How to Create Ringflash Style Portraits on a Budget

Christian: Hi, I’m Christian Hough.

Chris: Hi and I’m Chris Reeve.

Christian: And in this edition of How To, we’re going to look at the various ring light converter and just how you are going to achieve a great fashion portrait look without breaking the bike.

As you know, we could use the ringflash pro but obviously that’s quite expensive and that option is not open to everybody. However, the beauty of the ring light converter here is that you can quickly bang onto one of your Gemini’s and captures it straight away for a faction of the price.

Okay, let’s take a look at the first image which I recently shot for the ring light brochure. What gives this image impact is the reflection in the model sunglasses. Instead of being the stunted umbrellas softbox reflection, we’ve got a lovely ring shape which transports the image I supposed to create distraction. For this shot, I use three lines. But using a ring light converter off camera, we’ve been away from the traditional ringflash shots. The ring light converter creates a really nice even spread of light with defined shadows. It also reduces the risk of proximity hot spots that can be encountered with all the reflectors.

Okay, in terms of lighting, I’m using three Gemini heads, a ring light converter and a couple of straight boxes. Check out positioning on the diagram. And position your straight boxes approximately 45 degrees behind the model and be sure that they don’t flare back into the camera’s lens. Pop on your ring light converter. Place it high up and start 45 degrees to camera left. Gradually leave it round checking your reflection in the glasses to make sure that you get that reflection where you want to. And ideally, I like to play some more at least 12 feet from the background but of course it depends on the amount of space that you have. If you move the model closer, try adjusting the streetlights in order to compensate. Check your cameras LCD or your monitor just to ensure you haven’t blown all those important highlights. Okay, let’s get started.

Alright, well that’s all there is to it. It’s time to get out there and try it yourself.

Chris: Thanks Christian. Nice one! Let’s have a look at a few tips. Why not use the ring light converter as a stand to limelight source rather than what it was designed for which is to give the ringflash effect? Use the halo reflection in the glasses to add to the sharpness. Here’s what it looks like with the square softbox. I’m sure it’ll look great. It does look good. For that classic ring light effect, if you want the hot-aged halo affect then get closer to the background. If you wan it slightly softer and a bit more a fashion-look then move away from the background. Maybe even use a longer lens. Ring flash can be very unforgiving on skin probably showing much more detail than you’d actually like so please be aware. Also, light skin tone bleaches very easily with ring flash so be aware. The same goes for dark clothing. It is absorbent of much more light.

Christian: There you can see a completely different way in which you use that ring light converter. Now, remember to check us out on the lighting section on the Bowners website and we’ll see you next time in Hough To.