diagram: ford performance – a standard three-point lighting interview setup!

One of the fun things about the pace of change in lighting is getting to test and use new tools relatively often. I’ve been using the Nanlite Pavoslim 120C over the last few months, and I think it might be one of the best hair lights I’ve used yet.

I’ll give you the highlights in case you haven’t seen my YouTube review on it:

– it’s one of the most color temperature accurate lights I’ve ever tested
– it sets up in seconds due to the unique pop-up diffusion design
– it has CRMX control so it integrates easily into my wireless workflow
– the fan-less design means it won’t make noise behind the talent’s head during an interview
– Nanlite/Nanlux is the one manufacturer out of the big three that has really dialed in the performance of a light in HSI mode

If you’re curious to see how I can confidently say the last point, then head on over to my channel to watch the review!

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How this was lit:

An Aputure 1200d Pro into a Lightdome 150 with grid serves as the key. The grid is clutch here, as it helps me to control the amount of spill onto the background of the interview. This has a flag in front of the bottom to reduce the intensity on the chest and stomach of the subject. The Nanlite Pavoslim 120C is boomed in as the hair light, and an Aputure 60x sits on a pigeon plate behind the subject. I chose this light because it’s focusing capabilities made it easy to shape the oval of light behind the subject.

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A huge thank you to Matt Johnson from Specialty Field Productions and Will Roegge for bringing me along to light this interview. I had the coolest time getting to PA for them a few years back, so I’m grateful that they would would reach out again and place their trust in me as a gaffer. Working on a project like a Ford Performance documentary about Pikes Peak Hill Climb, with a team that’s as friendly and easy to work with as Matt puts together, is a huge part of what has made working in the film industry such a cool experience so far.