativity.
For this project, I wanted to step into that space a bit more and try something a little more creative, moving beyond purely available light and into more controlled setups.
Working with ProMaster’s Ultrasoft US1014RGB Transport Kit, alongside the Key Grip tripod and Large Cine Bag, gave me a setup that felt built for that kind of flexibility. A system that’s portable, quick to deploy and opens up a world of opportunity for creativity.
A Lightweight Setup for Creative Freedom
One of the biggest challenges when working on location, especially on fast-paced projects, is keeping things simple. The more gear you carry, the harder it becomes to stay responsive and remain creative.
Having everything organised in ProMaster’s Large Cine Bag makes a big difference here. It’s a really well thought out piece of kit, deep enough to carry more complex camera rigs without constantly breaking them down, and packed with pockets, dividers, and compartments so everything has its place. It’s genuinely surprising how much you can fit into it. Whether it’s cameras, batteries, cables, lenses or a drone, it all stays organised, protected and easy to access when you need it most.
Paired with the Key Grip tripod, the setup feels stable and reliable. It’s a tripod I’ve already come to rely on for video work, particularly when smooth, controlled movement is important. In this setup, it plays a key role in holding camera positions exactly where they need to be, especially in darker, low light environments where precision matters.
But the real standout in this project, and what brought everything to life, was the ProMaster Ultrasoft US1014RGB Transport Kit.
Ultrasoft US1014RGB: Light-weight Creativity
The US1014RGB panels aren’t just about adding light, they’re about being creative with it.
What stood out immediately is how easy they are to work with. Lightweight, quick to set up, and fully controllable, they fit naturally into a fast-paced workflow without feeling like an obstacle.
Key Strengths
RGBWW control — full flexibility to move from natural tones to bold colour
Soft output — flattering light that works for both people and environments
Flexible power options (NP-F batteries or mains) — perfect for everything from remote night shoots to extended indoor setups
ProMaster’s Light Attendant App control — quick remote adjustments form your phone without constantly returning to the light
Fast setup & breakdown — ideal for run-and-gun shoots where every minute counts
The Light Attendant app is a real game-changer! It’s simple, intuitive and gives full wireless control over the lights individually or as a paired setup. One of the standout benefits is how seamlessly it connects across multiple ProMaster products, bringing everything into one unified control system.
Being able to adjust intensity, colour, and mode directly from a phone, tablet or laptop is incredibly useful on location, especially when working solo or in fast-changing environments.
In the Field: Building a Scene
One of the most interesting parts of this project was stepping away from relying purely on available light.
On a series of night shoots, I used the RGB panels to completely transform a simple urban city centre tunnel into something far more dynamic. By placing lights behind and in front of my subject, I could create depth, separation, and movement, turning a dark, flat space into something with a real atmosphere.
I could quickly shift between clean, neutral lighting setups and more stylised RGB looks without interrupting the flow of the shoot. That flexibility meant I could react in real time to movement and framing, rather than locking into a single lighting setup.
In practical terms, it also opened the door to experimenting more freely, whether that was adjusting colour to match the mood of the environment or using different lighting directions to guide attention through the frame.
Even in cold, dark conditions, the setup stayed simple and efficient, allowing me to focus on timing, composition, and movement rather than technical hurdles.
I was really pleased with the final results. Bold, colourful action shots of a runner moving through the space, with the lighting doing exactly what I needed it to.
Formal Flexibility
Beyond the tunnel shoot, I wanted to explore how the lights perform in more controlled scenarios.
From softer, more natural setups through to more stylised lighting approaches, the versatility of the system really stands out. One of the most useful aspects is the ability to quickly move between natural looking light and more deliberate, creative setups depending on the needs of the shoot.
For interview-style setups in particular, the soft output of the panels really comes into its own. It creates a clean, flattering light on the subject without feeling harsh, while still giving enough control to shape the scene and separate the subject from the background.
Alongside this, the built-in FX modes offer a wide range of pre-programmed lighting effects, which are incredibly useful for quickly establishing specific atmospheres on location without the need for additional practical lighting setups or complex rigging. A huge bonus for creative filmmaking!
It’s this balance between practical, usable light, and creative control that makes the system feel genuinely effective across both narrative and commercial work.
A System That Works Together
What ties all of this together is how well the setup works as a complete system.
The Cine Bag keeps everything organised and ready to go.
The Key Grip tripod provides the stability needed for precise positioning.
The US1014RGB lights bring the creative flexibility to shape each scene.
Together, they create a workflow that feels efficient, reliable, and easy to work with in real-world conditions.
Final Thoughts
As photographers and filmmakers, a lot of what we do revolves around reacting to what’s in front of us, waiting for the right light, the right moment, the right conditions.
What this setup reminded me is that you don’t always have to wait.
With the right tools, you can take control of the scene, shape the light and build something that reflects your vision.
The ProMaster Ultrasoft US1014RGB Transport Kit system doesn’t overcomplicate things, it simply gives you the ability to move quickly, work creatively and focus on telling the story you want to tell.
George Carr
From Australia’s vibrant wildlife and marine ecosystems to Canada’s rugged wilderness and iconic large mammals, George has honed his skills across a range of photography disciplines, including landscapes, wildlife, and underwater imagery.
