DIY Ring Flash

[Lance Nelson]

Still trying to nail this lighting stuff, it's starting to get me angry... I just feel like all the pictures I do with my flash aren't as good as they SHOULD be...

I made a DIY ring flash today from directions I found online and shot this. CC welcome!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/2275599263_e5104c801f.jpg

[RexK_Cozumel]

I am not seeing a photo... it might just be me... anyone else having a problem viewing the image?

[Lance Nelson]

Hmmm, shows up for me... Let's try this though just in case.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/2275599263_e5104c801f.jpg

[RexK_Cozumel]

I am not too sure on what you are looking for. The image seems pretty well exposed to me. The lighting is even which you would expect to see from a ring flash. There is a bit of shadow cast since the subject is not centered in the frame. Composition wise I dunno why you chose to frame him on the right side of the frame looking out instead of on the left side looking into the frame. Might want to consider a square crop to remove some of that dead space on the left. But as far as lighting goes it looks good to me.... no blown highlights on forehead or cheeks and nice catch lights in the 10 o'clock position of his eyes.

[Lance Nelson]

Out of probably every 10 images I take only one turns out the way I want it to. The others are all cast with shadows, even with the ring flash. Could it just be because all I have is one flash at the moment?

[peeperita]

lance, you are so getting there..,...:)

i think that this image is a big improvement over your last.....the shadows are definitely softened to the point of not annoying anyone but yourself....and that self criticism thing is the best teacher of all.....

i think what you need is more light.....and that doesn't have to be expensive equipment from a camera oriented store.....take a stroll down an aisle or two of your favorite hardware store....there is a world for light at your fingertips.....all easily had and most inexpensively.....an addition of one or two lights in your projects might find you what you're looking for in your images.....

great work, lance....keep them coming.....

peeper

[Lance Nelson]

Thank you!

What kind of lights do you think? Fluorescent, or what?

[peeperita]

Thank you!

What kind of lights do you think? Fluorescent, or what?

lordy, i'm probably the wrong one to answer that.....for myself....i bought a couple of cheap reflectors and placed as high a wattage incandescents as i could find in them.....a 300 watt and a 150.....i also bought for a smoke project a 500 watt halogen.....

russ heath uses flourescents with good results......and a lot of folks swear by the daylight incandescents.....

peeper

[Benji]

Still trying to nail this lighting stuff, it's starting to get me angry... I just feel like all the pictures I do with my flash aren't as good as they SHOULD be...

I made a DIY ring flash today from directions I found online and shot this. CC welcome!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/2275599263_e5104c801f.jpg

Lance,

I'm not sure what you consider a "good picture" but I know what is normally considered a good picture, so I will start there.

When reviewing a photograph keep in mind these important points, listed in accordance to their importance.

IMPACT
What you see first
What commands you to look
What holds your eye

CREATIVITY
·Did the photographer use his or her imagination
·Did the photographer use an original or different approach to the subject
·Creative cropping
·Creative use of subject matter

STYLE
·Individuality-that character of the photograph that sets it apart from the rest of the photographs
·The photographer's way of seeing or approaching the subject

COMPOSITION
Good placement of the subject
Harmonious proportions
Using dynamic symmetry to place the most important objects in design
Good rhythm is created by repetition, whether it is color, spaces, moods, or divisions of the photograph

PRINT PRESENTATION
Does the presentation enhance the photograph
If framed did it help
Anything different about the presentation

COLOR BALANCE
Is the color selection good for the subject
Creative use of color

CENTER OF INTEREST
Dominance of subject or object of the photograph
Do the secondary points define and strengthen the center of interest


LIGHTING
Dynamic lighting that is appropriate to the subject matter
Does the lighting carry the mood of the photograph

SUBJECT MATTER
Outstanding interpretation for the subject matter
A good camera angle that enhances or flatters the object or subject
Is the model or object photogenic
Use of creative contrast

PRINT QUALITY
Was the image properly exposed to assure detail in the shadows
Good color balance
Background in key with the subject matter

STORY TELLING
A good strong statement
A complete story within the photograph
Does the photograph elicit an emotional response challenging your imagination

MEMORABLE
Will you soon forget the image or is it one that you will easily remember.

Of course this is for the "perfect" image, but the fewer things your image does not have, the less most people will consider it to be (to use your words) a good picture.

Benji

P.S. If you are interested in portraiture I have several free posing and lighting tutorials below.

http://photocamel.com/forum/tutorials/16516-rules-good-portraiture.html
http://photocamel.com/forum/tutorials/15149-studio-portrait-lighting-how.html
http://photocamel.com/forum/tutorials/14779-1-3-2-posing-technique.html

[Lance Nelson]

I appreciate the links, Benji! I'm going to check them out!

[wannabehorsephotographer]

Peeper, I really like the lighting ideas you had. I'm new at this, and didn't want to buy a whole bunch of expensive lights - AWESOME tips, thanks.

Benji, that is a great summary of photo tips. I will have to keep those in mind when I take pics.

Lance, what is a ring flash? I'm so new to this photography stuff!

[Lance Nelson]

http://alienbees.com/abr800.html

That is why I'm trying to make one myself since it's 400 dollars for one of them...

Ring flashes are used a lot in fashion/portraiture stuff because of the even light distro. and the amazing glow it leaves in the eyes (when you look at pictures zoomed in that are taken with a ring flash the ring shows up in the pupils).

[wannabehorsephotographer]

You made one of these - wow! You are a lot more ingenious than I am. Good luck with it and thanks for the info.