DAY 127

FASHION & BEAUTY

The Ring Flash

CIRCLE OF LIGHT

Originally designed for the dental field, the ring flash was attached to a camera by Clifford Coffin in the mid-20th century and entered the fashion photography world with blinding speed. The flash produces shadowless light from a ring-shaped strobe that fits over and around the lens of the camera. The lens actually shoots through the ring light, allowing the light source to be on the same axis as the lens. It produces an unmistakable stylized lighting quality that has been used in countless editorial fashion spreads and advertising campaigns. It also produces a signature outlining shadow around the model when he or she is within close proximity to a background.

Photo © Matthew Roharik. Model credit: Makahla Ross.

Ring flashes are manufactured in many sizes and mounting styles; prices typically begin at $300. A few models are battery-operated, but the higher-end models must to be connected to an AC outlet to power the flash and modeling lamp. Most ring flashes offer accessories, such as diffuser covers and color gels.

One of the greatest advantages of the ring flash is its ability to shoot in tight spaces that cannot fit lights or large soft boxes. Even as the sole light source, properly balanced with available light, the ring flash has enough character to be the only key light. In other lighting situations it can be used as a fill flash when shooting with large soft boxes. —MR