lactose

So i distilled the the elements of my first
DIY ring flash (cardboard and duct tape hobo version) into a more compact version that not only gets the cool catch light but also does the shadow halo effect (the large ring flash didn't do the shadow because the light source was larger than the subject, making the shadow hidden behind the subject). I also removed the diffuser material which was unnecessary in the first place and was only diminishing efficiency. This version is very similar to other models with one major distinction, this has a non-concentric construction which is responsible for a perfectly uniform light distribution without the use of diffusers or fancy prisms, just mylar, plastic, tape, and glue. Here is the construction sequence:


First I cut a strip from a sheet of acrylic,
i first cut with a scissor but found it easier to just score with a blade then snap
from behind. The thickness should be the thickness of the flash head that you'll
be using. Cut a similar strip of foil then use spay adhesive to join the two.


2. Cut to a length that when rolled
up will fit around your lens. Then use some super glue to syick it in place as seen
on the right.


3. Now place it on a sheet of foam core
and draw a circle thats the diameter of you ring plus 7.5" that way if you have
the inner ring 1.5" from one side it will be 4x that distance from the other side.
This is non-concentric placement of the inner ring is what makes this ringflash
give a uniform light distribution, that sounds good to me.


4. Cut out the panels and cover with
foil. Then cut a hole for the ring an a larger hole in the other panel that .5"
larger. 5. Cut out another strip as in the first step but make this one long enough
to wrap around the outside. Then tape it all together.


Here you see the classic halo shadow.
NEXT UP: Make a giant softbox from an Ikea tent.