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<blockquote data-quote="WayneF" data-source="post: 200251" data-attributes="member: 12496">The problem with ring lights is that they are extremely flat light.&nbsp;&nbsp; No shadow gradients to show shapes on the subject.&nbsp; It can be good for some work, scientific or medical work, like seeking clinical accuracy, esp of flat work, but it is rarely pleasing photographically.Instead,Cover the SB-800 flash head with a small WHITE paper bag, or maybe a cloth bag from a bedsheet, etc,&nbsp; leaving a few inches of empty bag above the actual head... so that the flash lights it up inside, and it then lights the subject.&nbsp; It need not aim AT the subject, better the flat side bag aims at it.&nbsp; Bag should just be within a foot or so, so it spills on the subject.&nbsp;&nbsp; You are very close, so power will not be any problem.Or aim the SB-800 flash head sideways, toward a sheet of white paper or white ardboard (letter size or larger, and near, maybe one foot from flash), which is aimed to reflect light back onto the subject at about a 45 degree angle.Lots of things are possible, just avoid undiffused direct flash from camera lens angle.&nbsp; Direct flash off-camera is better, but diffused off camera is best.&nbsp;&nbsp; You do want some shadow gradients on the subject, so it won't be so flat and dull.For indoor work, flash could be in an umbrella, it will be great.&nbsp; Either on a SC-28 cord, or remote with Commander, etc.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="WayneF, post: 200251, member: 12496"] The problem with ring lights is that they are extremely flat light. No shadow gradients to show shapes on the subject. It can be good for some work, scientific or medical work, like seeking clinical accuracy, esp of flat work, but it is rarely pleasing photographically. Instead, Cover the SB-800 flash head with a small WHITE paper bag, or maybe a cloth bag from a bedsheet, etc, leaving a few inches of empty bag above the actual head... so that the flash lights it up inside, and it then lights the subject. It need not aim AT the subject, better the flat side bag aims at it. Bag should just be within a foot or so, so it spills on the subject. You are very close, so power will not be any problem. Or aim the SB-800 flash head sideways, toward a sheet of white paper or white ardboard (letter size or larger, and near, maybe one foot from flash), which is aimed to reflect light back onto the subject at about a 45 degree angle. Lots of things are possible, just avoid undiffused direct flash from camera lens angle. Direct flash off-camera is better, but diffused off camera is best. You do want some shadow gradients on the subject, so it won't be so flat and dull. For indoor work, flash could be in an umbrella, it will be great. Either on a SC-28 cord, or remote with Commander, etc. [/QUOTE]

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