Lighting power on the coast
Guernsey’s harbor, rugged coastline, and Karl Taylor’s studio became the testing grounds for the new broncolor Stelos. Karl explored how the 800 J monolight performed in very different scenarios, testing it in both controlled and challenging environments.
Under the Harbor
The first setup took place under the harbor, where rising water and weathered architecture created a dramatic scene. Karl used a Para 88 to illuminate a model in a flowing blue dress, balancing the Stelos’s light with the natural reflections of the water. The compact unit delivered the power needed to cut through the ambient light, while still keeping a soft, cinematic quality.
Inside the Studio
Back in the studio, Karl tested the Stelos in two contrasting sets. For a dark, editorial mood, he combined the Octabox 75 with blue gels on the model and red gels on the background, pushing the flash output to cut through heavy filtration. For a brighter, commercial look, he turned to the Para 222. Here, the Stelos evenly filled the massive light shaper, allowing him to capture full-body.
By the Rocks
The final challenge was on the coastline, where Karl worked with a vast outdoor set under strong midday sun. The challenge was to light two models at full height on a rock formation under blazing sunshine. With its 10-stop power range and 800 J of output, the Stelos had no problem cutting through the light. Using the L40 reflector, Karl also highlighted individual rock surfaces, later stitching the exposures together to create a complete, fully lit scene. Mobility mattered here too — with the unit weighing just over 3.3 kg including battery, his assistants could move it across the uneven rocks quickly and safely.
Closing
What stood out in all three setups was the combination of portability and power. The Stelos was easy to carry across difficult terrain, yet powerful enough to match full sun or fill large modifiers. Its wide power range, reliability, and the ability to charge while shooting made it not just versatile, but practical. As Karl concluded: “Its size, its power, its flash duration, portability… even the fact you can charge it while using it — I’ve been blown away.”
Credits: Website Karl Taylor Instagram @karltaylorphotography Learning platform Visual education
