Here's a random question from me: what diameter would you guys think is optimal for a ring light? I've used a home made setup that was about 14 inches across, and I found that I had to be within three or so feet to my subject in order to get the "ring light look". Any further, and it morphed into a simple onboard flash kind of look, and was a bit unflattering.
I figure that theoretically, the larger diameter ring light, the more flattering and usable the light - even at a distance. What do you guys think? I don't exactly have a 6 foot diameter ring light to test this theory.
DubiousDrewski wrote:
...I've used a home made setup that was about 14 inches across, and I found that I had to be within three or so feet to my subject in order to get the "ring light look".
...I figure that theoretically, the larger diameter ring light, the more flattering and usable the light - even at a distance. What do you guys think? I don't exactly have a 6 foot diameter ring light to test this theory.
I guess it would depend on what "look" you are after. A ring light isn't really meant to operate as a beauty dish or a soft box. Its main function is to provide near-shadowless illumination by wrapping near-axis light around the lens.
By way of comparison, the Alien Bees ABR800 has a 10-inch reflector, and is often used for full-length fashion-type shots from much further back than three feet.
