ringflash shadow

[GCook]

I see on this post, " http://www.glamour1.com/forums/main-...585-nikki.html ", by Artforms that the model Nikki has a very nice thin black edge on both sides of her body. I think this is a characteristic effect of ringflash.

She is positioned with a background immediately behind her. Recently I have used a ringflash at a workshop. The background was 8-10 feet behind the model and there was a noticeable, say 3-4 inch shadow all around her.

So the difference in the distance from the model to the background determines whether the shadow is a nice black edge or what to me is an unsightly wide shadow.

Other than having an infinitely distant background does anyone have any rules or comments about Controling this shadow?

[PhotosbyChuck]

You can light the background separately to eliminate the shadow or change the angle of the ringflash. If you shoot thru the ring, you'll get the shadow. If you take the ring off-camera, you can control where the shadow goes. RG has some great off-camera ring-flash photos and really advocates shooting with it off-camera.

[chadboutinphotographie]

As with most studio strobes there are very few factors that control the effect or "look" of the light, certainly with a ringflash...

distance to subject
subject to background
power
modifier or diffusion


using a ringflash in its intended position, shoot thru, my basic rule of thumb is to shoot parallel to subject, stay centered (shoot at the middle of subject) and dont change distance to subject for consistency.

the simplest hardest on camera flash there is, just like your basketball coach said... practice, practice, practice..

shot with a ringflash below...