Unleashing creativity: Exploring the Godox BFP and X3 Trigger

Hello photography enthusiasts! My name is Ryan Sheppard, and I’ve been immersed in the captivating world of photography for over a decade now. With a professional background at Henry’s (Canada’s largest photography store) and 500px, I’ve had the privilege of being surrounded by immensely talented photographers and creatives, fostering an environment of continuous learning and inspiration.

Photography isn’t just a job for me; it’s a passion that fuels my creativity. I love capturing moments, whether it’s through portrait photography or documenting the world around me. So, when Godox approached me to review their latest offerings, the Godox BFP Flash Projection Attachment and the X3 TTL Wireless Flash Trigger, I couldn’t wait to dive in and put them through their paces.

Now, let’s dive into the review and see how these products enhance our photographic endeavors.

The Godox BFP

First impressions

As I unboxed the Godox BFP, I was first impressed by its sturdy build, a must for the demanding environment of a creative studio. Having relied on makeshift solutions for light breakups in the past, like using plants or cardboard cutouts, I felt a mix of curiosity and skepticism (did I need something this…full-featured in a gobo?). However, once I paired it with my AD600Pro, I was pleasantly surprised by the creative opportunities it unlocked.

The BFP seamlessly integrated with my existing setup, offering a hassle-free experience that expanded my creative horizons. What used to require makeshift solutions now became effortless with the BFP, introducing a range of new possibilities. From precise patterns to subtle textures, it empowered me to explore effects that I previously hadn’t considered.

One of the standout features of the BFP Attachment is its versatility. Whether you’re aiming for dramatic lighting effects or adding subtle textures to your images, the BFP delivers with precision and ease. Simply by focusing the included lens, it was a breeze to go from precise patterns with crisp light edges, to soft subtle light textures. I found myself experimenting with various patterns, from classic geometric shapes to intricate designs, all with interesting results.

My initial encounter with the Godox BFP left me genuinely impressed by its potential to travel new paths in my photography journey. It’s not just another gadget; it’s a catalyst for creativity, sparking new ideas and pushing me to explore uncharted territories in light manipulation.

Navigating challenges with the BFP

In the unpredictable world beyond the studio, the Godox BFP quickly became an invaluable tool. It’s there for those moments when space is tight, or the light just won’t cooperate. What struck me most is how it transforms frustration into finesse, giving purpose and precision to every light adjustment.

Bringing the studio outdoors is always a challenge, but with the BFP, it’s like having an extra set of hands. It adds a whole new layer to outdoor photography, letting me add unique light textures that add depth and versatility to portraits in a way that simply wasn’t practical for me before.

X3 TTL Wireless Flash Trigger

First impressions

Switching gears to the X3 TTL Wireless Flash Trigger, its compact profile and intuitive touch controls made a noticeable difference in my workflow. While adjusting to the digital interface took some time, the X3’s ability to swiftly control lighting groups with a swipe of the finger proved invaluable. From subtly tweaking light intensity to orchestrating dramatic lighting effects, the X3 became an indispensable tool, allowing me to focus on capturing the perfect shot without getting bogged down in technicalities.

The X3 TTL Wireless Flash Trigger offers a promising solution for off-camera flash photography. Setting it up is straightforward, thanks to its intuitive interface that seamlessly pairs with compatible Godox flash units. Throughout my testing, the X3 Trigger demonstrated consistent reliability, maintaining a robust wireless connection even in challenging shooting environments. Its advanced features, such as high-speed sync and remote flash settings adjustment, provide photographers with the flexibility and control needed to enhance their strobe shooting experience. If I had one criticism about the X3, it’s that there’s a bit of a learning curve out of the gate to access features that are available with buttons on other Godox triggers like the XPro s. What you gain, however, is a much more lightweight and compact profile that I much prefer on the top of my camera body.

Now, let’s dive into the exciting part—how I achieved the lighting effects for the images below.

Sci-fi portrait in the studio

The challenge was to craft a scene that hinted at distant futures and untold stories. Using two AD400 Pros to light up a yellow backdrop, I turned to my key light, an AD600 Pro with the BFP attached, equipped with a teal gel and one of many gobo inserts that came with the kit. This setup projected a narrow beam of light across the model’s face, allowing me to underexpose and silhouette her body, resulting in a striking contrast between the vibrant background and the model’s mysteriously shadowed form. This composition, reminiscent of a scene from a sci-fi epic, was achieved not only through the striking color contrast but also by leveraging the BFP’s ability to sculpt narratives through light alone, transforming the AD600 Pro into a storytelling tool in its own right.

Window light series

In this series, I explored the delicate balance of light and shadow, utilizing the window gobo on the BFP to emulate the effect of natural sunlight filtering through a window. For each portrait, I fine-tuned the focus of the BFP to alter the texture of the light, ranging from subtle nuances to distinct patterns, imbuing the images with depth and dimension. The BFP’s adaptability enabled me to effortlessly manipulate the light, meticulously shaping the mood of each photograph with precision and control. The beauty of the BFP is that when using a gobo like the window light insert, you can easily change its position and how its shadow is cast with the BFP’s 360° rotatable design. In the past it might have been a real headache, having to move the light around or removing the gobo and repositioning it. With the BFP, all it took to adjust the position was a quick twist of the lens.

Fashion editorial flair

In this set, I aimed to evoke the ambiance of a sun-soaked afternoon, with the AD600 casting textured warmth and the AD400 being the model creating lens flares reminiscent of natural light. The X3 Trigger proved to be a true conductor, effortlessly orchestrating the interplay of my lights, allowing me to make quick adjustments to the lights’ power with a quick swipe on the screen. Meanwhile, the BFP, adorned with a busy gobo insert, added a touch of drama to the scenes, infusing the images with energy, texture, and vibrancy.

Bold patterns

For this series, I showcased the BFP’s ability to create bold, defined patterns of light. With a sharply focused gobo, I was able to take a plain backdrop and add vibrancy and character to make for fun dog portraits. The BFP’s versatility allowed me to experiment with different textures and effects, pushing the boundaries of creativity and imagination. While shooting this image I realized the value in having more than just the 85mm kit lens that came with BFP. I didn’t have the room to move my AD600 back any further to spread the pattern wider around my model. This could easily have been solved using a wider angle lens on the BFP such as the 48mm or 65mm options available separately from Godox.

Final thoughts

In the realm of photography, light reigns supreme. The Godox BFP and X3 Trigger have not just enhanced my ability to control light but have fundamentally transformed how I approach portrait photography. They’ve become gateways to new methods of creativity, enabling me to paint with light in ways I hadn’t previously considered. Whether in the studio or out in the world, these Godox companions have become an integral part of my lighting kit. I can honestly say that I’ll continue to use and love the BFP and X3, and will continue to add more gobo and BFP lens options to my toolbox.

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