The task was simple on paper: document the life and craft of this skilled artisan for a short film. But stepping into the dimly lit workshop, I quickly realized I’d need more than just my camera to bring their story to life. That’s when I unpacked the Godox ML60—a compact light I had been itching to test in a real-world scenario.
Setting the Scene
The first challenge was the uneven lighting in the workshop. Overhead fluorescents cast harsh shadows, and the corners of the room were cloaked in darkness. It felt like I was working in two separate worlds—too bright in some places and completely void of light in others.
I set up the Godox ML60 on a lightweight stand and attached a softbox for diffusion. My plan was to recreate natural, even light that would mimic the feel of daylight streaming through the windows—a soft, flattering glow that didn’t feel staged.
Capturing the Process
The artisan was hunched over their workbench, hands moving deftly as they carved intricate details into a block of wood. This was the heart of the story—the raw craftsmanship and passion in their movements.
I positioned the ML60 just off to the side, adjusting its angle to highlight their hands without washing out the scene. The light fell perfectly, revealing the texture of the wood and the fine grains of sawdust swirling in the air. The artisan glanced up at me briefly, a smile on their face as they realized I was capturing something they had never thought of as art before.
For tighter shots, I used the ML60 with a honeycomb grid to focus the beam. It was like painting with light, isolating the details that mattered most—fingers gripping a chisel, the shimmer of a freshly sanded surface, the sparkle of a lacquered finish.
A Portrait of the Artist
Once the process shots were complete, I wanted to capture the artisan in their element—a portrait that spoke to their dedication and craft.
I swapped the honeycomb grid for a larger softbox, aiming for soft, flattering light that would make them stand out while keeping the warm ambiance of the workshop intact. The ML60 delivered beautifully. The light wrapped around their face and shoulders, highlighting the slight smudge of sawdust on their cheek and the glint of pride in their eyes.
For a touch of drama, I added a second ML60 as a backlight, giving the scene depth and separating the artisan from the cluttered background. The result was striking—a portrait that felt alive, full of character and story.
The Final Shot
As the rain tapered off, I stepped back to capture a wide shot of the entire workshop. I wanted the space to feel as vibrant as the artisan’s energy. Using the ML60 with a reflector, I filled the room with an even, warm light that complemented the remaining natural light from the windows.
The tools on the walls, the half-finished pieces on the bench, the artisan standing proudly in the center—it all came together in one perfect frame.
A Light That Tells a Story
By the end of the shoot, I was amazed at how seamlessly the Godox ML60 adapted to every situation. Whether it was a close-up of delicate carving, a dramatic portrait, or a wide environmental shot, the light delivered consistent, professional results.
The compact size made it easy to maneuver in the tight space, and the flicker-free, adjustable output gave me the flexibility to experiment without losing time. Most importantly, it allowed me to focus on the story—on capturing the heart of the artisan’s work—without getting bogged down in technicalities.
Why the Godox ML60 Is a Keeper
This wasn’t just another product test; it was a creative experience that reminded me why I love storytelling through photography and video. The Godox ML60 wasn’t just a tool; it became an extension of my vision, helping me craft a narrative that was true to the artisan’s craft and spirit.
If you’re someone who values portability, versatility, and quality in your lighting gear, the ML60 is a must-have. For me, it turned a challenging, dimly lit workshop into a canvas of light and shadow, allowing the story to shine as brightly as the craft it celebrated.