DigitalRev’s new video series Pro Tog, DIY Challenge kicks of with Mark Chung being tasked with creating a DIY ring flash.
After their previous Pro Photographer, Cheap Camera series, DigitalRev is back with a new challenge for professional photographers: DIY projects.
In the first episode of Pro Tog, DIY Challenge, Mark Chung has been tasked with making a DIY ring flash in a space of two hours. Fortunately for Mark, he’s a bit of a DIY addict so he has no problems getting a makeshift ring flash up and running before the model arrives. The resulting images look a little underexposed to our eyes, but otherwise the DIY light is doing a great job of creating that unique ring flash aesthetic.
Interestingly, Mark went for a continuous light with three circular fluorescent tubes, instead of the more traditional plastic bowl DIY ring flash. If you’re keen on making your own DIY ring flash, you can take his approach or if you already have a speedlight, you can make use of a foil-lined bowl with a cutout for the flash – DPS has a great guide to get you started. Alternatively, you can skip the DIY and grab a studio ring flash on Orms Direct.
For those wondering why he’s using a compact camera to shoot ‘studio’ portraits – that’s not just any compact, it’s the Sony RX1, featuring a full frame 35mm sensor and a 35mm f/2.0 lens.
