Feat. Michele Juan and the Godox TL 120
I kept on pushing, and pushing but here we are, It's finally here ! You have seen them in multiple videos already, especially if you are a premium member of the blog. I’ve shared a couple exclusive BTS videos of sessions where I only use them:
So how do I use them now? Before I answer this question, lets dive into one of my latest fitness photoshoot, where I used these lights extensively.
You might have seen Michele in the past, and if you haven't, this our 3rd time working together.
I brought a couple flashes with me for this session with 8 TL120 RGB tube led lights. I ended up only using one flash: My favorite light modifier of the moment, the GODOX P158 paired with the AD1200pro.
During this session I wanted to stick to colors and play with light temperatures. With led lights you can test things a bit faster, especially with the mobile app. You change your settings, and see the effect on your scene right away. When possible, I prefer this method.
I’ve shared my thoughts on other RGB tube led lights in the past. You’ve seen the NANlite Pavotubes (1st ones) a few times… But I’ve switched to the TL120s by Godox and got 2X Godox TL120-K4 kits.
The TL120 K4 kit is delivered in a beautiful sturdy case, and it contains everything you need. Your lights are safe in there, trust me! I also use them for video, which makes them really versatile. I got the grids (optional) for more control and used these tubes solo, in pairs, or in groups of four. I said it earlier, I’ve used them as props regurlarly now, especially during home sessions. For this fitness photoshoot things were a little bit different because we were not stuck at home!
Michele Juan (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s + GF50mm F3.5 R LM WR
1/125sec f/3.5 ISO 100 at 50mm
Michele Juan (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR
1/200sec f/1.7 ISO 50 at 80mm
Creating with colour temperatures, is probably my favorite exercise. Usually I only use 2 light sources. One is set at around 5600K and the other one 3200K. With my TL120 grouped in fours, I had just enough coverage and power.
Michele Juan (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR
1/200sec f/1.7 ISO 50 at 80mm
I now always bring my fog machine with me. I have it just in case in the back of the van. I like to add texture on a scene or create thick clouds around my model. Down below are the 2 versions we kept. Michele chose to keep the one without smoke. What do you think?
Michele Juan (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s + GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR
1/200sec f/1.7 ISO 125 at 80mm
Did you know red is my favorite colour? And still I barely used that colour so far in my work (or did I?). So I had to make a few shots, but this time all 8 tubes were used behind her, and I used the Godox AD1200pro and P158 on the opposite side.
Why did I do that? I needed more power!
Michele Juan (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s +GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR
1/160sec f/3.5 ISO 160 at 30mm
One thing I didn't change during this session, is my love for shooting directly in the shadows. You can see in the BTS footage how I replaced my Parabolic 158 slightly behind her.
Michele Juan (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s + GF50mm F3.5 R LM WR
1/160sec f/3.5 ISO 160 at 50mm
Michele Juan (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s + GF50mm F3.5 R LM WR
1/160sec f/3.5 ISO 160 at 50mm
I own 8 tubes now and use them on a wide variety of jobs. They are well built, and easy to handle and use. Am I becoming lazy with time? Maybe… All I know is that if you want to play with colors, these will give you great results fast. Here is a quick look at what is included in the kit:
Image taken from: https://godox.com/
So this will probably not be the last time you will see them! If you want to learn more about them, you know where to go.
Have you ever used tube led lights in your work? Why? And if not, have you ever considered using them in youyr work? Tell us in the comments below.