Ring Flash
A flash tube arranged in a circle around the lens, producing nearly shadowless frontal light.
Measured in
GN (guide number)
In depth
Because the light originates from the lens axis, shadows fall directly behind the subject and are almost invisible — which is exactly what medical and dental documentation needs, and what gives fashion ring-light portraits their flat, graphic look and distinctive circular catchlight. Placed close to a wall it also draws a characteristic thin halo of shadow around the subject.
Examples in practice
A fashion portrait shot with ring flash shows a perfectly circular catchlight and a thin shadow outline on the wall behind.