Ring flash versatility

R i n g F l a s h V e r s a t i l i t y

In the frog and reptile macro workshop I conduct twice a year in Kansas City, I recommend participants use a ring flash (not a ring LED) to illuminate the small animals we photograph. The light from a ring flash envelopes the tiny dart frogs and the reptiles, and that means both the dorsal and ventral sides have good detail devoid of contrast and shadows. Ring flashes attach to a normal lens or short telephoto and simulate diffused light from an overcast sky.

A ring flash can also be used as a directional

light source. The two shots on the previous page, the Jackson’s chameleon and the green tree python, as well as the young alligator, below, were taken with a ring flash. I removed the flash head from the lens and held it off-camera. Since ring flashes don’t have modeling lights, it’s not possible to see exactly how the shadows will fall on the subjects. Therefore, it’s necessary to take a few test shots and study the LCD monitor.

With the chameleon, I held the ring flash behind and above the reptile. I experimented until I liked the result. For the python, I took 6 or 7 shots before I got what I wanted. I held the ring flash below and in front of the snake, coordinating each flash exposure with the flickering of the forked tongue.

Ring flashes are designed for the flash head to be close to the subject. It is connected to the power module by a coiled cable, and that limits the distance from the flash to the subject. It is approximately arm’s length, which is fine because you wouldn’t need more length.

Extending the flash head means you can create sidelighting (as I did with the alligator), backlighting, three quarter lighting, as well as overhead lighting. This approach can also be used with other macro subjects like flowers, seashells, insects (like the caterpillar, above), leaves, mushrooms, and more. §

UPCOMING PHOTO WORKSHOPS

Carnival in Venice workshop

Photograph outrageous costumes in a medieval environment! Incredible colors, design, and creativity in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Learn how to use off-camera flash, photograph models in sumptuous interiors, produce great images at night, and all the while enjoying Italian cuisine. This is a workshop not to be missed!

February 18-25, 2022

Frog & Reptile Workshop

This is a macro workshop to photograph beautiful, colorful, and intriguing frogs and exotic reptiles. Learn how to use flash with closeup work, how to use extension tubes, and how to take perfect exposures. Held indoors in a hotel conference room in Kansas City, Kansas.

January 22 - 23, 2022

Winter Wildlife Workshop

Stunning pictures of North American animals including wolves, red foxes, arctic foxes, mountain lions, Canada lynx, plus snow leopards. The animals will be in their winter coats and very beautiful. This is based in Kalispell, Montana.

February 2 - 5, 2022