I don't often post here but I have just been gifted a ring flash (I still can't say that without giggling insanely). I haven't used it yet and before I do I would like to know if anyone has any tips/tricks in terms of settings etc. I know that a certain amount of "trial & error" will be involved but does anyone have any pointers?
Those of you who know my shots will know that it's most likely to be used for portraits of a...stranger...variety.
Oh, and I'm using a Canon 1100D for now if that makes a difference.
Thanks in advance.
As Keith said, we need to know what type of ring flash it is.
I prefer my ring flash that uses light from my speedlight. I have control of the amount light. I am not sure other ring lights give this you this ability to control the light?
There are many considerations of using flash in any form.
@kporte@chapjohn I knew I'd forget something vital...that's how I roll. It's a basic LED CoMiray Macro Ring Flash by mmlite, model number CR-RFD (I think). I think it's just an after market cheapy but it seems to work okay on both the Canon and Sony.
I have a similar one' No link between flash and exposure. Purely manual. I set shutter at 125th (in manual exposure) and about f11 as a guess and then look at that and judge a better exposure. Usually take about 2 shots to get it right.
If you like arithmetic you can use the guide number of the flash and divide the distance into that to calculate aperture. if gn is 20 and object is 5 ft away try f4 for starters (assuming gn is in feet, if in metres use same principle though)
If you don't know guide number then its trial and error
@georgews Thanks for that, much appreciated. The last time I tried anything with numbers I got kicked out of the classroom so I'll have a crack with your settings above and see how bad the damage is :)
Mr. S; @georgews Has, I believe the best solution for you. A ring flash is generally used with a macro lens, where the lens is so close to the subject it blocks out most, if not all of the light from around it. However, looking at Sue's @sioux images, it doesn't necessarily need to be a full on macro.
I also experiment with manual mode when shooting macros with my ring flash. BTW; please don't flash us!
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I prefer my ring flash that uses light from my speedlight. I have control of the amount light. I am not sure other ring lights give this you this ability to control the light?
There are many considerations of using flash in any form.
If you like arithmetic you can use the guide number of the flash and divide the distance into that to calculate aperture. if gn is 20 and object is 5 ft away try f4 for starters (assuming gn is in feet, if in metres use same principle though)
If you don't know guide number then its trial and error
Try on a stationary subject and have fun!!
I also experiment with manual mode when shooting macros with my ring flash. BTW; please don't flash us!