Ring flashes are excellent light sources. Ring flashes are very common in the fashion world, often used to take flirtatious photos . However, the ring flash used in high-end fashion photos, and the set of power supplies are not cheap.
Creative usage of ring flash
Luckily, we now have some cheap options, and even a simple DIY ring flash set – as long as you have a regular hot shoe flash. In this article, we’ll introduce 7 creative ways to shoot with Ring Flash.
1. Use as fill light
The most common use of a small ring flash is as a fill light source. Because the light of the ring flash is parallel to the optical axis of the lens , there are some very subtle effects in addition to providing fill light.
The most common use of small ring flashes is as a fill light source
2. Use as a picture frame
While it’s not very important, you can definitely use the ring flash as a frame in your photo – it provides a perfect white circle.
What’s more interesting is that with an ultra- wide- angle lens (such as an 8mm fisheye), you can also use the edges of the ring flash to create more creative effects. Like photographer Fallon Chan.
The ring flash can be used as a frame in a photo – it provides a perfect white ring
3. Brighten up details in hard light photos
David Hobby came up with a really cool way to use ring flash. He used a couple of shoe lights as hard light sources for high-contrast shots, then used ring flashes to fill in the details .
4. Create Interesting Eye Lights
One of the most famous uses of ring flash is to create unique catchlights. Because the flash is annular, the resulting catch light is also annular.
One of the most famous uses of ring flash is to create a unique catch light
If you want to try this effect, the thing to keep in mind is the distance between the flash and the model. The closer the distance, the better the lighting effect.
Of course, if you’re really keen on this effect, try having the model wear a pair of sunglasses. While using Ring Flash doesn’t always work, it’s worth a try. In addition, you can also add some patterns to the ring flash.
5. Use as key light
Of course, the ring flash can also be used as the main light source, even when shooting with a single light. Pay attention to the shadows that gradually spread from the center of the frame to the periphery of the model.
Ring flash can also be used as the main light source, even when shooting with a single light
6. For taking macro photos
If you want to take macro photos, the Ring Flash is the perfect tool. The light source of the ring flash is relatively average and can provide a perfect soft light effect.
