ring flash or ring light?

[Buzz word]

Hi, I have fancied trying some portrait stuff recently and really love the halo eye effect from a ring light. I ordered a cheapy Neewer ring flash and had a quick play with it. I cant seem to get the effect I'm after. I get more of a dot in the eyes. I have tried all different aperture and exposure options to see if a wide aperture will make it show more or low aperture to see if its more of a flare thing. Neither get me what I want. I'm thinking the ring is just too small and that's why maybe the huge beauty rings exist. Anyone know? I think I have some led strip I could build a big ring out of to test.

[Simpo Two]

Sounds like the diameter of the ring to me. The only way to make it look bigger is move it closer which would probably wreck things.

The ring flash you have is probably intended for macro work. Wallet time!

[Buzz word]

I played with that too by using remote triggers and moving the flash closer which didn't do much for the halo eyes I wanted. I have been going through a few ring light reviews on youtube and its exactly what I want straight away. I think your right, wallet time!

[andy-xr]

For a lens like an 85mm for headshots or 50mm for upper body with the light say 15 feet away you're going to need a ring flash/light around 15 inch diameter to get what you're after.

You could move the light in closer if it's off camera (Bowens sell an S Type ring flash attachment) or you could go wide angle if that's your thing and it's on the lens axis.

Ring flash basically gives skin either nowhere to hide or a lovely complexion depending on the strength of the light, so needs to be considered as to who you're pointing it at. Beauty dish can sometimes be a better option.

[davidd]

I've had good results with a rope light...

[singlecoil]

Photoshop will give you whatever shaped highlights in the eyes you would like.