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Ring light: You’re using it wrong

At some point during the history of the influencer, the ring light became an accessory de rigueur, fueled by the availability of cheap Chinese-made devices. The original ring light was invented for dentistry by Lester A. Dine in 1952 because of its ability to cast an even light with diffuse shadows in a confined space. An ideal solution for photographing teeth and gums.

The same concept can be found in make-up mirrors, which surround a magnifying mirror with a ring of light. This combination provides a pleasing contrast to overhead lighting that tends to exaggerate lines, wrinkles, and sunken eyes. The advantage of a circular design is that the subject is equidistant from the light source, providing even illumination.

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How to build your own giant Roger Deakins style DIY ring light

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Ring lights are a big love-hate thing in the world of photography. Some people are actually quite passionate about the catchlight it can present in a subject’s eyes – believing that there’s only one way to use a ring light. But ring lights can produce some wonderful light on your scene, especially when used off-camera.

And that’s how this giant ring light is intended to be used. Inspired by Oscar-winning DP, Roger Deakins, Todd at Shutterstock shows us how to build our own in this video. It’s fairly straightforward to do if you’re comfortable with basic tools.

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How to make a DIY triangle LED “ring” light for less than $100

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The ring lights are useful when you need even light on the subject’s face and the circular catchlights. We’ve featured several DIY ring lights so far, But Caleb Pike of DSLR Video Shooter decided to make something a bit different.

He made a DIY triangular “ring” light, which produces the same even light on the face, but creates interesting, triangular catchlights. The total cost of the components was around $92 (it could get even less), and he explains the process step by step, so I’m sure everyone could make this in no time.

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Build the easiest DIY ring light ever for less than $20

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We have shared plenty of great ideas for making your own DIY ring light.  Now, another cheap and quick solution comes from The Lighting Channel. They have shared a tutorial on making your own ring light using only three items, and it’s all done in a couple of minutes. And it’s not only quick and easy to make, but the components will cost you less than $20.

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Introducing Omega Reflector 360 – the world’s first 15-in-1 reflector

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If you are searching for one reflector to rule them all, this may be the one. Westcott has introduced the new Omega Reflector 360, which can be used in a number of situations. You can use it as a traditional or a shoot-through reflector, with natural or strobe light, and with four different covers and a diffuser. When you only have a single light source, this reflector can really come in handy.

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Canon’s new 28mm macro lens for mirrorless features a built in ringlight

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Macro ring flashes can be expensive, but trying to shoot macro without external lighting of some kind can be extremely difficult.  Canon are hoping to do something about this with a new EF-M f/3.5 28mm STM macro lens for Canon Mirrorless cameras, if these leaked photos are true.

Bearing a plastic mount, it seems that this lens is aimed at the entry level, those hoping to make a start on their macro journey, and is expected to have a lower price as a result when it is officially announced.

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How to build a DIY LED ring light – a pictorial

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In this article Steve McKenzie takes us through his steps of building an LED ring light.

I used 3/4 plywood as the base for the build (I got mine in the bargain bin at the home improvement store, since any cosmetic flaws it may have had would be covered up by the duct tape.).

I used three separate LED strip lights, but I had to wire them in parallel, since when they were wired in series, the LEDs at the end were dimmer. So, I had to solder that part and reconnected it to the power cord.

I also ordered a remote control, which allowed me to dim the ring light from 100%, to 50%, and 25%.

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Enlight Photo is shutting down, pick up an Orbis Ring Light Adapter (for cheap) while you can

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It’s been seven years since the Orbis Ring Flash Adapter was first launched. In that time, it’s become one of the most popular passive speedlight modifiers available.

Unfortunately, it’s been announced that the Orbis has ceased production, with all remaining units being sold as close-outs at almost half-off their retail price.[Read More…]

Interfit Fluorescent Ring Light Quick Review

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I have always had a love/hate relationship with ring flashes. On the one hand they can produce wonderfully edgy and striking portraits, whilst on the other images can also look harsh and unforgiving, not to mention the inconsistency in exposure.

However I do love getting away from my trusted beauty dish or softboxes every now and again. As a solution I recently started experimenting with a ring flash alternative – the Interfit florescent ring light ($99).

The Interfit florescent ring light is a constant light source and as with a typical ring flash, creates a very unique lighting effect and ring-shaped catch-lights in the subject’s eyes. Interfit’s latest model is unconventional in that it is mounted via a 5/8 inch mount on a flexible arm, rather than on-camera. This allows greater freedom in angular camera positioning, making it possible to use the light in even more creative ways.

 

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