Manufactured ring flashes are beneficial to photographers, but a homemade one is an inexpensive substitute.
Ring flashes are common in professional photography, especially fashion photography, as their circular shaping of light spreads illumination without diffusing it. Ring flashes also enhance color and create a soft halo-like shadow around subjects when fired straight from the camera. Ring flashes come in many qualities, but are not cheap. As of 2011, they can range from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the brand. Building a homemade ring flash is a far more economical option and can be completed in an hour or less.
Instructions
1. Turn the large bowl upside down and position the PVC pipe over the base of the bowl so that it is perfectly centered. Trace a circle onto the bowl. Repeat this step on the smaller bowl.
2. Cut a circle out of the bowls with the box cutters. Always cut with caution when using box cutters. Take your time and be patient.
3. Position the flash head on the side of your bowl and trace a rectangle around it. Cut out the rectangle with the box cutters. Again, be very careful.
4. Cut several sheets of aluminum foil to line the inside of the big bowl. Use glue or duct tape to secure the foil inside of the bowl. Repeat this step on the outside of the smaller bowl.
5. Insert the small bowl into the big bowl's hole and connect the two securely with duct tape.
6. Insert the flash head into the rectangular hole and take pictures until you reach your desired result.
