Dec
20

DIY : Poor’s man ring flash

Photography, DIY

I’ve previously discussed here a a do it yourself methods to build a ring flash but this one is by far the cheapest :)

It is not exactly a ring flash but rather a flash diffuser done with milk-jug, so it is practically free

First here is what a milk-jug looks like

Picture by Duncan

And here is the dissection in pictures (Photos by James Harrison)


Results ???
well check this picture of Duncan.
Picture not reproduced here for copyright reasons


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  • Very very nice result. Would be good if there is comparison between a more pro diffuser.
  • Cumulo_Quimpus
    I am convinced that this is worth my time for the experiment. This sort of diffuser could be very useful on my Lumix, to say nothing of diverse Nikon lenses that I have on the old cameras.
  • Haha..nice trick. This tip suits me well :) (since i have very tight budget:)
  • Hi!Really nice share!!
    If anyone is interested, i did some other "poor's man" diffusers that you can find there on my blog:
    http://diyphotos.blogspot.com/2009/12/making-cheap-flash-diffuser.html
  • danny
    Another cheap DIY diffuser is to just cut a hole in a white/clear film canister and pop it over your pop-up flash. And it works!
  • Great trick! Did this morning with an empty water jug (easier to clean than a milk jug).

    You can make 2 out of one jug if you slip up on the first one. When making the hole, I used inside of the detachable focus ring to stencil the hole and cut just a little inside of it.

    I then cut four little snips - one in each 'corner' of the hole. I found this made it easier to slip'n'grip over the lens. Since I use auto focus some times, the diffuser will move with the focus ring moves which could put it out of center - but the 'snips' make it easier to slide it back to the center. I move it just a bit in the opposite direction of the focus ring's movement so when the focus adjusts the diffuser should be close to center.

    No, this isn't exactly identical to the effect of a real ring flash but for the cost of a water jug what do you expect. It does however diffuse the flash and soften shadows beautifully.

    You can see some test shots: http://texasmalephotography.com/2009/10/diffuser-ring-flash-trick/
  • Very cool. I'm new to modifying lighting when taking pictures and did this in about 5 minutes today. I'm amazed at how red eye is completely gone when photographing people.
  • great post! But how do you make it stick on the lens without tilting over?
  • Joseph
    @photoshop textures, keept the hole just large enough to fit over the lens. I made the lens opening just slightly smaller that the lens - I need to press it on to get it on the lens. Once on - it doesn't move - at all.
  • @ken I'm not good in product shooting but this should work. Also try a search here on adidap for diy softbox it will give you other ideas
  • Ken Pork
    Hi, I need to photograph my ring. Will this work? I guess I will probably need a mirror so see my ring before I photograph it. Don't ask why I need to photograph my ring. The man at the library said he would give me free books if I do it. Hey! If there's free books involved then I'll photography my ring!!!I love to read. Mainly romance and Finnish political history. Anyone here like that?
  • darkmerlin
    Cool. Glad someone has finally shown the world what that Gary Fong dude has been charging so much money for!
  • @darkmerlin, so much money? 50bucks? thast not much money now adays, yet it is. but what are you complaining about? are you serious?
  • Hi Sami:
    If you have something you can share with us please feel free to contact me :)
  • Sami
    what about the cheap dude macro lens ?
  • Hi udi
    Yes indeed it is a diffuser (and I mentioned this in the article) however Poor's man ring-flash is a more attractive title :evil:
  • Doc675k
    "Jessica Alba Naked" is a more attractive title but it would have been just as wrong and misleading. Maybe sticking to proper descriptions would give more credibility instead of people thinking you don't know what you're talking about.
  • Cunt.
  • G.G
    Cunt.
  • Very nice,
    Not sure it is a ringflash, more of an diffuser kinda thing. yet a great DIY project.
    You can also use a filter to make sure it does not fall off.
    - udi
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