NANLITE FS-200B Setup: Dial In Bi-Color Light for Interviews

Quick answer

Mount the NANLITE FS-200B on a sturdy stand, set its bi-color control to match your scene or key light, then shape and flag the spot before fine-tuning output. Treat color temperature as your first decision and brightness as your last.

Step-by-step FS-200B setup for interviews

1. Place and secure the stand: Set the stand at roughly 45 degrees to the subject and slightly above eye level, then sandbag the base before mounting the FS-200B. Common mistake: extending the stand to full height before adding weight, which makes the fixture top-heavy and unstable. Confirm the stand cannot tip before you power anything on.
2. Mount and aim the fixture: Attach the FS-200B to the stand, tighten the yoke, and aim the spot at the subject's forehead area rather than the chest. Check that the fixture is locked off and cannot drift when you adjust the controls. A spot aimed too low throws shadows upward and reads as unflattering.
3. Set color temperature first: Decide your scene's white balance before touching brightness: match the FS-200B to your key source or to the ambient light you cannot remove. Common mistake: adjusting output first and then chasing color, which changes your exposure and forces you to start over. Lock color temperature before you judge brightness.
4. Dial in output against your camera: Bring the FS-200B up gradually while watching your monitor or waveform, stopping when the face sits at a comfortable exposure without clipping highlights. Avoid maxing the fixture out and stopping down the lens, which flattens the look and can introduce noise in shadows. Use the lowest output that gives correct exposure to keep the subject comfortable.
5. Shape and diffuse the beam: Add diffusion or a bounce close to the subject to soften the spot, then flag any spill hitting the background or lens. Check the falloff across the face and background before recording. If the background is brighter than the face, flag the fixture rather than dimming the key.
6. Record a short test and review: Shoot 30 seconds at your final settings and review on a calibrated monitor for color consistency, flicker, and shadow direction. Make one change at a time so you know what fixed the issue. Do not move to the next setup until the test clip looks right on the monitor, not just the camera LCD.

Product facts

• NANLITE FS-200B LED Bi-color Spot Light: The NANLITE FS-200B is an AC-powered bi-color LED spot light built for film, broadcast, studio, and location lighting. Mains power means you can plan a fixed interview setup without battery swaps, but you need a outlet or extension near the stand.