Lastolite By Manfrotto has announced three new accessories for their 1.8m x 2.15m [6’ x 7’] HiLite Background   

The Lastolite By ManfrottoHiLite illuminated background gives photographers a portable high key solution. When launched, it transformed many photographer’s approach to high key image-making and quickly became the go-to product around the world.

It didn’t take long for photographers to realise that the HiLite Background could also be used as a huge softbox; a large full-length softbox, giving stunning soft light. Yet, as with any softbox, users need to control the shape, direction and intensity of the light to unleash the full range of creative opportunities that the softbox will give.

It’s because of this, that Lastolite By Manfrotto has launched three new accessories – the Window Voile, Shaper and Shapers and Masks.

The Window Voile

The Window Voile essentially transforms the HiLite into a large window light, allowing photographers to create the illusion that the subject is positioned beside a large window or doorway. Because the voile hides the HiLite behind, it can also appear in the final shot if appropriate to confirm the window style setting.

The voile simply attaches to the Hilite; it comes with a collapsible aluminium pole that clips to the top of the HiLite and the voile then hangs from the pole like a curtain.

See the Voile in action in the short video, below:

The Shaper 

Employing the same pole as the voile, the Shaper is an 86cm wide opaque black panel that hangs on the pole from the top to the bottom of the HiLite, blocking the light. The shaper can be moved to any position along the pole, enabling the user to create a single strip of light or split the light into strips on either side of the panel.

Each position gives a different effect on the subject, allowing for a vast spectrum of creative possibilities. The shaper panel can be used to mask the photographer when shooting with the HiLite directly behind them and with the subject in front. By standing in front of the shaper the photographer can make sure that their silhouette does not appear as the catch light in the eyes of the subject.

See the Shaper in action in the short video, below:

Shapers and Masks

The Shapers and Masks consist of a set of three Shapers and three Masks. The three Shapers [1 x 86cm wide, 2 x 66 cm wide] give the photographer maximum control of the width of the strip of light leaving the softbox.

This set also includes three masks, which attach to the top and the sides of the Hilite. These assure the user that no light is spilled from the top or the sides of the HiLite.

See the Shapers & Masks accessories in action in the short video, below:

Pricing and availability 

All products are available now, and…

• The HiLite Window Voile comes in at £123.95 [RRP]
  The HiLite Shaper has an RRP of £108.95
  The HiLite Shapers and Masks will lighten your wallet to the tune of £245.95 [RRP]

More info can be found HERE