I recently had the opportunity to test out the new Phottix M200R LED panels.

For the most part, I use strobes in my work with the occasional LED panel for ambient fill. I also use a lot of colors and gels in my work. So the idea of a little LED panel that has a variety of colors that can be changed very rapidly is intriguing.

On the day that I received the panels, I had a shoot scheduled, so it was the perfect opportunity to put the LEDs to the test. They arrived fully charged and ready to go, which made me happy. The instructions and operations were very straightforward and easy to figure out. I love the idea that you have two mounting sockets so you can mount the panel vertically or horizontally. The back panel readout tells you how much power is left, as well as what mode you are shooting in. After shooting for an hour and a half, the LED indicated that I had about 40 minutes of battery life left.

After just one shoot, I became very versed in using them. I definitely will be keeping the Phottix LED panels in my bag for future shoots.

Thanks to Model Trinity Woodward and makeup artist Flo Tobar with 1st assistant Skip Jones and wardrobe by Julianna Steel.

Gear used