Ring flash for fashion photos

[davholla]

In Death in Paradise someone was using a ring flash to take photos of models. I am not suggesting that this was realistic, but in real life do people do this and why?

 

[MatBin]

I doubt a Canon ring flash would have sufficient power to act as a fill light. Rings are associated with macro distances and have a GN that is appropriate (even if using a small aperture).
I have seen some close up portraits taken using ring flashes but with a GN of 14 or 24, depending on model, it's quite low powered and I am guessing they are used because of teh catchlights they create being a bit "different".
Not sure about other manufacturers though as I dont know their GN.

Matt

 

[ancient_mariner]

It's a standard technique - example: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/04/c2/34/...95--low-key-photography-flash-photography.jpg

I loath the ring of light in the eye that is sometimes visible from the technique, but done well it can be extremely effective.

 

[Phil V]

It's a technique that's sometimes used - it produces a very stylised look that people sometimes want.

But as above, the ringlights sold for Macro don't really have the power.

 

[moomike]

A proper ring flash gives a really nice effect if used correctly (it's a bit of a marmite thing though as it does weird things to shadows) A lot of my clients are insisting on the ring lights as they've seen makeup artists using them all of the time.

 

[FruitFlakes]

Nick Knight talks about the ringlight's use in fashion here (as well as in his own work):

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOcRmiJZUM0


Worth a watch.

 

[Toxic]

I have had several over the years from a beast of a Bowens & power pack to a Lencarta and now use a Godox AR400 which coupled with Fuji X is a lightweight portable system which is ideal.

I will be shooting some autumn fashion in Clumber park today using this set up but as has been said you need to keep an eye on settings as too much movement gives variance in exposure..