Using a spotlight for photography?

Review of the GODOX VSA-36K

I am always looking out for new tools! To be creative? No, just to have fun… because I always feel like a kid every time I have a new piece of kit in my hands, even if it’s only for a limited time. I have used on multiple occasions an optical snoot, a cool accessory I strongly recommend. And if you don't know what an optical snoot is, it’s this fun tool that helps me create these custom shapes with my light, follow this link if you wish to learn more about it: The tool I never thought I needed.

I often work with Continuous lights, it of course, depends on the project. I was wondering if a spotlight attachment like The GODOX VSA-36K could give me similar results to the optical snoot, and If I was able to incorporate this tool in my toolbox.

This will be a 2 part video. This first part will be dedicated to photography and the other which will come out a bit later will be dedicated to my use of the spotlight for my film work.

The thing is heavy, there is a lot of glass involved. That front part that lets you focus the light has to be manipulated carefully. When attaching it to a COB light that has a Bowens mount (note that this spotlight only accepts up to 300w led lights) the entire thing eats up a lot of space and is quite heavy. I am happy I did my first tests at home because the entire thing is not practical if you are used to moving your lights around.

You know I work in a small room when I am at home so basically once the light was placed it pretty much didn’t move afterwards.

But once it’s in place exactly where you want it, this is when the magic can happens.

Marie-Line (Toulouse - France)

Fujifilm GFX100s and GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR

1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 320

The advantage of creating with continuous lights is to be able to see exactly how your light behaves on your scene. So when you are using gobos, when you shape your light with the spotlight, you can more precisely direct your model and shape your scene.

Marie-Line (Toulouse - France)

Fujifilm GFX100s and GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR

1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 250

You don't necessarily have to use the spotlight and point it directly on your model. You can also use it to add depth into your scene, by crating shapes on your backdrops. Even if it’s just a hint.

Marie-Line (Toulouse - France)

Fujifilm GFX100s and GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR

1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 400

The built-in cutting blades, already lets you create shapes without the use of GOBOS.

Marie-Line (Toulouse - France)

Fujifilm GFX100s and GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR

1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 400