Paul C. Buff was a creator, lighting innovator, and adventurous pioneer. His career began in audio recording and the manufacturing of professional audio equipment. In 1980, Buff turned his attention towards studio photoflash and formed Paul C. Buff, Inc. His new focus was on creating a practical and affordable studio flash and the many advantages that would be available over the ubiquitous camera mounted speedlite.

With a heavy focus on accuracy, versatility and affordability, Buff introduced a fully featured studio flash known as the White Lightning™ 130 in 1981. Following the success of the White Lightning™ 130, Buff created “the ultimate monoflash” in 1986 with the White Lightning™ Ultra system. The Ultra Series self-contained flash units were extremely compact and powerful.

Ever-evolving and inventing, Buff continued his success by creating the White Lightning™ X-Series monolight. This was controlled via a radio remote control, another of Buff's inventions, known as the Radio Remote One.

Embracing the new and ever-changing market of younger photographers in a now digital era, Buff launched AlienBees™ in 2001 as a separate company (that was later folded into the Paul C. Buff, Inc.). Using tried and true White Lightning™ technology, he created a smaller and more compact consumer-friendly package.

In more recent years, Buff's innovations continued roaring into the marketplace as he released the Einstein™, CyberSync™ and Cyber Commander™ products, the revolutionary Vagabond Mini Lithium™ and Vagabond™ Lithium Extreme portable power systems, and the PLM™ (Parabolic Light Modifier™) systems.

Buff was more than just the founder, creator, and lighting innovator to us, he was our leader, our mentor, and our friend. The world lost one of its most creative and adventurous pioneers in March of 2015 when Buff passed away at the age of 78. He had been living with his beloved wife of 16 years, Deborah, and their extended family in their secondary home in Mobile, AL.

It has been our mission to advance Paul C. Buff, Inc. in the spirit of innovation and originality upon which it was founded. With gratitude for everything that Buff has taught us, we honor his memory by continuing to serve our customers with the outstanding products, support, and Golden Rule standards that he initiated.